Money trees naturally grow on floodplains and close to bodies of water, which is likely how the name “aquatica” came to be. It is possible to overwater a money tree even if the plant prefers water and it is challenging to do so. Avoid leaving the pot in standing water, which, if the soil is excessively wet, can cause root rot. Leaf death and drop-off can be caused by excessive irrigation or poor drainage. However, soil that is too dry, as well as low humidity, can lead to yellowing, browning, or drooping leaves that fall off.
Watering a money tree is simple; only water it when the top 2 to 4 inches of soil feel dry. Typically, the spring and summer growing seasons are when plants require more water. In the fall and winter, you can use less water because the plants go dormant and don’t require it for growth.
How often should a money tree be watered?
What makes a money tree plant happy the best? According to The Sill, water it thoroughly every one to two weeks, letting the soil dry out in between.
A money tree should not be too damp.
In a perfect world, plant owners would always be aware of what their plants required. Unfortunately, in order to ensure that the plant receives the attention they require, you must rely on your own intuition and its habits.
Money trees typically need watering when the top inch or two of soil are dry. It is important to water thoroughly, which means starting at the top and continuing until water starts to drain out of the drainage hole.
Either while the plant is in its saucer or over a sink, this can be done. After that, just take careful not to let it sit in any water. Money trees are extremely prone to root rot, which might result from this.
Put your finger into the top two inches of soil and feel for moisture to determine when your plant needs to be watered once more. Consider investing in a moisture meter and watering when the meter indicates that the soil is dry for a more scientific approach.
What volume of water does a money plant require?
Your money tree plant only needs about 6-8 ounces of water every three weeks, unlike orchids and the majority of other indoor plants, according to our growing specialists.
We advise watering it every week with two ice cubes (3 tablespoons of water), as this is much simpler to remember. You can double up if you skip a week, but don’t go overboard. Your plant’s roots and leaves will stretch out if it receives too much water, which could result in brown leaves.
Check to see if your money tree plant has a reliable drainage system as well. By doing this, the roots won’t decay. Our grower pots are made with an elevated bottom that is integrated right into the design, preventing the roots from sitting in water.
Money Tree Pale and Limp
Paling of the leaves is one of the first signs that your money tree needs more water. Chlorosis, a condition in which the leaves lose their green colour, is to blame for this.
Branches of your money tree will also sprout leaves. If the roots have fungal rot and are unable to efficiently absorb water and moisture, this will be followed by wilting.
Yellowing of Leaves
The bottom leaves of your overwatered money tree will typically turn yellow. If you keep watering your plants excessively, the leaves will eventually droop and turn yellow.
If that occurs, root rot could put your prized money tree in more danger than you realize.
You might be curious as to why excessive watering causes leaves to yellow. The plant will initially benefit from an abundance of water. The roots will eventually become suffocated and die as a result of waterlogging.
As a result, your money tree won’t be able to take in enough moisture and nutrients. This causes paling or yellowing, which is referred to as discoloration (or chlorosis).
Brown Spots on Leaves
Overwatering will probably result in brown stains on the foliage of your money tree. Typically, this begins as little patches that gradually expand into larger blotches. You may have noticed that they are covered in water and have a yellow ring surrounding them.
Browning is a warning symptom of root disease, just like yellow leaves. Don’t count on those brown spots to turn green once more. Therefore, remove any browned leaves with a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors.
You must keep in mind that your money tree’s leaves could develop such brown stains as a result of some bacterial and fungal leaf spot infections.
Money Tree Leaves Drooping
In reality, drooping money tree leaves could indicate that the tree is being submerged. In that scenario, all you need to do is give it plenty of water. You’re dealing with a completely different kettle of fish when overwatering is the cause.
That indicates that the earth beneath your money tree has been wet or spongy. Your plant detests “wet feet,” which will lead to the destruction of the roots. Lack of hydration, nutrition, and turgor pressure will cause drooping.
Leaf drooping nearly always occurs in conjunction with withering, yellowing, and browning in an overwatered money tree.
Mold Growing on Soil
Most potting mixes contain mold spores since they can’t be totally removed from the environment. Frequently, they are inert and innocuous.
However, these conditions are ideal for the spores to bloom when the soil is persistently damp and squishy for an extended period of time. As a result, fuzzy white mold growths on the soil’s surface are an obvious symptom of overwatering.
Algae, mildew, and other fungal growths can also thrive in these damp environments. They will all manifest as a slimy layer on the topsoil.
Shriveled and Mushy Appearance
Your overwatered money tree may start to shrink. This is so that edema, extensive tissue damage, and leaf rupture are prevented by not using enough water.
As a result, when touched, the leaves and stem will feel mushy and soft. This is frequently accompanied by weak, yellowed, and wilted-looking limb leaves.
Leaves Falling Off
Both underwatering and overwatering might cause the leaves on your money tree to droop and fall off.
Overwatering is to blame when leaves, both fresh and old, start to fall off randomly. Money trees submerged in water only lose their lowest, older leaves.
Root Rot
In reality, the vast majority of the overwatering symptoms stated above are caused by root rot. It’s necessary to inspect your plant for root rot if you notice brown spots, wilting, yellowing, or limb leaves.
Take your money tree out of the pot slowly. You’ll be assaulted by the soil’s distinctive rotting smell right away. The rotted roots will be squishy, mushy, and black to the touch if root rot is present.
A money tree can survive without water for how long?
You shouldn’t overwater money trees. Usually, two to three times a month of watering is adequate. Normal watering intervals are once every one to two weeks. When deciding when to water a money tree, check the soil to see how deep down it is dry.
How do you cure a money tree that is overwatered?
I apologize if you are reading this essay to support your struggling Money Tree. Having ill indoor plants is not enjoyable. Money Trees (Pachira Aquatica) are particularly prone to developing root rot, and plants that have been overwatered for an extended period of time can get a bad infection that is frequently quite challenging to cure. There is however hope. When a precise set of actions are taken, Money Trees can occasionally be prevented from suffering from root rot.
How can root rot be prevented in a money tree? The Money Tree should be taken out of its container, its afflicted roots should be cut back, and it should then be replanted in new soil in a pot. This is your best option. It is possible to save your Money Tree if the rot was identified early enough and if you change the way you water.
For indoor plants, root rot can be a major problem. Unfortunately, because the issue begins below the surface, often we wait until it is already too late to begin treatment. Not every money tree can be rescued from root rot. But if you take the actions listed below, and with any luck, your favorite houseplant might still survive this. Get ready; you’re going to need to give your favorite houseplant a lot of careful love and attention.
How is a money tree cared for indoors?
Your money tree can be adjusted to lower light levels and enjoys indirect, bright light. While too little light can result in poor development and yellow leaves, too much direct light will scorch the foliage. To maintain even growth, rotate your plant every month.
When the soil volume is 50 to 75 percent dry, water your money tree. Before watering, always check the soil’s moisture level. Water the saucer thoroughly until water begins to drain out of the drainage hole, then discard any extra water.
Your money tree thrives in conditions of typical indoor humidity. However, if the air is really dry, a little bit of extra humidity will be welcome.
Feed it once a month with a general-purpose fertilizer at half strength in the spring and summer when it is developing new leaves. Before adding any fertilizer, always make sure the soil is moist.
As they appreciate a stable habitat, try not to change your money tree too frequently. You might notice some leaf drop if you do need to move it. Fear not—it will adapt. Sharp snips should be used to remove any aged, discolored leaves. s.
Where in my home should I put a money tree?
One of the simplest trees to cultivate inside is Pachira aquatica, most commonly known as the money tree plant. This tropical tree is frequently used to provide some green to homes, workplaces, lobbies, dining establishments, and other public areas. A money tree has hand-shaped leaves and is a low-maintenance, pet-friendly plant. It is indigenous to Central America and grows enormous, green pods with tasty, chestnut-like seeds within.
Although money trees can reach heights of up to 60 feet in the wild, they can also be preserved as bonsai trees or small indoor trees that only reach heights of up to eight feet. Although the two species have different fruits and flowers, a closely related species known as the Pachiraglabra, or saba tree, is frequently offered for sale as a money tree. Although it is doubtful that a money tree planted as a houseplant would bloom, you can still appreciate its large, hand-shaped leaves indoors.
You’ll find that multiple plants are frequently marketed growing together in a braid when looking for a money tree. When the young plants’ stems are still green or no broader than a half-inch across, which are thicker at the bottom to help conserve water, this is done.
When placed in the southeast corner of your home or the area connected with money, money trees—a popular indoor plant in feng shui—are believed to bring good financial fortune. According to feng shui, it’s unlucky to put a money tree in your bathroom since its energizing vitality can be sapped. To find out how to raise and take care of your money tree, keep reading.
Do cash trees require sunlight?
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica), one of the most recognizable indoor plants, with a striking five-leaf design, bright green coloring, and a peculiar braided trunk. The Malabar Chestnut, often known as the Money Tree, is a tree native to Mexico and South America that may reach heights of 60 feet, despite the fact that we utilize it as an indoor potted plant. (Don’t worry, the money tree in your pot won’t grow as tall.)
All year long, we adore these luscious indoor plants, but Chinese New Year is a particularly lucky time to have them! These plants are said to bring luck and wealth in the new year if you keep one in your house or give them as gifts. (They welcome pets as well.) We are here to provide you with all the advice you require to maintain your money tree and keep your good fortune blossoming.
Top 5 Tips for Growing Money Trees
Probably the most important query you have is if your Money Tree will genuinely produce fifty dollar bills. Sorry to disappoint you everybody, but no matter how diligently you water and fertilize your plant, it will only produce beautiful foliage rather than cash. But that’s enough for us!
#1Light it Up in So Many Ways
Fortunately, the Money Tree has simple lighting requirements and is incredibly location-flexible! Bright light is what your plant needs, but avoid direct sunshine. Its leaves appreciate a bright window with a south or east facing view, but they will scorch in the heat of the sun.
Its capacity to flourish under fluorescent lighting also astounds us, making it the ideal tropical plant for the workplace! (Especially given the favorable reputation of The Money Tree)
#2Give it a Permanent Home
The Money Tree is unquestionably not a nomad and adores a secure setting. The plant will probably drop all of its leaves in protest if you move it (once it is established in a spot that meets its demands)! Although they will grow back, for a while the tree will remain naked. Keep the temperature between 16 and 26 °C (65 and 80 °F) and keep any hot or cold drafts at a minimum.
#3Hydrate and Forget About it
Water the Malabar Chestnut thoroughly, letting the water run out of the drainage holes in the bottom of your container because this tree enjoys chugging water. But once the soil has been moistened, you should let it alone! Before you re-water your Money Tree, let it dry out (at least the top two to four inches of soil). If left wet over an extended period of time, its roots will decay.
#4Keep it Well Fed
Feed your Money Tree regularly. The plant quickly exhausts the nutrients in the soil as it grows taller with more leaves. You must provide additional nutrition to maintain the health and happiness of your indoor plants. Every time you water, apply a balanced fertilizer at half strength to the money tree. The simplest fertilizer to use, particularly for smaller pots, is liquid or water soluble fertilizer. You can skip feeding your plant during the cold months.
#5Don’t Let Your Luck Evaporate!
This plant is native to Mexico and South America, where the humidity levels are much higher than those we typically experience in our homes and workplaces. The Money Tree enjoys being misted every day for this reason. Try putting the pot in a tray with pebbles and water if you don’t want to make this a regular occurrence. More humidity will be added to the air as it evaporations.
The Money Tree is a low-maintenance home plant that is sure to become a favorite. Over the next months and years, it will pay you back in green dividends (floral growth, not cash). I’m sending you plenty of luck and good fortune!
For your Money Tree, save and print our simple maintenance guide! Simply right-click the image to the right to save it.