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How Often To Water A Money Tree?
Water a money tree every 1 to 2 weeks, once the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Learn why the braided trunk makes overwatering the main risk.
Water a money tree every 1 to 2 weeks, when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry, and every 2 to 3 weeks in winter. Soak the soil until water drains out, then empty the saucer. Overwatering is the main danger, because the thick trunk stores water and rots easily.
A starting point, not a rule. Check the soil before each watering and stretch the gap in cool, cloudy weather.
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A money tree is a forgiving houseplant that looks far more delicate than it is. The braided trunk and glossy, hand shaped leaves make a strong statement, and the plant asks for very little.
Its one weak spot is water. The trunk and roots store moisture, so a money tree copes with a missed watering better than with a soggy pot. Treat it a little on the dry side and it will stay healthy for years.
Money tree watering schedule
| Season | How often |
|---|---|
| Spring and summer | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Fall | Every 2 weeks |
| Winter | Every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Low light rooms | Add a few days between drinks |
| Newly repotted | Wait about a week, then resume |
Always check the soil first. A schedule is only a guide, because light, pot size, and room temperature change how fast the soil dries.
How to tell when a money tree needs water
Push a finger 2 to 3 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water. If it feels cool and damp, wait a few more days.
The pot also tells you. A dry pot feels noticeably light when you lift it. Leaves that look slightly soft or curl at the tips are another sign that the plant is ready for a drink.
How to water a money tree
- Use room temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots.
- Pour slowly. Wet the whole surface of the soil, not just one side of the trunk.
- Let it drain. Wait 10 minutes, then empty the saucer so the roots never sit in water.
- Rotate the pot. Turn it a quarter turn each week so the braid grows evenly toward the light.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering
Too much water
- Yellow leaves that drop
- A soft or dark trunk base
- Soil that stays wet for days
- Fungus gnats around the pot
Too little water
- Drooping, limp leaves
- Curled, crispy leaf edges
- Dry soil pulling from the pot
- Slow growth
Why the braided trunk needs care
The braided stems of a money tree are young trunks woven together, and the swollen base holds extra water. That is why it tolerates a dry spell, and also why it rots so quickly when the soil stays wet.
Pick a pot with drainage holes, and use a mix with plenty of perlite or bark. A chunky mix lets water pass through and gives the roots air.
If you want the full rescue steps for soggy soil, read how to fix overwatering. A similar glossy leaf plant, the rubber plant, follows nearly the same rhythm.
Money Tree watering FAQ
How often should I water a money tree?
Every 1 to 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 2 to 3 weeks in winter, always after the top 2 to 3 inches of soil have dried.
Why are my money tree leaves turning yellow?
Overwatering is the most common cause. Check that the soil is not staying wet, and make sure the pot drains freely.
Can a money tree sit in water?
No. Standing water rots the roots and the base of the trunk. Empty the saucer after every watering.
We turn horticulture research and real growing experience into plain-English watering schedules you can actually follow.