Best Way To Water A Money Plant: Your Guide To Lush, Thriving Growth

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow garden lover! Let’s talk about one of the most beloved and resilient houseplants out there: the Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum). It’s often one of the first plants we bring into our homes, promising good fortune and a touch of vibrant green. But have you ever felt like you’re in a constant guessing game with its watering schedule? One week it’s thirsty, the next it looks a little… sad. You’re not alone in this.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll feel completely confident and in control of your plant’s hydration. We’re going to demystify the entire process and show you the best way to water a money plant to ensure it doesn’t just survive, but truly thrives.

We’ll walk through everything together, from understanding the *why* behind proper watering to mastering the *how*. We’ll cover how often to water, the best techniques to use, how to spot trouble before it starts, and even some eco-friendly watering tips. Think of this as your complete best way to water a money plant care guide—let’s get those leaves looking lush and glorious!

Why the Right Watering Technique is a Game-Changer

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s chat for a moment about the “why.” Understanding the benefits of the best way to water a money plant helps motivate us to get it right. It’s not just about keeping the soil damp; it’s about creating the perfect environment for your plant to flourish.

Proper watering is the cornerstone of plant health. For a Money Plant, it directly impacts:

  • Strong Root Development: Consistent, deep watering encourages roots to grow down into the pot, creating a strong anchor and a more resilient plant. Shallow, frequent sips of water lead to weak, shallow roots.
  • Lush, Vibrant Foliage: Water is essential for photosynthesis, the process that gives leaves their beautiful green color. A well-hydrated plant will reward you with glossy, vibrant leaves.
  • Nutrient Absorption: Plants can’t “eat” dry soil. Water acts as the vehicle, dissolving nutrients in the soil and transporting them up through the roots to the rest of the plant.
  • Pest and Disease Prevention: Overwatering is the number one cause of root rot and creates a welcoming environment for fungal gnats. Underwatering stresses the plant, making it more vulnerable to pests like spider mites. Getting it just right is your best defense!

Getting this one habit right is truly the secret to unlocking your Money Plant’s full potential. It’s the difference between a plant that’s just hanging on and one that’s a stunning feature in your home.

The Golden Rule: How Often Should You *Really* Water?

If there’s one question I hear more than any other, it’s “How often should I water my Money Plant?” The honest answer is: there is no magic schedule. Watering every Saturday morning might seem easy, but it ignores your plant’s actual needs, which change based on its environment.

Instead of a rigid schedule, let’s learn to listen to the plant and its soil. This is one of the most important best way to water a money plant tips I can share.

The Finger Test: Your Most Reliable Tool

Forget calendars and apps. Your own finger is the best moisture meter you have. It’s simple, free, and incredibly effective.

  1. Gently insert your index finger into the soil, about 1-2 inches deep.
  2. Pay attention to how it feels. Is it damp and cool, with soil sticking to your finger? Hold off on watering.
  3. Does it feel mostly dry and dusty? It’s time to water!

This simple check takes the guesswork out of the equation. After a while, you’ll get a feel for your plant’s rhythm and know instinctively when it’s time.

Signs Your Money Plant is Thirsty

Your plant will give you subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) cues when it needs a drink. Look for:

  • Slightly Droopy or Wilting Leaves: The leaves might look a little less perky and start to hang down. This is an early sign of thirst.
  • Curling Leaf Edges: The edges of the leaves may start to curl inward as the plant tries to conserve moisture.
  • Lightweight Pot: A pot with dry soil will feel significantly lighter than one with moist soil. Lift it up now and then to get a feel for its “dry weight.”
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Seasonal Adjustments Are Key

A plant’s water needs are not static throughout the year. Remember to adjust your routine based on the seasons.

  • Spring and Summer (Growing Season): Your Money Plant is actively growing, so it will be thirstier. You might find yourself watering once a week, or even more if it’s in a very bright, warm spot.
  • Fall and Winter (Dormant Season): Growth slows down significantly. The soil will take much longer to dry out. You might only need to water every 2-3 weeks. Overwatering is especially dangerous during this time.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Way to Water a Money Plant

Okay, you’ve determined it’s time to water. Now, let’s cover the actual technique. This section is your complete best way to water a money plant guide, focusing on the method that delivers the best results for happy, healthy roots.

The ‘Soak and Dry’ Method Explained

This is my go-to method and one of the best way to water a money plant best practices. It mimics a natural rain shower, thoroughly hydrating the entire root ball and then allowing it to breathe.

  1. Take it to the Sink: If possible, move your plant to a sink or bathtub. This makes the process much cleaner and easier.
  2. Water Thoroughly: Using lukewarm water, slowly and evenly pour water over the entire surface of the soil. Don’t just water one spot.
  3. Keep Watering Until…: Continue adding water until you see it flowing freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This is the crucial step! It ensures the entire root system gets a drink, not just the top layer.
  4. Let it Drain Completely: Allow the pot to sit for 10-15 minutes to let all the excess water drip out. A plant should never sit in a saucer full of water, as this leads directly to root rot.
  5. Return to its Home: Once it has stopped dripping, you can place it back in its decorative pot or saucer.

Bottom Watering: A Root-Friendly Alternative

Bottom watering is another fantastic technique, especially for preventing pests like fungus gnats that love moist topsoil. It encourages roots to grow downward toward the water source.

  1. Find a basin, saucer, or tub that is larger than the base of your pot.
  2. Fill it with 1-2 inches of lukewarm water.
  3. Place your plant pot (it must have drainage holes) into the water.
  4. Let it sit and absorb water from the bottom up. This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
  5. You’ll know it’s done when the top surface of the soil feels slightly damp to the touch.
  6. Remove the pot from the water and let any excess drain away before returning it to its spot.

Choosing the Right Water: Does Quality Matter?

You might be surprised to learn that the type of water you use can make a difference. While Money Plants are tough, they can be sensitive to the chemicals found in some tap water.

Tap water often contains chlorine and fluoride, which can build up in the soil over time and cause brown, crispy leaf tips. If you notice this on your plant, consider one of these options:

  • Let it Sit: The easiest solution! Fill your watering can and let it sit out, uncovered, for 24 hours. This allows most of the chlorine to evaporate.
  • Filtered or Distilled Water: If your tap water is particularly hard (high in minerals), using filtered or distilled water can prevent mineral buildup on the soil and leaves.
  • Rainwater: The absolute best choice! Collecting rainwater is a fantastic, sustainable best way to water a money plant. It’s free of chemicals and has the perfect pH for most houseplants. This is a great eco-friendly best way to water a money plant practice.

Common Problems with Best Way to Water a Money Plant (And How to Fix Them)

Don’t worry—even the most experienced gardeners run into issues. The key is to identify the problem early and act quickly. Here’s a look at the most common problems with best way to water a money plant and how to solve them.

Problem: Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves are the most common cry for help from a Money Plant. It’s almost always related to water.

  • If the leaves are yellow and soft/mushy: This is a classic sign of overwatering. The soil is waterlogged, and the roots are suffocating.
  • Solution: Stop watering immediately! Check the soil. If it’s soggy, you may need to gently remove the plant, inspect the roots for rot (dark, mushy roots), and repot in fresh, dry soil. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
  • If the leaves are yellow and crispy/dry: This points to underwatering. The plant is sacrificing older, lower leaves to conserve water for new growth.
  • Solution: Give the plant a thorough watering using the ‘soak and dry’ method described above. It should perk up within a day. Trim off the fully yellowed leaves, as they won’t turn green again.
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Problem: Root Rot

This is the silent killer of many houseplants and is caused exclusively by overwatering and poor drainage. The roots literally rot away in soggy soil, unable to absorb water or nutrients.

  • Signs: Widespread yellowing leaves, mushy stems at the base, a foul smell from the soil, and a plant that looks wilted even when the soil is wet.
  • Solution: This requires emergency surgery. Carefully remove the plant from its pot. Gently wash the soil from the roots and inspect them. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Trim away any roots that are black, brown, and mushy with sterile scissors. Repot the plant in a clean pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water very sparingly until you see new growth.

Problem: Droopy or Wilting Leaves

This can be confusing because it’s a sign of both over- and underwatering! How do you tell the difference? Check the soil.

  • If the plant is droopy and the soil is bone dry, it’s thirsty. Give it a good drink.
  • If the plant is droopy and the soil is wet, you’ve overwatered. The roots are damaged and can’t take up water, so the plant is wilting from a different kind of thirst. Follow the steps for root rot recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Your Money Plant

Can I use tap water for my money plant?

Yes, you can, but it’s not always the best option. If you can, let your tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it to allow chlorine to dissipate. If you have very hard water, consider using filtered water or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup over time.

How do I know if I’ve overwatered my money plant?

The biggest clues are yellow, soft leaves (especially lower ones), soil that stays wet for many days, a musty smell from the soil, and mushy stems near the soil line. Always remember to feel the soil before you water to prevent this from happening.

Should I mist my money plant?

Money Plants appreciate average to high humidity, so misting can be beneficial, especially in dry winter months. However, misting is not a substitute for proper watering at the roots. Think of it as a supplemental spa treatment, not its main source of hydration.

What’s the best pot for a money plant to ensure good drainage?

The material isn’t as important as the presence of drainage holes. Never plant a Money Plant in a pot without them! Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and allow soil to dry out more evenly, which is great for preventing overwatering. If you use a plastic or glazed ceramic pot, just be extra vigilant about checking the soil moisture.

Your Path to a Thriving Money Plant

There you have it—everything you need to know to master the art and science of watering your Money Plant. It might seem like a lot, but it really boils down to one simple principle: pay attention to your plant and its soil.

Ditch the rigid schedule, get comfortable with the finger test, and always water deeply and thoroughly when the time is right. By following this best way to water a money plant care guide, you’re not just giving your plant a drink; you’re providing the foundation for a long, healthy, and beautiful life.

Now, go take a look at your plant with fresh eyes. You have the knowledge and the confidence to give it exactly what it needs. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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