Does Money Plant Need Water Everyday – Your Definitive Watering

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ah, the beautiful, resilient Money Plant. It’s one of the first plants many of us bring into our homes, with its heart-shaped leaves and promises of good fortune. But behind that easy-going reputation lies a question that plagues even seasoned gardeners: does money plant need water everyday? It’s a simple question with a surprisingly crucial answer.

You’ve probably felt that pang of uncertainty. You see the soil, and you wonder, “Is it thirsty? Or am I about to drown it?” You’re not alone in this. This single watering decision is the most common reason these lovely plants either thrive or struggle.

I promise you, by the end of this guide, you will have the confidence to water your Money Plant perfectly every single time. We’re going to put an end to the guesswork for good.

We’ll cover the definitive answer to the daily watering question, reveal the single most reliable trick to check for thirst (no fancy gadgets required!), and walk through a complete does money plant need water everyday care guide to solve common problems like yellowing leaves before they start. Let’s turn that watering worry into a simple, joyful ritual.

The Short Answer (and Why It’s Not So Simple)

Let’s get right to it. The answer is a firm and resounding no. A money plant does not need water every day, and in fact, watering it daily is one of the fastest ways to harm it.

Think of it this way: your plant needs a drink, but it also needs to breathe. Its roots require oxygen from the tiny air pockets in the soil. When you water every day, you saturate those pockets, effectively drowning the roots.

The real secret to a thriving Money Plant isn’t a rigid schedule; it’s learning to listen to your plant and its environment. It’s about watering when it’s needed, not just because it’s Tuesday.

Does Money Plant Need Water Everyday? Understanding the “Why” Behind Watering

To truly master how to care for your Money Plant (also known as Epipremnum aureum or Pothos), it helps to understand its nature. These plants are native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where they experience cycles of heavy rain followed by periods where the soil begins to dry out.

Their roots are adapted to this rhythm of wet and dry. Constant dampness is unnatural and leads to the most common of all houseplant ailments: root rot.

Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots when they are deprived of oxygen in waterlogged soil. The roots turn brown and mushy, losing their ability to absorb nutrients and water. This is why the advice in this does money plant need water everyday guide focuses on preventing overwatering above all else.

The “Finger Test”: Your Most Reliable Watering Tool

Forget complex moisture meters or strict calendar reminders. The most effective tool for checking your Money Plant’s thirst is right at the end of your arm. The “finger test” is a time-honored technique that gives you direct feedback from the soil.

Here’s how simple it is:

  1. Gently insert your index finger into the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep.

  2. Pay attention to the feeling. Does the soil feel damp and stick to your finger? Or does it feel dry and dusty?

  3. If it feels damp: Your plant is perfectly happy. Do not water it. Step away from the watering can and check again in a few days.

  4. If it feels dry: It’s time to water! Your plant has used up its available moisture and is ready for a drink.

This simple, intuitive method is one of the most important does money plant need water everyday best practices you can adopt. It ensures you’re responding to your plant’s actual needs.

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Factors That Influence Your Money Plant’s Watering Schedule

So, if not every day, how often? The answer is, “it depends.” Several environmental factors can dramatically change how quickly your plant’s soil dries out. Understanding these will make you a true plant whisperer.

Light Conditions

A Money Plant sitting in a bright, sunny spot will photosynthesize more actively and use water much faster than one in a low-light corner. More light generally means more frequent watering.

Temperature and Humidity

Higher temperatures and lower humidity (common in homes with central heating) will cause water to evaporate from the soil and transpire from the leaves more quickly. During a summer heatwave, you’ll water more often than in the cool of winter.

Pot Size and Material

Smaller pots hold less soil and dry out faster than large ones. The pot material also matters. Porous materials like terracotta wick moisture away from the soil, causing it to dry out quicker than a non-porous plastic or glazed ceramic pot.

Soil Type

Money Plants thrive in a light, airy, and well-draining potting mix. A dense, heavy soil (like garden soil) will retain too much water for too long, creating a high risk of root rot. If your soil stays soggy for days, it might be time to repot.

Season of the Year

Plants have a natural growth cycle. During the spring and summer, your Money Plant is in its active growing phase and will be much thirstier. In the fall and winter, its growth slows down, and it enters a semi-dormant state, requiring significantly less water.

Common Problems with Money Plant Watering (And How to Fix Them)

Learning to read your plant’s signals is key. Here are some of the most common problems with does money plant need water everyday practices and how to course-correct.

The Telltale Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering is the number one issue. Don’t worry—we’ve all been there! Look for these clues:

  • Yellowing Leaves: This is the most common sign. Often, the lower leaves will turn yellow first and then fall off.
  • Mushy or Black Stems: If the base of the stems feels soft and looks dark, root rot has likely set in.
  • Droopy, Wilting Leaves: This is confusing because underwatering also causes wilting. But if the soil is damp and the plant is wilting, it’s a classic sign of overwatering. The roots are rotting and can no longer supply the leaves with water.
  • Moldy Soil: A fuzzy white or green layer on the soil surface indicates it’s staying wet for too long.

How to Save an Overwatered Money Plant: Immediately stop watering. Move the plant to a brighter spot with good air circulation to help the soil dry out. If the problem is severe, you may need to gently remove the plant, trim away any black, mushy roots with sterile scissors, and repot it in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.

The Signs of Underwatering

While less common, underwatering can also stress your plant. The signs are usually quite distinct:

  • Limp, Droopy Leaves: The entire plant will look sad and lifeless because there isn’t enough water pressure in the cells to hold the leaves up.
  • Crispy, Brown Leaf Edges: The tips and edges of the leaves may turn brown and feel brittle to the touch.

    • –

  • Dry, Hard Soil: The soil may be so dry that it pulls away from the sides of the pot.
  • Slow Growth: If your plant hasn’t put out a new leaf in ages, it might be too thirsty to grow.

How to Revive an Underwatered Money Plant: Give it a thorough drink! The best method is “bottom watering.” Place the pot in a sink or basin with a few inches of water. Let it soak up water through the drainage holes for about 30-45 minutes, or until the top of the soil is moist. This ensures the entire root ball is rehydrated.

Watering Your Money Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide for Best Practices

Ready to water with confidence? Follow this simple, effective process.

  1. Check First. Always perform the finger test. If the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, proceed to the next step. If not, wait.

  2. Use Room Temperature Water. Plants can be shocked by icy cold or hot water. Room temperature water is best. If your tap water is heavily treated, letting it sit out overnight can help some chemicals like chlorine evaporate.

  3. Water Thoroughly. When you do water, do it generously. Slowly pour water over the entire soil surface until you see it freely running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures all the roots get a drink.

  4. Drain Completely. This is a critical step. After watering, let the pot sit for 10-15 minutes, then discard any excess water that has collected in the saucer or cachepot. Never let your Money Plant sit in a puddle of standing water.

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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Watering Tips for Your Money Plant

Part of being a great gardener is being mindful of our resources. Adopting a sustainable does money plant need water everyday approach is easy and beneficial.

Conserve Water with Smart Techniques

Bottom watering isn’t just great for reviving thirsty plants; it’s also a water-wise method. It delivers water directly to the roots where it’s needed, with less lost to evaporation from the soil surface.

Use Recycled Water

Your Money Plant isn’t picky! You can use leftover water from boiling pasta or vegetables (once it has cooled completely and is unsalted). Even better, set up a rain barrel to collect nature’s perfect, chemical-free water for your plants. This is an excellent eco-friendly does money plant need water everyday practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watering Money Plants

How often should I water my money plant that’s growing in water?

For a Money Plant growing hydroponically (in a vase of water), the rules are different. Change the water completely every 7-10 days to replenish oxygen and prevent algae growth. Top it off with fresh water as needed between changes.

Should I mist my money plant?

Money Plants appreciate higher humidity, but misting is only a temporary fix and can sometimes encourage fungal leaf spots. A more effective way to increase humidity is to group plants together, use a pebble tray, or place a small humidifier nearby.

What kind of water is best for a money plant?

Rainwater or filtered water is the gold standard. However, most Money Plants do just fine with regular tap water. If you notice brown tips on the leaves, it could be a sensitivity to the chlorine or fluoride in your water. Try letting it sit out overnight before using.

Why are my money plant’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves are the plant’s universal distress signal, and overwatering is the most common culprit. Check your soil moisture first! Other causes can include nutrient deficiency, pests, or simply old leaves at the base of the plant naturally dying off.

Your Watering Worries are Over

So, to answer the big question one last time: does money plant need water everyday? Absolutely not. By letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings, you are mimicking its natural environment and setting it up for vibrant, healthy growth.

Throw away the rigid schedule and embrace the simple finger test. Pay attention to your plant and its environment, and you’ll build an intuitive connection that serves you far better than any calendar.

You are now equipped with the knowledge and the confidence to give your Money Plant exactly what it needs, when it needs it. Go forth and grow with joy!

Rimon Chowdhury
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