Water Money Plant From Top Or Bottom – The Ultimate Guide To

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow gardeners! Let’s talk about one of the most beloved and resilient houseplants out there: the Money Plant, or Pothos. You’ve brought this leafy green beauty into your home, and you’re admiring its cascading vines. But then the big question hits: am I watering this thing correctly? It seems so simple, yet you’ve likely heard conflicting advice about whether to water money plant from top or bottom.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. It’s one of the most common questions we get here at Greeny Gardener, and getting it right is the key to a thriving, vibrant plant.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand the pros and cons of each method but will also feel confident choosing the perfect watering strategy for your plant and your lifestyle. We’ll walk through a deep dive into top watering, uncover the secrets of bottom watering, troubleshoot common issues, and even explore some sustainable practices.

So, grab your watering can, and let’s unlock the secret to perfectly hydrated, happy Money Plants!

Understanding the Basics: Why Proper Watering is Non-Negotiable

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly touch on the “why.” A Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is wonderfully forgiving, which is why it’s perfect for beginners! But the one thing it truly dislikes is “wet feet”—roots sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil.

Improper watering is the number one cause of houseplant demise. Too much water leads to root rot, a fungal disease that suffocates the roots and quickly turns your lush plant into a yellow, wilting mess. Too little water, and you’ll see droopy, crispy leaves.

The debate over whether to water money plant from top or bottom isn’t just about preference; it’s about creating the ideal environment for strong, healthy roots. Both methods can work, but understanding their unique benefits will elevate your plant care game from beginner to pro.

The Classic Approach: A Deep Dive into Top Watering

Top watering is what most of us instinctively do. It’s simple, quick, and mimics how plants receive water in nature—from rainfall. You pour water directly onto the soil surface until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Benefits of Top Watering Your Money Plant

There’s a reason this method is so popular. It’s straightforward and offers some distinct advantages.

  • Simplicity and Speed: It’s the fastest way to water your plants. Just grab your can and go. This is perfect for those with many plants or a busy schedule.
  • Flushes the Soil: Pouring water from the top helps to flush out excess mineral salts and fertilizer buildup that can accumulate in the soil over time. This is like a mini-detox for your plant’s pot.
  • Mimics Nature: As mentioned, this is how plants get watered in their natural habitat. It feels intuitive and familiar.

Potential Drawbacks of Top Watering

While easy, top watering isn’t foolproof. There are a few common pitfalls to watch out for, which are often the source of many common problems with water money plant from top or bottom watering techniques.

  • Uneven Moisture: If soil has become compacted or has pulled away from the sides of the pot (hydrophobic), water can run straight down the sides and out the bottom, leaving the root ball completely dry.
  • Foliage Issues: Splashing water on the leaves, especially if your plant is in a spot with poor air circulation, can encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
  • Attracts Pests: A consistently damp top layer of soil is a breeding ground for annoying pests like fungus gnats.

How to Water Money Plant From the Top: Best Practices

If top watering is your method of choice, here’s how to do it right. This is a core part of our water money plant from top or bottom care guide.

  1. Check the Soil First: Never water on a schedule! Always check the soil first. Stick your finger about two inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s damp, wait another day or two.
  2. Water Thoroughly: Take your plant to a sink or place it on a saucer. Water slowly and evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. Continue until water flows freely from the drainage holes.
  3. Let it Drain: This is the most important step! Allow the pot to drain completely for 10-15 minutes. Never let your Money Plant sit in a saucer full of water.
  4. Use Room-Temperature Water: Using filtered or distilled water is great, but at a minimum, use water that’s at room temperature to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.

The Gardener’s Secret: Unlocking the Benefits of Bottom Watering

Bottom watering, also known as reverse watering, might sound complicated, but it’s wonderfully simple. It involves placing your plant pot in a container of water and allowing the soil to soak up moisture from the bottom up, like a sponge.

This method has become a favorite among experienced gardeners for good reason. Let’s explore the benefits of water money plant from top or bottom, focusing now on the latter.

Why You’ll Love Bottom Watering

This technique offers some incredible advantages for root health and overall plant vitality.

  • Promotes Stronger Roots: It encourages the roots to grow downwards in search of water, creating a more robust and resilient root system.
  • Ensures Even Hydration: The soil absorbs exactly as much water as it needs, ensuring the entire root ball is evenly and thoroughly saturated without any dry pockets.
  • Reduces Pest Problems: Because the top layer of soil remains dry, it creates an inhospitable environment for pests like fungus gnats that love damp surfaces.
  • Prevents Overwatering: It’s much harder to overwater a plant with this method, as the soil stops wicking up moisture once it’s saturated. This is a huge win for preventing root rot.

Things to Consider with Bottom Watering

Of course, no method is perfect. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

  • Salt Buildup: Because you aren’t flushing the soil from the top, mineral salts from tap water and fertilizers can accumulate over time. To combat this, you should still top-water your plant once every 4-6 weeks.
  • It Takes More Time: This method is not as quick as top watering. It can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for the plant to absorb enough water.

How to Water Money Plant From the Bottom: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try it? Here’s a simple water money plant from top or bottom guide for the bottom-up approach.

  1. Find a Suitable Container: You’ll need a tray, bowl, or sink that is larger than your plant’s pot.
  2. Fill with Water: Add 1-2 inches of room-temperature water to your container. You can also add a diluted liquid fertilizer to the water during the growing season.
  3. Place Your Plant Inside: Set your Money Plant (it must be in a pot with drainage holes) into the container of water.
  4. Let it Soak: Leave the plant to soak. Check it after about 10 minutes. You can tell it’s done when the top layer of soil is visibly moist to the touch. Avoid leaving it for more than an hour.
  5. Drain Excess Water: Once the soil is hydrated, remove the pot from the water and let it drain completely on a rack or in an empty sink before returning it to its decorative pot or saucer.

How to Water Money Plant From Top or Bottom: Making the Right Choice

So, we’ve reached the final showdown. Which method is truly best? The honest answer from one gardener to another is: it depends. The best method is the one that works for your plant, your environment, and your routine.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Choose Top Watering If…

  • You are short on time or have many plants to care for.
  • You want to regularly flush out mineral buildup from the soil.
  • Your Money Plant is in a very large, heavy pot that’s difficult to move.

Choose Bottom Watering If…

  • You are prone to overwatering your plants.
  • You are struggling with fungus gnats.
  • You want to ensure deep, even soil moisture and encourage strong root growth.
  • Your plant’s soil has become compacted and tends to repel water.

My Pro Tip: Why not do both? I personally use bottom watering as my primary method for most of my houseplants, including my Pothos. Then, about once a month, I give them a good, thorough top watering to flush out any accumulated salts. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds!

Common Problems with Water Money Plant From Top or Bottom (And How to Fix Them)

No matter which method you choose, you might run into issues. Don’t panic! Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most common watering-related problems.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

The Cause: This is the classic sign of overwatering. The roots are suffocating and can’t deliver nutrients to the leaves.

The Fix: Immediately stop watering. Check the soil moisture. If it’s soggy, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, dry soil, trimming away any black, mushy roots in the process. Moving forward, always check the soil before watering.

Problem: Droopy, Wilting Leaves

The Cause: This can be confusing because it’s a sign of both over- and underwatering. If the soil is bone-dry, your plant is thirsty. If the soil is wet, you likely have root rot, and the damaged roots can no longer absorb water.

The Fix: Feel the soil! If dry, give it a thorough watering (bottom watering is excellent for rehydrating very dry soil). If wet, follow the steps for root rot above.

Problem: Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges

The Cause: This usually points to underwatering or very low humidity. The plant is not getting enough moisture to keep its foliage hydrated.

The Fix: Increase your watering frequency, but only after checking that the soil is dry. You can also increase humidity by misting your plant, using a pebble tray, or placing it near a humidifier.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Water Money Plant From Top or Bottom Practices

As gardeners, we are stewards of the earth. Incorporating sustainable water money plant from top or bottom practices is a wonderful way to care for our plants and the planet.

  • Harvest Rainwater: If possible, collect rainwater to use for your houseplants. It’s naturally soft, free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water, and your plants will love it.
  • Reuse Water: Don’t throw out the water you use to boil pasta or steam vegetables (as long as it’s unsalted!). Let it cool and use it to water your plants for a free nutrient boost.
  • Water Wisely: The most eco-friendly water money plant from top or bottom tip is simply to not waste it. By checking your soil and watering only when necessary, you conserve water and keep your plant healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watering a Money Plant

How often should I water my Money Plant?

There is no magic schedule. It depends on light, temperature, humidity, pot size, and soil type. The golden rule is to check the soil. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. This might be once a week in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter.

Can I grow a Money Plant in just water?

Yes, absolutely! Money Plants are fantastic for water propagation and can live happily in a vase of water for a long time. Just be sure to change the water every week or so to keep it fresh and provide a drop of liquid fertilizer once a month.

Should I mist my Money Plant?

Money Plants appreciate average to high humidity. While misting can provide a temporary boost, it’s not a long-term solution and can sometimes encourage fungal issues. A better approach for increasing humidity is to use a pebble tray, group plants together, or run a small humidifier nearby.

Your Path to a Thriving Money Plant

There you have it—the complete guide to deciding whether to water money plant from top or bottom. As you can see, there’s no single right answer, only the right answer for you.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Perhaps start with bottom watering and see how your plant responds. Or try my hybrid method of bottom watering regularly and top watering monthly. The most important thing is to listen to your plant. It will tell you what it needs through its leaves and soil.

By following these best practices and staying observant, you’re well on your way to raising a lush, beautiful Money Plant that brings joy and a touch of green to your home for years to come. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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