How to Water a Money Tree the Right Way, According to Houseplant Experts (2025)

Money tree (Pachiraaquatica) is a tropical plant native to Central and South America. It's often grown indoors as an easy-care houseplant. It is recognized by its braided trunk and glossy green leaves. The money tree can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a narrow profile, making it a great addition to homes of any size.

While money tree is known for being low-maintenance, it's important to maintain its watering needs so it stays healthy. As a tropical plant, it requires moist soil and moderate humidity, but too much water and you risk losing leaves or causing root rot. We spoke to gardening experts about the right way to water money trees and how to identify signs of over and underwatering.

How Often to Water a Money Tree

There are various external factors that will dictate how often a money tree is watered. The best way to know if this plant needs a drink is to test the soil—if the top inch is dry to the touch, you should water your money tree, says Kelly Funk, president & CEO Jackson & Perkins. This typically ends up being about once every one to two weeks, depending on the conditions.

Factors to Consider

Sunlight, temperature, soil quality, and other factors may increase or decrease your money tree's watering needs. It's important to keep the following considerations in mind when watering this plant so you avoid over or underwatering it.

Sunlight

Money trees need plenty of light, meaning they will need more water than some of your low-light plants. "Any plant in bright light will need more water as it is photosynthesizing more," says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, founder of the Houseplant Guru. If your money tree is in an area where it gets six hours of bright sunlight versus four, it may need more water.

Soil

The type of soil your money tree is potted in will also affect its watering needs. "If you have a fast-draining potting mix with little peat moss, it may dry out faster than in a heavier soil," says Steinkopf. Typically, soils high in clay drain slowly.

Temperature and Humidity

Since the money tree is a tropical plant, it prefers warmer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If your home is kept warmer, this plant will need more water, says Steinkopf.

Humidity can also play a role in how much water your money tree requires. This plant typically prefers humidity levels around 50 percent. "If all the humidity is being drawn out by the air conditioning or the heater is going full blast, it will need water more often," Steinkopf adds.

Container Size

If your money tree requires frequent watering, it may be time to repot it into a bigger home. "Smaller pots dry out faster than larger ones," says Funk. This is because larger pots hold more soil, and more soil means more water. The more water in the container, the less often your plants need a drink.

How to Water a Money Tree

Our experts recommend top watering a money tree. "Water the plant until the water runs out of the drainage hole," says Steinkopf. (The drainage hole is the hole at the bottom of a pot or container and allows excess water to escape.) If your container doesn't have one, repot the money tree in a container that does.

If you have a tray under your plant to catch excess water, make sure to drain it. "Never let your plant stand in water for any length of time," says Steinkopf. She recommends checking your plant at least once a week to see if it needs more water.

Signs of Underwatering

Money trees like moist soil, and underwatering can put stress on the plant. "If the plant is under watered, the leaflets on the compound leaves will droop. Then the leaves will turn brown, turn crispy, and fall off," says Steinkopf. Other signs of underwatering include soil pulling away from the pot and slow growth, Funk adds.

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering can cause root rot, which may lead to plant death if it's not caught in time. "Some signs of overwatering can include yellowing leaves, soft or mushy stems, mold or mildew growth, and a musty odor from the soil," says Funk.