A money tree, also known as a Pachira aquatica, is a popular houseplant known for its braided trunk and vibrant green leaves that are said to bring good luck and fortune However, despite their resilience, money trees are still susceptible to common houseplant problems like overwatering
One of the main reasons indoor plants die is that they get too much water. This can quickly cause root rot, pests, diseases, and a general decline. People who own money trees need to learn how to spot the signs of too much watering and fix the problem before it’s too late.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about diagnosing and fixing an overwatered money tree, including:
- What are the most common signs and symptoms?
- What causes overwatering in money trees?
- Step-by-step solutions and proper care techniques.
What Does an Overwatered Money Tree Look Like?
If you give your money tree too much water, it will show a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. In mild cases, you may notice .
- Leaves turning pale, yellow, or brown
- Leaf wilting and drooping
- Leaf drop
- Fewer new leaves growing
If left unchecked, prolonged overwatering can lead to:
- Brown, mushy spots on leaves
- Moldy soil
- Foul odor from the pot
- Stunted growth
- Leaf loss
- Root rot
The most definitive way to diagnose overwatering is to check the soil moisture. If the soil is soggy and muddy several days after watering, stays wet for extended periods, or you can squeeze out excess water, your plant is getting too much.
The soil around a money tree should be damp but not soaked. You should be able to stick your finger in the ground and feel just a little dampness. If the soil is too wet, you should stop watering it.
What Causes Overwatering in Money Trees?
There are a few key reasons why money trees end up with too much water:
Watering Too Frequently – Money trees prefer infrequent, deep watering. When you water too often, the soil doesn’t have a chance to dry out properly.
Poor Drainage – Money trees need pots with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Using a pot without holes or with a misfitting saucer can trap water.
Heavy-Handed Watering – Applying too much water at once can overwhelm the plant. Always water gently and stop once you see it draining from the bottom.
Excess Humidity – High humidity causes soil to dry out slower. Monitor moisture carefully if your money tree is in a steamy bathroom or kitchen.
Compacted Soil – Soil that is too dense prevents proper drainage. Add amendments like perlite or bark to improve drainage.
Small Pot Size – Small pots retain moisture longer than larger ones. Upsize pots as the tree grows to allow more room for water to drain.
Seasonal Changes – Money trees need less frequent watering in fall and winter when growth slows. Don’t stick to the same schedule year-round.
How to Fix an Overwatered Money Tree
If you catch overwatering early, the good news is money trees can make a full recovery. Here are the steps to revive an overloved, droopy tree:
1. Stop watering immediately – Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This may take 1-2 weeks.
2. Improve drainage – Remove excess water from the saucer and use a chopstick to poke drainage holes in the soil.
3. Increase air circulation – Move to a breezy spot to speed up drying. Consider using a fan to keep air moving.
4. Remove from soil & inspect roots – Gently remove from the pot and shake off excess mud. Check for black, mushy roots which indicate root rot. Trim off any dead roots.
5. Replant in fresh, dry soil – Repot in a free-draining soil mix, adding extra perlite if needed. Water sparingly for 1-2 weeks while it recovers.
6. Find a sunny spot – Place in a warm, sunny area to facilitate drying out of the soil and plant. Avoid direct light which can scorch leaves.
7. Hold off fertilizing – Don’t fertilize until the plant is actively growing new leaves again. Fertilizing stresses weak plants further.
8. Prune damaged foliage – Remove dead or dying leaves which waste the plant’s energy. Sterilize pruners between each cut.
9. Treat disease if needed – For advanced cases, use a fungicide drench to kill root rot pathogens. Hydrogen peroxide also disinfects roots.
10. Adjust watering habits – Going forward, only water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Invest in a moisture meter to remove guesswork.
How to Properly Water Money Trees
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to overwatering. Follow these watering best practices to keep your money tree happy:
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Water thoroughly then wait – Money trees prefer infrequent but deep watering. Allow the entire root zone to dry out before soaking again.
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Observe drainage – Water until it runs from the drainage holes at the bottom, then stop. Allow excess to drain fully from the saucer.
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Feel the soil – Check moisture at the roots before watering, not just the surface. The top 2 inches should be dry.
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Adjust for seasons – Back off on watering in fall and winter as growth slows. The plant uses less moisture when dormant.
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Use rain or distilled water – Tap water contains minerals that can build up. Rain or distilled is gentler for sensitive plants like money trees.
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Keep on a schedule – Mark your calendar as a reminder to check soil and water. Consistency prevents extremes.
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Water in the morning – Watering at night leaves moisture on leaves for extended periods, promoting disease.
With a little vigilance and proper care, an overwatered money tree can make a full comeback. Just remember to show restraint at the watering can and let those roots relax!
How to Fix an Overwatered Money Tree
Follow these clear steps to fix your overwatered money tree and help it bounce back to health:
- Take the plant out of its pot slowly and brush off the soil.
- Examine the soil for wetness, odor or mold. If present, discard the soil and don’t reuse it.
- Inspect the roots for rot. Ripe roots look dark and mushy, while healthy ones should be firm and white.
- If the soil and roots are healthy, put the plant back in its pot and let it dry out for a week or two. Make small holes in the ground to help air flow and water evaporate.
- If your money tree’s roots are rotting because it got too much water, cut them off with clean, sharp scissors. Only keep the strong, firm and white roots.
- Cut off any leaves that are limp, wilting, or changing color to direct the plant’s energy toward new growth.
- Put the plant in a clean pot with drainage holes and fill it with new, dry soil. Clean the pot with hot water and mild soap before using it again.
- Put the money tree somewhere that gets a lot of indirect sunlight. After trimming and repotting, give it time to heal and don’t water it for at least a week.
How to Water a Money Tree
In this section, we’ll delve into the intricacies of watering your money tree for optimal growth and vitality. From understanding the plant’s watering needs to recognizing the signs of over and underwatering, we’ll help you discover the essential watering techniques that will ensure you master your money tree care skills.
- Get the water ready: Use water that is room temperature and let any chlorine leave it for a day.
- Check the soil’s moisture level. Feel the top 2 to 4 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Setting up: Put the money tree in a sink or basin to catch the extra water.
- How to water: Pour water evenly over the soil until it starts to drain from the bottom up.
- Drain excess water: Allow the excess water to drain completely.
- Repeat as often as the top inch of soil feels dry again, which is usually every few weeks.
Remember, that consistency is key to maintaining a healthy moisture balance for your money tree.
5 Money tree plant Problems & Solutions
FAQ
How do you fix an overwatered money tree?
It’s 1 cup of peroxide to 3 cups of water in a spray bottle. I spray the roots with it until they are completely wet. I spray the roots and let sit for at least 30 mins remove rotten roots, and then rinse off. Let dry for at least an hour and repot in fresh soil. Keep it out of the sun for a bit after and try and avoid the leaves!.
What does a money tree look like when it needs water?
4. Curling Leaves. You know it’s time to water your Money Tree when the leaves start to curl or wrinkle more than just droop.
How often should I water my money tree?
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When to water
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How to water
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Spring and summer
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Water more frequently when the plant is actively growing
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Fall and winter
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Water less frequently when the plant is dormant
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Hot, dry weather
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May need to water weekly
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Light
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Water more often if the plant is in higher light
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How do you know if your money tree has root rot?
You can tell if the money tree is suffering from root rot if the leaves begin to wilt, discolor, or drop, if you notice a rotting smell from the soil, or if the base of the stem is soft and mushy. You can still save the other stems before they die, even if one of your money tree stems is dead.
How do you know if a money tree is overwatered?
The appearance of your overwatered money tree will vary depending on the severity of the situation. In the early stages, your plant’s leaves will turn yellow, droop, and fall off untimely. If the overwatering has gone too long for root rot to set in, you may see brown, mushy spots with a yellow halo on the foliage and stem.
What happens if you overwater a money tree?
Your overwatered money tree will generally turn yellow in the lower leaves. If you continue overwatering, this will progress to widespread wilting and yellowing of the leaves. If that happens, your precious money tree may be in more trouble than you think because of root rot.
Are brown spots on money tree leaves a sign of overwatering?
Brown spots on the money tree leaves are a common sign of overwatering. Initially, you will notice small spots that eventually grow and can cover the whole leaf. There may be yellow outlines around the brown spots. These are not only signs of overwatering but also root rot. Even some fungal diseases can cause these brown spots.
How do you know if a money tree is dying?
The money tree will become lighter and more yellow. Wilting or curling leaves. Check for further signs to figure out what’s going on. Drooping, limp and falling leaves. If the leaves are weak and limp, it usually is due to overwatering. If you notice defoliation (leaves falling off), it can be because of too much or too little water.
How do you repot an overwatered money tree?
If the roots of your overwatered money tree are rotting, remove them using clean, sharp scissors. Only keep the strong, firm and white roots. Prune any limp, wilted or discolored leaves to redirect the plant’s energy toward new growth. Repot the plant in a clean pot with drainage holesusing fresh, dry soil.
Why does my money tree shrivel?
You may notice that your overwatered money tree will shrivel. This is because too much water causes edema, widespread tissue damage, and bursting of the leaves. For this reason, the leaves and stem will feel soft and mushy to the touch. This is often accompanied by limb leaves that appear weak, yellowed, and wilted.