Don’t Make This Money Tree Care Mistake

The money tree is like that easygoing friend who goes with the flow and rarely complains, which is one of the many reasons it makes a great houseplant. But there is one thing it doesn’t like: too much water. 

You brought home your plant and you become a bit of a helicopter parent eager to keep your plant healthy and you overwater it, causing damage to the roots and leaves. We know it can be challenging to trust that a plant is easy-going and doesn’t need much work, but we mean it with money trees! They can tolerate a lot, and with the proper balance of care – they won’t ask for much from you.  

We know that overwatering can be an easy mistake to make — but thankfully, it is even easier to fix. 

Here’s what you need to know about watering your money tree plant. 

Money Tree Plant Care 101: Watering Basics

Unlike orchids and most other indoor plants, your money tree plant only needs about 6-8 ounces of water every three weeks, according to our growing experts. 

Watering weekly is a lot easier to remember, so we recommend giving it two ice cubes (or 3 tablespoons of water) every week. Pick whichever watering method is easiest for you to remember. 

If you miss a week, you can double up, but don’t go overboard. If your plant gets too much water, its root system and leaves will stretch out, which can result in brown leaves. 

Make sure your money tree plant has a good drainage system, too. This will prevent the roots from rotting. Our grower pots are designed with a built-in elevated bottom so that the roots are not sitting in water. We advise that every few waterings, you remove the grower pot from the decorative pot to make sure your plant isn’t just sitting in any water. 

More Money Tree Plant Care Tips

The money tree plant is one of the lowest maintenance plants on the market. It’s great for college dorm rooms, apartments and even your front porch, if you move it inside when temperatures drop below 65. (After all, it is a tropical plant.) 

Tricks to ensure your money tree survives and thrives: 

• Avoid too much direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves. Place it near a south-facing window during the summer months and move it to your east window in the winter. You’ll notice that it is getting too much sun if the leaves begin to brown on the edges. 

• Prune browning leaves throughout the year to encourage new growth. You can trim them off with sterile scissors or gently remove them by hand. 

• Repot your money tree plant every year or two in a pot that’s just slightly larger. This will encourage it to keep growing and give the roots room to expand safely. 

• Fertilize it twice a year (in the spring and fall) with time-release money tree plant fertilizer. 

That’s all there is to it! See, we told you it was easy. To keep these tips handy, print out a copy of our money tree plant care guide and keep it on your fridge.