The money plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum or pothos, is one of the most popular indoor plants in the world.
Known for its lush green leaves and its association with good luck, wealth, and positive energy, this plant thrives in a variety of indoor conditions.
However, one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for a money plant is watering it incorrectly.
Watering may sound simple, but doing it the wrong way can harm your plant, causing yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth.
Understanding how, when, and how much to water your money plant is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant all year round.
1. Understand Your Money Plant’s Watering Needs
The money plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum or pothos, is one of the most popular indoor plants around the world.
Known for bringing good luck, wealth, and positivity, it’s also one of the easiest plants to care for—if you understand how to water it correctly. Watering may seem simple, but doing it the wrong way can damage your plant.
Too much or too little water can lead to yellowing leaves, droopy stems, or even root rot.
The money plant is native to tropical regions where the air is humid, but the soil drains well. It loves moisture yet dislikes waterlogged conditions.
The key is to keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy. Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering because it suffocates the roots.
Letting the soil dry a little between watering sessions encourages stronger root growth and overall plant health.
2. Check the Soil Before Watering
The most reliable way to know when to water your money plant is by checking the soil. Insert your finger about one to two inches into the potting mix.
If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days. This simple touch test helps you prevent overwatering.
If you want to be extra precise, use a moisture meter. It tells you the exact moisture level in the soil, which is helpful if you’re unsure.
Indoor environments vary in humidity, so getting to know your plant’s rhythm will help you find the perfect watering schedule.
3. Water Thoroughly But Sparingly
When watering your money plant, do it thoroughly. Pour water evenly over the soil until you see it begin to drain from the bottom holes.
This ensures the entire root system receives moisture. However, don’t let your plant sit in water—empty the saucer beneath the pot after watering.
Watering deeply encourages the roots to grow downward, making the plant more drought-tolerant.
On the other hand, frequent light watering can weaken the roots, leaving them closer to the surface and more vulnerable to drying out.
4. Adjust Watering Frequency According to Seasons
Money plants don’t need the same amount of water year-round. In spring and summer, when they grow actively, they need more frequent watering—usually once or twice a week, depending on your indoor conditions. In autumn and winter, their growth slows down, and they need less water. During these cooler months, water once every 10 to 14 days or when the soil feels dry.
Indoor heating during winter can also dry the air, making the surface of the soil appear dry while the bottom remains moist. Always check deeper into the soil before watering during this time.
5. Use the Right Type of Water
While most money plants can survive on tap water, the quality of water can make a difference in their long-term health.
Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals that can accumulate in the soil over time and harm the roots.
If possible, use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for your money plant. Rainwater is ideal since it’s naturally soft and rich in nutrients.
If you’re using tap water, let it sit in an open container for at least 24 hours before watering. This allows chlorine to evaporate, making the water gentler for your plant.
6. Choose the Right Pot and Soil
Your watering routine will only be successful if your pot and soil allow proper drainage.
Always use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape. Without drainage, water collects at the base, leading to root rot.
As for soil, choose a well-draining potting mix. A combination of garden soil, perlite, and coco peat or sand works perfectly.
This mix keeps the soil light, airy, and capable of retaining just the right amount of moisture while allowing extra water to drain away easily.
7. Observe the Leaves for Signs of Overwatering or Underwatering
Your money plant communicates its needs through its leaves. If the leaves turn yellow or feel soft and mushy, it’s a clear sign of overwatering.
If the leaves look dry, curled, or have brown tips, the plant might be underwatered.
Healthy money plant leaves are bright green, shiny, and firm. Regularly observe your plant and respond to the signs it gives.
When the leaves start losing their color or shape, the first thing you should check is the soil’s moisture level.
8. Consider the Environment and Placement
Where your money plant is placed has a major impact on how often it needs water. Plants near windows that receive bright, indirect light dry out faster than those in darker corners.
Similarly, plants placed near air conditioners, heaters, or fans may lose moisture quickly due to increased airflow.
For indoor money plants, try to maintain moderate humidity. If your room air is too dry, mist the leaves occasionally or use a small humidifier.
Outdoor money plants, on the other hand, need more frequent watering during hot weather but less during rainy or humid conditions.
9. Watering in Different Growing Conditions
The method of watering your money plant depends on how it’s being grown.
If grown in soil in a pot, use the regular method of watering until it drains out the bottom.
If grown in water (like in a glass jar), make sure only the roots are submerged—never the leaves.
Change the water every 7 to 10 days to prevent bacteria and algae buildup. Wash the container and roots occasionally, and add a few drops of liquid fertilizer every two weeks for nutrients.
If your plant is grown in a hydroponic setup or semi-soil system, maintain a balance—keep the roots moist but never constantly soaked.
10. Water at the Right Time of Day
The timing of watering is just as important as the method. The best time to water your money plant is early in the morning or late in the evening.
This allows the plant to absorb water before heat or light causes evaporation.
Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the temperature is high.
For indoor plants, morning watering is ideal since it prevents excessive moisture from lingering overnight, which can lead to fungal problems.
11. Use Bottom Watering Occasionally
Bottom watering is a great technique to ensure even moisture throughout the soil.
To do this, place your pot in a tray filled with water and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. The soil will soak up the water from below through the drainage holes.
Once the top layer of soil feels moist, remove the pot and let it drain completely.
Bottom watering encourages deeper root growth and prevents overwatering from the top. It’s a great method to use once every few weeks to supplement your usual watering routine.
12. Combine Watering with Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring and summer), you can mix a diluted liquid fertilizer into your watering routine once every two to three weeks.
This gives your money plant an extra boost of nutrients to support healthy growth and lush foliage.
However, avoid fertilizing during winter or when your plant is stressed. Always water your plant with plain water first, then apply the fertilizer solution to prevent burning the roots.
13. Avoid Common Watering Mistakes
A few common mistakes can harm your money plant, even with the best intentions.
One mistake is watering on a fixed schedule without checking the soil. Another is using pots without drainage holes. Both can lead to soggy roots and plant stress.
Also, avoid using water that’s too cold or too hot.
Always use room-temperature water. Finally, don’t mist excessively; while misting adds humidity, too much moisture on leaves can lead to fungal issues.
14. How Humidity Affects Watering
Humidity plays a huge role in determining how much water your money plant needs. In humid conditions, the soil retains moisture for longer, so water less often.
In dry environments, like air-conditioned rooms, you’ll need to water more frequently.
To maintain humidity, you can place a bowl of water near the plant, use a pebble tray, or group several plants together.
Misting occasionally can also help, especially during dry seasons. If you notice brown edges or curled leaves, low humidity is likely the cause.
15. Create a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key when watering a money plant. Once you observe how quickly your plant’s soil dries out, establish a routine based on that.
Your schedule may differ from someone else’s, depending on your climate, pot size, and location.
A consistent routine helps your plant stay healthy and stress-free.
When watered correctly, the money plant rewards you with lush, shiny leaves and strong growth. It not only enhances your space aesthetically but also symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and positive energy.
Watering your money plant properly is one of the most important parts of its care. The secret lies in balance, neither too much nor too little water.
Always check the soil before watering, use well-draining pots and soil, and adjust your routine according to the season and environment.
Avoid overwatering, use clean water, and maintain good humidity. With the right approach, your money plant will thrive beautifully, bringing health, freshness, and abundance into your home.