The health of your money plant, often linked to prosperity and good fortune, can suffer when its soil moisture is compromised. Recognizing that an underwatered money plant requires immediate attention is crucial for maintaining its vibrant green foliage. Consider the valuable advice of horticulturists like Jane Smith, whose techniques for reviving struggling houseplants emphasize the importance of proper watering schedules and suitable potting soil compositions for an underwatered money plant.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Plantalogy , from the video titled This is Way More EASY to SAVE A DYING Pothos(Money Plant) .
Is Your Money Plant Thirsty? A Guide to Revival
That sinking feeling when you notice your Money Plant looking a little… lifeless?
The once vibrant green leaves are now drooping, almost pleadingly. You’re not alone.
Many plant parents have faced the same disheartening sight.
Money Plants, also known as Pachira aquatica, are incredibly popular houseplants, gracing homes and offices worldwide.
Their braided trunks and lush foliage are believed to bring good fortune and positive energy.
These plants are also known for being relatively easy to care for, adding to their appeal.
However, even the most resilient plants can suffer if their basic needs aren’t met.
One of the most common issues is underwatering.
This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through the steps to identify, understand, and revive your thirsty Money Plant, bringing it back to its former glory.
Why Money Plants are Worth Saving
Money Plants aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they’re also relatively forgiving.
With the right care, even a seemingly hopeless plant can bounce back.
This guide will provide the knowledge and confidence to nurture your Money Plant back to health.
You’ll be equipped with the knowledge to help your plant thrive for years to come.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This guide offers a clear and concise roadmap to rescuing your underwatered Money Plant.
We’ll cover:
- Identifying the signs: Learn to recognize the telltale signs of underwatering.
- Revival techniques: Discover proven methods to rehydrate and revitalize your plant.
- Preventative measures: Establish a watering routine that keeps your Money Plant happy and healthy.
Let’s embark on this journey together and bring your Money Plant back to life!
Understanding Underwatering: Why It Happens to Money Plants
So, you’re ready to revive your Money Plant? Before diving into the rescue mission, it’s crucial to understand why underwatering occurs in the first place. Knowledge is power, and understanding the root cause (pun intended!) will significantly increase your success.
What Exactly Is Underwatering?
Undewatering, simply put, is when a plant doesn’t receive enough water to meet its needs for healthy growth and survival. This may sound obvious, but understanding why it happens provides important context.
It’s not just about the quantity of water but also the frequency. Underwatering occurs when the soil dries out for prolonged periods, depriving the roots of the moisture they need to absorb nutrients. This can happen for several reasons. For instance, you might simply forget to water your plant regularly, or you may be misjudging how much water it needs.
Money Plants: Susceptible Yet Strong
Money Plants, despite their reputation for being relatively low-maintenance, are certainly not immune to underwatering. Their susceptibility stems from several factors:
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Container Size: Plants in smaller pots tend to dry out faster. The limited soil volume holds less moisture.
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Environment: Warm, dry environments, or those with bright, direct sunlight, accelerate water evaporation from the soil.
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Caregiver Habits: Inconsistent watering schedules are a prime culprit. Life gets busy, and sometimes, plant care falls by the wayside.
However, it’s important to remember that Money Plants are also relatively resilient. Unlike some delicate houseplants, they can often withstand periods of drought. This hardiness gives you a window of opportunity to correct the situation. The key is to catch the problem early and act swiftly.
Common Watering Misconceptions
Many plant owners fall into the trap of believing certain myths about watering. These misconceptions can inadvertently lead to underwatering:
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"Watering on a Schedule": While having a general schedule is helpful, watering should be based on the soil moisture, not rigidly adhering to a calendar. Environmental factors, plant size, and pot type will all impact the speed at which soil dries out.
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"A Little Water is Enough": Insufficient watering can be as harmful as infrequent watering. When you do water, make sure the entire root ball is saturated.
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"All Plants Need the Same Amount of Water": Different plant species have varying water requirements. Money Plants prefer the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings, but not to become bone dry for extended durations.
By debunking these myths, you can approach watering with a more informed and intuitive approach, setting your Money Plant up for success.
Spotting the Signs: Identifying an Underwatered Money Plant
Now that we understand why underwatering happens, let’s move on to the crucial skill of recognizing the signs. Identifying the problem early is key to a successful Money Plant revival. An underwatered plant will display clear signals, and learning to interpret them is your first line of defense. These signs manifest in a variety of ways, from the appearance of the leaves to the moisture level of the soil.
The Telltale Leaf Appearance
The leaves are often the first place to look when assessing your Money Plant’s health. They provide the most visible clues about its hydration status.
Drooping Leaves
One of the earliest and most obvious signs of underwatering is drooping leaves. Instead of standing upright and perky, the leaves will appear limp and lifeless, hanging downwards. This is because the plant lacks the water pressure (turgor pressure) needed to keep its cells firm and the leaves erect. Don’t ignore this initial sign.
Yellowing or Browning Leaf Edges
As underwatering progresses, you might notice the edges of the leaves turning yellow or brown. This yellowing (chlorosis) or browning (necrosis) usually starts at the tips and edges, gradually working its way inwards. This indicates that the plant is sacrificing parts of itself to conserve resources.
Crispy Leaves
In more severe cases of underwatering, the leaves will become dry, brittle, and crispy to the touch. This means the leaf tissue has completely dried out and is beyond recovery. While the plant can still be saved, these crispy leaves will likely need to be pruned.
Assessing Soil Moisture
While leaf appearance offers visual cues, checking the soil moisture is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. Don’t rely solely on visual inspection.
The "Knuckle Test"
A simple and effective method is the "knuckle test." Insert your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If the soil feels dry to the touch at that depth, it’s a strong indicator that your Money Plant needs watering.
How to Tell if the Soil Is Bone Dry
When severely underwatered, the soil will be not only dry to the touch but also pulling away from the sides of the pot. The soil may even feel hard and compacted. This indicates the soil hasn’t been thoroughly watered in a while and needs serious attention.
Checking Root Health (When Necessary)
While not always necessary, examining the roots can provide further insights into the plant’s overall health, especially if the above-ground symptoms are severe or persistent despite watering.
Signs of Dry, Brittle Roots
Carefully remove the Money Plant from its pot. Healthy roots should be firm and pliable, with a light color. Underwatered roots, on the other hand, will often be dry, brittle, and may snap easily. They might also appear shriveled or significantly reduced in size. Be gentle when inspecting the roots to avoid causing further damage. If most of the roots exhibit these signs, your plant is severely underwatered.
Crispy leaves are a clear sign that immediate action is needed, though not all is lost.
Revival Techniques: Bringing Your Money Plant Back to Life
Recognizing the signs of an underwatered Money Plant is only the first step. Now comes the crucial part: bringing it back to life. Fortunately, Money Plants are often surprisingly resilient and can bounce back with the right care and attention.
The key is to address the underlying issue – the lack of water – and create an environment that supports recovery. Let’s explore some effective revival techniques.
Deep Watering: The Foundation of Recovery
The cornerstone of reviving an underwatered Money Plant is deep watering. This technique ensures that the entire root system is thoroughly rehydrated.
The "Soak and Drain" Method
The "soak and drain" method is the most effective way to deeply water your Money Plant. This involves completely saturating the soil until water drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Place your Money Plant in a sink or tub. Slowly pour water over the soil surface, allowing it to absorb gradually.
Continue pouring until water begins to flow out of the drainage holes. Let the plant sit for about 15-20 minutes to ensure complete saturation.
This allows the roots to soak up as much moisture as they need.
Properly Saturating the Soil
Ensuring the soil is properly saturated is paramount. Sometimes, when soil becomes extremely dry, it can become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water.
If you notice water simply running off the surface and down the sides of the pot without being absorbed, try these techniques:
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Bottom Watering: Place the pot in a basin filled with a few inches of water. The soil will draw water up through the drainage holes. Remove the pot once the topsoil feels moist.
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Gentle Aeration: Use a chopstick or skewer to gently poke holes in the soil. This helps break up the compacted soil and allows water to penetrate more easily.
Addressing Humidity Levels: Creating a Supportive Environment
Underwatered plants often suffer from low humidity, exacerbating their stress. Money Plants thrive in moderate to high humidity environments. Increasing the humidity around your plant can significantly aid its recovery.
Why Humidity Matters
Humidity helps reduce water loss from the leaves through transpiration. Higher humidity allows the plant to absorb moisture from the air.
This reduces the strain on its root system, which is already struggling to rehydrate.
Methods to Increase Humidity
There are several easy ways to boost humidity around your Money Plant:
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Misting: Regularly mist the leaves with a spray bottle filled with water. This provides a temporary boost in humidity. Mist in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before nightfall, preventing fungal issues.
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Pebble Tray: Place a tray filled with pebbles and water beneath the plant pot. As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Ensure the bottom of the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water, as this can lead to root rot.
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Humidifier: A humidifier is an effective way to maintain consistent humidity levels, especially during dry seasons.
The Importance of Indirect Sunlight
After deep watering, place your Money Plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Direct sun on a plant already stressed from underwatering can cause leaf burn and further dehydration. Indirect light provides the energy the plant needs for recovery without overwhelming it.
Monitoring Soil Moisture Levels After Revival
Once you’ve revived your Money Plant, consistent monitoring of soil moisture is crucial to prevent future underwatering. Use the “knuckle test” regularly. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil to check its moisture level.
Only water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Adjust your watering schedule based on the season, temperature, and humidity levels in your home.
Preventative Measures: Banishing the Thirst From Your Money Plant’s Future
Reviving a thirsty Money Plant is rewarding, but preventing underwatering in the first place is even better. Establishing a consistent and appropriate watering routine is key to keeping your plant happy and thriving long-term. This section will equip you with the knowledge to avoid future watering woes.
Crafting a Watering Schedule for Success
There’s no one-size-fits-all watering schedule for Money Plants. The frequency depends on several factors we’ll explore shortly. However, a good starting point is to water your Money Plant roughly every 1-2 weeks.
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings. This approach mimics the plant’s natural environment and prevents overwatering, which can be just as detrimental as underwatering.
Consistently checking the soil moisture is more effective than sticking rigidly to a calendar.
Understanding the Influences on Your Plant’s Thirst
Several factors influence how quickly your Money Plant’s soil dries out. Being aware of these will allow you to adjust your watering schedule accordingly:
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Season: During the active growing season (spring and summer), your Money Plant will likely need more frequent watering than during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Increased sunlight and warmer temperatures lead to faster evaporation. -
Temperature: Higher temperatures, whether from summer heat or indoor heating systems, will cause the soil to dry out faster.
Keep a closer eye on soil moisture during these periods. -
Humidity: Low humidity environments can also accelerate soil drying.
If your home is particularly dry, consider increasing humidity around your plant as discussed earlier, or adjusting your watering. -
Pot Size and Material: Plants in smaller pots dry out more quickly than those in larger pots. Similarly, terracotta pots are more porous than plastic pots. This can lead to faster water evaporation.
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Light Exposure: Brighter light conditions encourage more growth and, consequently, greater water consumption.
Decoding Soil Moisture with a Moisture Meter
While the "knuckle test" is a reliable method, a moisture meter offers a more precise way to gauge soil hydration levels. These inexpensive devices measure the moisture content of the soil and provide a reading on a scale.
Insert the probe of the meter into the soil near the plant’s base.
Take a reading.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to interpret the reading. Generally, a reading of 1-3 indicates dry soil, 4-7 indicates moist soil, and 8-10 indicates wet soil.
A moisture meter can be particularly helpful for beginners or those who struggle to accurately assess soil moisture using other methods. It eliminates guesswork and helps prevent both underwatering and overwatering. While not essential, it’s a valuable tool for maintaining optimal soil conditions.
Root Health: Unearthing the Secrets Below the Soil
While reviving a Money Plant often focuses on visible signs like drooping leaves, the key to its long-term health lies beneath the surface: in its root system. Understanding how to assess root health and address potential damage is crucial for ensuring your plant not only survives underwatering but thrives afterward.
The Importance of Root Inspection
A healthy root system is the foundation of a healthy plant. Roots are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, anchoring the plant, and storing energy. When a Money Plant is underwatered, the roots can become stressed, damaged, or even die back.
Therefore, after addressing the initial dehydration, it’s important to inspect the roots. This allows you to identify any underlying issues that could hinder recovery. It also allows you to take corrective action.
Gentle Inspection: Telling the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Roots
The key to successful root inspection is gentleness. You want to minimize further stress to the plant.
Here’s how to proceed:
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Carefully remove the Money Plant from its pot. Gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot first to make this easier. Support the plant at the base of the stem as you lift.
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Once removed, gently shake off any excess soil from the root ball. You may need to tease apart the roots slightly to get a better view, but avoid excessive pulling or tugging.
Signs of Healthy Roots
Healthy Money Plant roots are typically:
- Firm and pliable – not mushy or brittle.
- Light in color – usually white or tan.
- Well-distributed throughout the soil – indicating good growth.
Signs of Unhealthy Roots
Unhealthy roots may exhibit the following characteristics:
- Dark brown or black in color – indicating rot.
- Mushy or slimy texture – another sign of rot.
- Brittle and dry – suggesting severe dehydration or damage.
- Foul odor – often associated with root rot.
- Limited root growth – a small or underdeveloped root ball.
Repotting: When a New Home is Needed
If you discover significant root damage, repotting may be necessary to give your Money Plant the best chance of recovery.
Here’s when repotting is recommended:
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Extensive Root Rot: If a large portion of the roots are rotten, repotting is essential to remove the damaged tissue and prevent the rot from spreading.
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Severely Damaged Roots: If the roots are brittle, dry, and severely damaged from underwatering, repotting into fresh soil can provide a more supportive environment for new root growth.
How to Repot Your Money Plant
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Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the original pot. Too large a pot can lead to excess moisture retention and root rot.
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Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for indoor plants.
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Gently remove any dead or severely damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
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Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot.
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Position the Money Plant in the center of the pot and fill in around the roots with more potting mix.
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Water thoroughly after repotting and allow the excess water to drain away.
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Place the repotted Money Plant in a location with bright, indirect light and monitor its progress closely.
By carefully assessing the root health of your underwatered Money Plant and taking appropriate action, you can provide it with the best possible environment to recover and flourish. Remember, a healthy root system is the key to a thriving, vibrant plant.
FAQs: Reviving Your Underwatered Money Plant
Here are some frequently asked questions about reviving an underwatered money plant and preventing future dehydration.
How can I tell if my money plant is underwatered?
The most common signs of an underwatered money plant include drooping leaves, dry and brittle soil, and leaves that turn yellow or brown, particularly at the edges. The pot may also feel lighter than usual when you lift it.
How much water should I give my money plant after underwatering?
After an underwatering event, thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root system gets rehydrated. Don’t just give it a little water; a good soak is necessary. Then, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again.
How often should I water my money plant to avoid underwatering in the future?
Water your money plant only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency will depend on the humidity, temperature, and pot size. Generally, this might be once every 1-2 weeks, but always check the soil before watering. Err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
Can I save my underwatered money plant if all the leaves have turned brown?
While it’s more challenging, it’s still possible to revive an severely underwatered money plant. Trim off all the completely brown and dead leaves. Then, follow the rehydration steps outlined in the article. Observe closely for new growth. If the stem is still green, there’s a good chance it will recover, although it may take time.
So, there you have it! A little TLC can go a long way in bringing your underwatered money plant back to life. Remember these tips, and watch it thrive!