How to Water a Money Tree
As a indoor foliage plant symbolizing wealth and luck, proper watering is crucial for the care of a money tree. Water management directly affects the health of the roots and the growth state of the plant. Too much water can cause root rot, while too little can lead to yellow leaves. This article will systematically analyze the three core elements of scientific watering to help you master the golden rules of watering a money tree.
Ⅰ. Controlling Watering Time for a Money Tree
1.1 Seasonal Change Cycles
During the growing seasons of spring and autumn, maintain a watering frequency of 5-7 days/week, using the finger test: insert the index finger 2 cm into the soil, and if there's no moisture at the fingertips, it's time to water. In the hot summer, evaporation speeds up, and the frequency should be reduced to 2-3 days/week, supplemented with early morning and late evening foliar sprays to increase humidity. During the dormant winter period, extend the interval to 10-15 days/week, keeping the soil slightly dry.
1.2 Adjusting for Environmental Factors
In rooms with air conditioning, increase watering by 20%. For environments with underfloor heating, place an insulating mat on the ground. For every 1000lux increase in light intensity, water consumption increases by 15%, so it's recommended to use a lux meter for monitoring.
Ⅱ. Scientific Watering Techniques for a Money Tree
2.1 Water Source Treatment Standards
Use tap water or purified water that has been left to stand for 24 hours, ensuring that the water temperature is within ±2℃ of room temperature. Every 2 months, water with rainwater or cool boiled water to prevent mineral buildup.
2.2 Key Points of Watering Operations
Use a 360° circular watering method, slowly pouring water along the edge of the pot until water seeps from the bottom. Use a long-spout watering can to avoid water accumulating in the leaf center. Each watering amount = pot volume × 0.3 coefficient. It's recommended to use a moisture meter to maintain a soil humidity of 60-70%.
Ⅲ. Advanced Care Companion Measures
3.1 Substrate Optimization Plan
Mix sandy soil and decomposed leaf soil in a ratio of 4:6, and add 10% perlite to enhance permeability. When repotting in spring, place a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot for drainage.
3.2 Responding to Abnormal States
If signs of root rot appear, stop watering immediately and loosen the soil, and water with a fungicide solution of 800 times strength. When leaves wilt, use the immersion method to water, with the water level not exceeding 1/3 of the pot height, soaking for 15 minutes and then draining.
By precisely controlling water combined with scientific care, a money tree can maintain its lustrous leaf color and upright shape. It is recommended to keep a watering journal, recording temperature, humidity, and plant responses, gradually forming a personalized care plan. Regularly use bamboo sticks to check the soil moisture depth and use liquid fertilizer in conjunction, making your money tree a true green guardian of wealth and good fortune.