How to Tell if Money Plant Needs Watering?

Introduction

Money plants, also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, are popular houseplants that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also relatively easy to care for. One of the key aspects of maintaining a healthy money plant is ensuring proper watering. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to various problems, including root rot or wilting leaves. Therefore, it is important to know when your money plant needs watering and when it can do without it. In this article, we will discuss some simple yet effective ways to determine if your money plant requires watering.

Checking the Soil Moisture

One of the most reliable methods to determine if your money plant needs watering is by checking the moisture level of the soil. Here’s how you can do it:

Insert your finger into the soil: Stick your index finger about an inch into the soil near the base of the plant. If the top inch feels dry, it is an indication that your money plant needs watering.
Observe the color of the soil: Dry soil usually appears lighter in color compared to moist soil. If you notice a significant change in the soil color, it is a sign that your money plant needs watering.
Use a moisture meter: A moisture meter is a handy tool that can accurately measure the moisture content in the soil. Simply insert the probe into the soil and check the reading on the meter. If the reading is below a certain threshold (usually indicated by a dry or red zone), it means that your money plant needs watering.

Checking the Leaves

Apart from checking the soil moisture, you can also look at the leaves of your money plant to determine if it requires watering. Here are some visual cues to look out for:

Drooping leaves: When a money plant lacks water, its leaves tend to droop or wilt. This is a clear indication that the plant is thirsty and needs watering.
Yellowing leaves: If the leaves of your money plant start turning yellow, it could be a sign of underwatering. When the plant does not receive enough water, it cannot carry out essential processes like photosynthesis, resulting in yellowing leaves.
Soft and mushy leaves: On the other hand, overwatering can lead to soft and mushy leaves. When the roots of the money plant are constantly saturated with water, they can become waterlogged and start rotting. This can cause the leaves to become soft and mushy.

Checking the Weight of the Pot

Another simple method to determine if your money plant needs watering is by lifting the pot and checking its weight. Here’s how you can do it:

Lift the pot: Carefully lift the pot and assess its weight. If it feels significantly lighter than usual, it is an indication that your money plant needs watering.
Compare with a watered pot: To get a better idea, compare the weight of the pot to another pot with a similar size and type of soil that has been recently watered. The difference in weight will give you a clear indication of whether your money plant needs watering or not.

Checking the Root Growth

Monitoring the root growth of your money plant can also provide valuable insights into its watering needs. Here’s how you can do it:

Check for root bound plants: Over time, money plants can become root bound if they have outgrown their current pots. If you notice excessive root growth or roots circling around the base of the pot, it may indicate that your money plant requires more frequent watering to sustain its growth.
Inspect the color and texture of the roots: Healthy roots are typically white or light brown in color and firm to touch. However, if you notice dark brown or black roots that feel mushy or slimy, it is a sign of root rot caused by overwatering. In this case, reducing the frequency of watering is necessary to prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Proper watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy money plant. By checking the soil moisture, observing the leaves, assessing the weight of the pot, and monitoring the root growth, you can easily determine if your money plant needs watering or not. Remember to strike a balance between underwatering and overwatering to ensure optimal growth and longevity of your money plant. With these simple tips in mind, you will be able to provide your money plant with the right amount of water it needs to thrive.