How Often to Water Snake Plants? Proper Care Guide

To say that the snake plants (Dracaena Trifasciata), or sturdy species in the same way, are enigmatic is a great understatement. They can adapt to several elements, but they would not be healthy if they did not have water.

If we water them on an inappropriate schedule, we can easily create problems. Thus, the frequency of watering them becomes of the essence. As water to drown or to give it enough but not too much is the issue we need to tackle we need to find the right proportion.

This guide will help you better understand how to water snake plants to ensure their fulfillment and health properly.

When to Water Snake Plants

Testing water needs is done by probing just one inch inside the soil with your fingertip. If it looks drought at this depth, then you should water it.

Normally, once every two or four weeks should be OK. The ninth month is different: your plant will require more water in spring and summer and less in autumn and winter. Be on the lookout for signs like drooping or wilted leaves, and gradually let the soaked water flow out of the pot base.

Soil drainage is crucial because the snake plant is not supposed to be typically submerged in water. Indoor environments are often varied, so you will have to tailor your watering schedule to the specific conditions of the environment before you overwater your plant, which might cause root rot.

However, if the plant should be considered, the watering rate is too high or too low per the lighting level and pot capacity. If you’ve just replaced your plant, pour in a few glasses of water. With just a little care, your snake plant will often survive and thrive.

Read | How to Trim a Snake Plant

How Snake Plants Hold Water?

Snake plants are like camels in the plant world because they can store water in a limited capacity. Their leaves have a distinctive capacity to keep water, resulting in a plant staying fresh in dry situations. It isn’t like it has to drink as frequently as other plants since these leaves will act like small water tanks for the plant, allowing it to go with water for a longer period.

Hence, if you skip watering your Snake plants for a certain duration, there is nothing to get stretched out because it maintains itself thanks to its clever mechanism of storing the water in its sturdy, tall leaves.

Read | Snake Plant to Bloom Indoors

Snake Plant Watering Requirements:

Snake plants originate from Southern Africa; therefore, they like warm temperatures as well, requiring less water, unlike other varieties. In the same token, the most popular error with these plants derives from over watering them, therefore helping one’self to be moderate is strongly advised. For the watering process, just find moderation.

Keep in mind that it is worth watering your snake plant lightly once a week. Let me give you an example: not more than this amount should be necessary. Don’t water it too often, which can result in root rotting, but also be cautious to provide it with the right amount of moisture. You may discover that your snake plant is getting extremely big and making other smaller ones vexed.

On the contrary, if you desire to keep its size under control, pruning is a good option to help you throughout the growth period that usually falls between spring and summer. One of the proper watering practices for snake plants is the bottom watering method. Apart from this, put water in a tray below the pot, and the plant’s roots will be rehydrated by nurturing from the bottom.

The bigger takeaway is that snake plants are sturdy and may withstand being watered occasionally drier than average. Consequently, it would be better to limit watering instead of overdosing them with moisture.

The Importance of Picking the Right Pot:

Pot Size: It is worth noting that choosing a pot that is slightly larger than your snake plant will help with proper plant growth. Do not use too large pots because they recruit more water excess, which will cause the plant to be overwatered. To simplify matters, just choose a pot about 3 inches wider than the original pot the plant would have been sitting in. The plant should be about 5 inches away from the top of the pot.

Drainage Holes: Pick a pot with drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from gathering and eventually causing the root to rot. For drainage purposes, put a plant saucer under the pot to collect water and avoid water splits.

Pot Material: Pot materials do not hold water the same way, which is an important factor. One-time use of different plastic pots does not require water replenishment since their non-porous feature enables them to retain water. Such pots with porous material are designed to allow for some moisture evaporation. You must consider the consequences of what the material will do to your watering regime.

Aesthetic Considerations: For example, you might think of a pot that is to your liking. There are an array of options to choose from, such as neutral shades, or if you prefer the thoughtfully chosen one, it will complement your environment.

Comparing Soil Types:

Selecting a soil mix that drains properly will become an important task for soil selection for your snake plant. Frequent potting soil might cause too much water and even root rot, so it’s better to stay away from it. Conversely, try cactus soil; it’s light and well-draining. Placing some big rocks at the bottom of the pot will also prevent water from forming a film around the roots.

Incorporating sand into the soil mix is a good option as it allows for effective drainage, which in turn prevents your snake plant’s roots from becoming waterlogged.

Interestingly, although many potted plants have problems with soil moisture, snake plants can flourish just in water. Here comes the weird part: It is actually true. We’ll get into this more in detail later on. The choice of the right mix of soil can lead to a high-performance environment for your snake plant in a new pot.

Location Matters Where to Place Your Snake Plant:

The location of your snake plant is vital for its survival and success. Here’s why:

Light Requirements: Snake plants thrive in indirect light and, therefore, make perfect plants for rooms with medium to low exposure to light. Setting them up near the window is best to get the filtered sunlight. Nevertheless, they can withstand dim environments, thus equally applicable to interior settings of many different kinds.

Temperature Sensitivity: These plants are indigenous to warm zones of climate, so they grow well during temperatures that range between 60-85°F (15-29°C). However, do not put them in drafty areas or near heating vents, as they may suffer from stress caused by excessive temperature variations.

Air Circulation: Fungal diseases are prevented by proficient air circulation. Take measures to ensure plants receive adequate air circulation by providing sufficient space between them and avoiding overcrowding.

Humidity Levels: Snake plants adapt well to changes in humidity, but they prefer conditions with medium humidity. In dry indoor environments, you may wish to consider raising the humidity levels, misting the plants or placing a humidifier nearby.

Space Consideration: Snake plants may grow as tall as wide, so find an area with sufficient space for the plant to have free and proper growing conditions. Ensure you install them in areas where people will not easily hit them.

Read | Best Pot for Snake Plants

Avoid Overwatering Your Plants:

These tips will keep your snake plant happy and in tip-top shape! Snake plants, although tough, can only handle a lot of activity. Correspondingly, they still need water. For best results, water once every week except on days with heavy light at intervals you feel comfortable.

Whatever light is in the room, be it less or more water, it will depend on how much room you have. Be sure to check the soil before watering, when you touch it on the top, it should still feel moist. If the observation of anything changes, like crunchy or wrinkled leaves, hurry up to save your plant from spider mites.

Please ensure you do not give your plants too much water. Otherwise, the foliage will become muffled and sad. If humidity is a factor, such as in a bathroom, adjust the amount of water you provide your plant accordingly. Fit the bill, and your snake plant will grow well.

Avoid Underwatering Your Plants:

They may be tough plants, but they must still be watered regularly. On average, it’s once a week to fourteen days or thereabout. How much water your plant needs is not the same as how much light it receives.

More light means more water per mouth, but less light means less water per mouth. You can detect whether you need to water your plant by feeling the top of the soil; if it is dry, then water it. If the leaves start turning brown or falling off, it is time to take action and save your plant.

However, avoid watering it in excessive amounts; otherwise, the leaves will become wrinkly or crispy. Adjust the watering frequency at home to find the correct balance according to the humidity levels in your home. Proper watering will help the snake plant grow well, and its beautiful green leaves will express a healthy and happy spirit.

Signs Your Snake Plant is Overwatered

If your snake plant has too much water, it might show some signs that something’s not right. Look for these clues:

Yellow leaves:

If your snake plant’s leaves turn yellow, it depicts that it is getting sufficient water. This plant, in fact, dislikes watering too much, because it becomes stagnant.

Mushy stems:

When you poke across the stems of your snake plant to see that they feel spongy and soggy, it’s clear that you have overwatered. The light should remove the squish of the stem.

Waterlogged soil:

Loosen the soil pot and observe the condition and color of the soil. If the plant sits in standing water, it will rot and die. Too frequent watering is not good for the health of your snake plant, either, if it hasn’t dried out between each watering.

Final Words:

Caring for your snake plant is simple and fulfilling, just like caring for a chill, low-maintenance friend. Water the plant every 2-3 weeks, but make sure the soil is dry before wetting it.

Look for indicators like wilted leaves or wrinkled surfaces, meaning the plant is thirsty and needs water. When choosing a container for your snake plant, opt for a smaller one with drainage holes so you don’t drown the plant in excess water.

Use cactus soil for better drainage or add some sand to regular soil. Situate your snake plant in an area with mild and indirect light, and try not to overwater, which causes the leaves to become mushy.

FAQs :

How do I determine if the snake plant needs water?

The soil surface is like your plant’s mood ring. If the soil is dry, your fingertips can tell your plant is thirsty. Pay attention to signals that the plant needs water, such as wrinkled or crunchy leaves.

Daily, how much water does a snake plant need?

Snake plants are hardy and resilient, so they do not stick to the daily routine we call quenching of thirst. Instead, aim at a schedule of once a month to ten days, with the adaptations according to light exposure, temperature, and humidity.

Do snake plants need sunlight?

Besides high illumination tolerance, they prefer slightly indirect light best. Draped in sumptuous coverings on a strategic position near a window ensures they enjoy superb brightness but are softened by the sun rays’ harshness.

What are the disadvantages of snake plants?

The garden also has its shadows. Although the snake is a hardy plant, too much watering can cause root rot, which appears in mushroomy leaves. A good hydration balance is essential for keeping these beautiful plants healthy.

How often to water snake plants indoors:

Water your indoor snake plant every 2-4 weeks. Consider allowing the soil to dry out between watering intervals. If the soil feels dry, stick your finger in it—it’s time to water.

How often to water snake plants in water:

Change the water of your snake plant when it’s in water for about 2 to 4 weeks. Ensure the roots are underwater, but avoid having them sit in stagnant water.

How often to water snake plants in the winter:

In winter, water the plants a little. Give the soil a few more days to dry up between waterings every other month. Adapt yourself according to your particular indoor circumstance.

How to tell if a snake plant needs water:

Put your finger in the ground, about an inch into the soil. When it feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a bit longer. Moreover, drooping or dry leaves may indicate that the plant needs watering.

How often to water snake plants Reddit:

If you consult with Reddit’s botanists, the usual advice is two to four weeks. Adapt your fertilization program to the particular plant’s needs and environmental conditions.

How much sunlight does a snake plant need:

Snake plants do best in indirect sunlight, but can survive with low light. Make them near a window with a shade or blinds. They are tough and can tolerate a wide range of light intensities.

Do you water a snake plant from the top or bottom:

Water the soil directly. Add water to the soil under the plant. Do not pour water on leaves or fill the rosette because snake plants do poorly when their leaves get wet.

How often to water snake plants in summer:

Increase the watering frequency to twice or thrice a week. The plant may need more water because of the high temperatures and the accelerated growth.

Read More:

• Why Is My Snake Plant Dying?
• Why Does My Snake Plant Have Brown Spots?
• What Makes Snake Plants Air-Purifying Heroes?