Snake plants are one of the most popular houseplants, and they’re easy to take care of, too. They thrive in low light and can survive on just water alone (and no fertilizer). What would happen if your snake plant died? If you see any of these signs, it might be time to bring it back to life!
It’s likely that your snake plant isn’t getting enough water if it has stopped growing up and is now hanging down with dry leaves. Snake plants are tropical plants that require consistent watering.
The first step to reviving your snake plant is to check how often you have been watering it. If you haven’t been watering the plant in a few weeks, this could be causing the drooping leaves. Every one to two weeks, you should water your plants with a watering can or a drip system that slowly adds water.
If your snake plant still looks droopy after you water it, you might need to move it to new soil and water it more often (about once a month) until it starts to grow again.
If your snake plant is turning yellow, it’s likely because it’s being underwatered. This could be a problem if you don’t water often or if the soil has a lot of dust or dirt on top of it. Before putting the plants back in their pot, you should clean off any buildup on the leaves and let the roots rehydrate.
If your snake plant’s leaves are wrinkled, it could mean the plant is not getting enough water. The roots take water from the leaves to stay alive when the soil dries out. This keeps their processes running smoothly. This causes them to dry out and wrinkle up. Keep an eye on this if you want your snake plant to stay healthy so you can enjoy its beauty!
The resilient snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Saint George’s sword, is known for being nearly indestructible But even this tough plant can show signs of distress if underwatered for too long. Read on to learn how to spot the symptoms of underwatering in a snake plant and restore it back to health
What Causes Underwatering in Snake Plants?
Snake plants prefer infrequent but deep watering. Their fleshy leaves and roots are adapted to storing moisture for the long dry spells they experience in the wild. But we sometimes underwater these desert natives by mistake with our good intentions. Here are some common causes of underwatering:
- Forgetting or neglecting to water regularly enough
- Having the plant in a pot without drainage holes
- Using a soil mix that doesn’t hold moisture well
- Keeping the plant in a spot with excessive heat or dry air
While they can tolerate some drought, inadequately hydrated snake plants will eventually show signs of distress.
Signs Your Snake Plant is Underwatered
Here are the most common symptoms that indicate your snake plant needs more frequent watering
-
Curled leaves – The normally stiff, upright leaves bend and curl inward when dehydrated.
-
Browning leaf tips – The edges turn yellowish-brown and crispy when moisture stressed.
-
Wrinkled leaves – The leaves pucker and develop wrinkled ridges without enough water.
-
Drooping – Severely dehydrated leaves start to bend over and droop.
-
Dropped leaves – Extreme underwatering can cause the lower leaves to yellow, shrivel and fall off.
-
Dry soil – The potting mix pulls away from the sides of the pot and has a parched look when bone dry.
-
Slow growth – Inadequate water stifles new leaf production and expansion.
-
Root bound – Neglected plants concentrate their roots in a tight ball as moisture decreases.
Reviving an Underwatered Snake Plant
Don’t dismay if you discover your snake plant is underwatered! Here is a step-by-step guide to rehabilitation:
-
Water thoroughly – Allow water to soak down into the root zone until it drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This initial soaking hydrates the entire root system.
-
Trim any dead parts – Remove dried up, damaged foliage to improve appearance and redirect growth energy. Make clean cuts with sterilized shears.
-
Repot if rootbound – Carefully remove from the pot and loosen tightly packed roots before repotting in fresh soil, if needed. This encourages new moisture-absorbing roots.
-
Move to a better spot – Choose a warm spot with moderate sunlight and humidity. Avoid drafty areas.
-
Water more frequently – Snake plants need infrequent but deep watering. But an underwatered plant may need more moisture while recovering. Allow the soil to partly dry out between waterings.
-
Fertilize lightly – Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength while your plant regains its vigor.
-
Mist occasionally – Misting the leaves can provide a humid boost during rehabilitation. But take care not to overdo it.
-
Be patient – It can take several weeks to months for an underwatered snake plant to fully recover and resume growth. But don’t give up!
With some TLC and adjusted care, even severely distressed snake plants often bounce back well. Just heed their call for a drink with prompt rehydration when you notice any symptoms of underwatering in the future.
What Causes Snake Plants to Need More Water?
Though snake plants are drought-tolerant, they do need occasional deep watering to look their best. There are a few factors that can increase their moisture needs:
-
Warm or hot conditions – Heat accelerates water loss from the leaves.
-
Lots of sunlight – Brilliant light makes them transpire more.
-
Dry indoor air – Low humidity leaches moisture from the plant.
-
Small pot size – More frequent watering is needed in smaller containers.
-
Highly organic potting mix – Soil with lots of peat or compost dries out faster.
-
Rapid growth – Fast growing plants need more hydration.
-
Rootbound plant – Compacted roots absorb less water. Time to repot!
Adjust your watering practices to suit your specific environment and the needs of your plant.
Tips for Watering Snake Plants
Here are some best practices for hydrating your snake plant properly:
-
Allow the potting soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Test with your finger.
-
When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes.
-
Pour water slowly to ensure it all gets absorbed by the soil and roots.
-
Water less frequently in winter when light and growth decrease.
-
Use room temperature water rather than cold water.
-
Always water into the soil, not on the leaves.
-
Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Getting familiar with your plant’s watering needs through experience will help you maintain that sweet spot of moisture. A little attention goes a long way!
Signs It’s Time to Water Your Snake Plant
In addition to dry soil, here are some visual clues that your snake plant is thirsty:
-
Leaves are curled inward or wrinkled.
-
Leaves look thinner and deflated.
-
Leaves start turning yellow or browning on the tips/edges.
-
Soil pulls away from the sides of the pot.
-
Pot feels very lightweight when lifted.
-
New growth has slowed or stopped.
Rely on these telling signs of dehydration rather than watering on a fixed schedule. Your individual plant and growing conditions will dictate ideal timing.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Underwatering
It’s easy to accidentally underwater your snake plant. Here are some common watering errors:
-
Forgetting to check soil moisture regularly.
-
Watering too infrequently, like once a month.
-
Not watering thoroughly enough when you do water.
-
Using a pot without drainage holes.
-
Keeping in a spot that is too hot and dry.
-
Assuming it can survive long periods without any water.
-
Relying on a set watering schedule rather than signs of thirst.
-
Not increasing water needs when repotting into a larger container.
Avoiding these missteps will help ensure your snake plant gets the moisture it needs to thrive! Learning its care preferences prevents underwatering mishaps.
When to Water After Repotting Snake Plants
Repotting into fresh soil is a convenient time to give your snake plant a nice drink. Follow these tips for watering after repotting:
-
Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
-
Allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again, testing moisture with your finger.
-
Expect to water a little more frequently while new roots establish in the new soil.
-
Reduce watering frequency again once the roots take hold, unless it’s summer.
-
Don’t fertilize immediately after repotting – wait a few weeks until it recovers.
With attentive care after repotting, your snake plant will quickly bounce back and resume growing happily in its roomy new pot.
Catching underwatering issues promptly can allow you to reverse the damage and nurse your snake plant back to health. Learning the telltale signs of thirst helps you provide just the right amount of water. With a little extra TLC, an underwatered snake plant can make a full recovery. Consistent deep watering when the soil dries out will keep it looking lush.
Cycles of Growth and Dormancy
There are two basic cycles of growth and dormancy that snake plants experience. The first is known as the active cycle, which lasts from the beginning of spring through summer. During this time, your plant should look vibrant and healthy, with new leaves growing rapidly. But in the fall, your snake plant will stop growing for about six weeks. It will start growing again in early winter, which is called the second cycle. During this dormant period, it will appear to have stopped growing completely but don’t worry—this is normal!.
If you suspect your snake plant has entered its dormant state, there are a few ways to tell.
- First, check the leaves. If they look droopy and limp, the plant probably hasn’t had enough water.
- Next, check for any brown spots on the leaves. If you see some, your snake plant probably needs some water.
- Lastly, look at the soil around your plant. If it’s dry and not very wet, that’s probably why it’s not looking its best.
Do not water your snake plant if you think it has gone into its dormant state. Overwatering during this time can cause root rot or mold growth on the topsoil. Instead, wait until the soil feels dry before watering again, which could take up to three weeks. You can also check by sticking an inch-long stick into the ground. If there is no water at all, it’s time for some H2O!
Holes, Discoloration, or Dark Spots on Leaves
Should the leaves of your snake plant start to turn yellow, brown, or black spots, it could mean that it needs more water. Too much dry soil for a long time can lead to this condition, which eventually kills off parts of the plant.
Plants will look sickly and unhealthy over time if they don’t get enough water to grow well. The leaves will begin to look wilted as they dry out more quickly than normal. As the problem worsens, new growths may even turn brown or black before dying off entirely!.
Should you worry that your snake plant is having this problem (or any other), here are some things you can do to help it get better:
Signs Of Underwatered Snake Plant (And How To Revive It)
How do you know if a snake plant is underwatered?
This is helpful for correct diagnosis of the underwatering problem. To tell if the snake plant has been underwatered, first and foremost, check the appearance of its leaves. If your snake plants are dehydrated, the first thing you are likely to see is some brown tips on the leaves. The tips are usually dry and feel crispy to touch.
How do you know if a snake plant needs watering?
Signs a snake plant needs watering include wrinkling, drooping, leaf curling, brown tips, dry edges, yellowing/browning leaves, brittle leaves, and stunted growth. Always check and water the plant when the soil dries up. How long does a snake plant live?
What happens if you overwater a snake plant?
Overwatering your snake plant can cause signs similar to those of root rot and other problems. So, what are the specific signs and how do you save an overwatered snake plant? An overwatered snake plant will show signs including drooping, leaves turning yellow, and falling over easily.
What are the signs of utmost thirst in snake plants?
The signs of utmost thirst usually appear first in the leaves of the plants. Such gestures of Snake Plant include wrinkling. Wrinkles for plants are similar to humans. These are lines that appear on the surfaces of the leaves. They come in short and long sizes with varying depths.