With their upright sword-shaped leaves and nearly indestructible nature snake plants are popular houseplants. But these succulent-like beauties are also some of the most drought tolerant. Knowing when to water a snake plant can be tricky since they prefer their soil on the dry side.
Miss the signs of thirst and you risk root rot But learn to read your plant and you can keep your snake plant hydrated and happy,
How Often Should You Water a Snake Plant?
Snake plants prefer infrequent but thorough watering. Aim to water only when the top 50% of the soil is dry. For most environments, this means watering every 2-3 weeks in the growing season and monthly in winter.
However, instead of sticking to a watering schedule, it’s better to watch for signs your snake plant needs a drink. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, light levels, and airflow all impact soil moisture. So let your plant show you when it’s thirsty!
7 Signs Your Snake Plant Needs Water
With experience, you’ll learn to read the body language of your snake plant. Here are 7 signals that indicate it’s time to water:
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Soil is dry – Check with your finger or probe. When the top half of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
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Leaves feel dry or brittle – Healthy leaves are firm and plump. Dehydration makes them dry, droopy, and crisp.
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Leaf tips browning – Dry brown tips scream for a watering. Brown along the edges or streaks also indicates thirst.
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Leaves curling inward – To conserve moisture, snake plant leaves will curl up. Time for a drink!
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Few new leaves – Inadequate water limits new growth. If you notice few new leaves, increase water slightly.
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Rootbound – Rootbound plants need more frequent watering. Check if roots are crowded.
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Light or shrunken leaves – Dehydration causes leaves to be smaller and lighter green.
![Thirsty snake plant with curling leaves and dry soil][]
Underwatered snake plants will have curling leaves. Image credit: The Spruce / Kara Riley
How to Water a Snake Plant
When those signs signal it’s time for a drink, water thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Here are tips for watering snake plants:
- Water early in the day to allow the leaves to dry fully.
- Remove any saucers and place pot in sink or tub to catch drainage.
- Pour water slowly until it runs from the drainage holes.
- Allow all excess water to drain fully before returning the pot to its home.
- Only water again once the top half of soil is dry.
- In winter, allow even more time between waterings, waiting until soil is almost completely dry.
- Mist leaves occasionally to boost humidity.![Brown dry snake plant tips from under watering][]
Dry brown tips are a key sign your snake plant needs water. Image credit: Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images
Problems from Overwatering
While under-watering causes dry, shriveled leaves, overwatering can also damage snake plants. Too much moisture results in:
- Soft, mushy, translucent leaves
- Blackened, rotten roots
- Foul odor from rotting
- Leaf spotting and yellowing
- Drooping or collapsed leaves
- Mold or fungus on soil or plants
To treat, stop watering and move the plant to dryer conditions. Remove any diseased leaves and trim off damaged roots before repotting in fresh, dry soil.
Achieving the Balance
Learning when your specific snake plant needs water simply takes patience and observation. With experience, you’ll easily read when your plant is thirsty. Maintain that balance with proper watering and drainage and you can enjoy a happy, thriving snake plant for years to come!
Soil Dryness Test
To check if your snake plant is in need of water, perform a simple soil dryness test. Stick your finger into the soil about 2-3 inches deep. If it feels like youve hit a dry spell, its time to water. Remember that you should let the topsoil dry out between waterings to avoid damaging it too much, which is just as bad as not watering it at all.
Watering Frequency and Seasonal Adjustments
The camels of houseplants are snake plants. Their leaves store water and they do best when you don’t care for them. Typically, watering every 1-2 weeks should cut it. But heres the kicker: they want to dry out completely between drinks.
When winter hits, your snake plant is basically binge-watching Netflix and chilling. Its dormant, so its not guzzling water. Cut back on watering to once a month. Overwatering can turn your plant into a mushy mess, and nobody wants that.
Come summer, your snake plant is living its best life. Its growing, and its thirsty. Increase watering frequency, but only if the soil screams Sahara. Remember, these plants are drought-tolerant, not drama queens.
Water Your Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Properly
FAQ
How do I know if I need to water my snake plant?
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