It is also called Dracaena trifasciata. The snake plant is one of the most common and well-known houseplants today. These plants are simple to grow but are very sensitive. It can hurt the plant if it doesn’t get enough water and sunlight. Overwatering in snake plants has become very common. The leaves will turn yellow and mushy due to overwatering. If the situation is not handled, then gradually the plant will wilt away.
That’s why we’re going to talk about how to save a snake plant from getting too much water today!
As a long-time snake plant owner, I’ve definitely made some mistakes caring for these hardy yet temperamental plants. And the most common error I’ve encountered is overwatering. Snake plants may be drought-tolerant, but too much moisture can still cause major issues.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about fixing an overwatered snake plant. Here’s what I’ll discuss
- How to identify the signs of overwatering
- Dangers like root rot and pests
- Step-by-step revival process
- Tips to prevent future overwatering
- Answers to frequently asked questions
While it can be disheartening to see your beloved snake plant struggling from too much water, just remember – these plants are resilient survivors. With the right care, your snake plant can make a full recovery!
Recognizing the Signs of Overwatering
Snake plants prefer infrequent yet deep watering But how can you tell if you’ve given your plant too much hydration? Here are some telltale signs
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Soft, mushy, or rotting roots
- Foul odor from potting mix
- Presence of fungi or mold
- Standing water in pot
- Bugs like fungus gnats
You may also notice leaves turning yellow or brown, new growth slowing down, and the overall plant appearing weak and limp. If you spot any of these symptoms, excess moisture is likely the culprit.
Dangers of Overwatering Snake Plants
While snake plants are highly adaptable, too much water can still spell disaster. Here are some of the biggest risks:
Root Rot – One of the most common and serious complications of overwatering is root rot. This fungal infection causes roots to turn soft and mushy. It blocks their ability to absorb nutrients and water.
Pests – Excess moisture attracts bugs like fungus gnats or mosquito larvae, which can damage roots. These pests thrive in damp conditions.
Disease – Bacteria and fungi also prosper in wet soil. Overwatering makes snake plants more prone to deadly infections. Powdery mildew, southern blight, and root/stem rot are particular concerns.
Death – If left unchecked, overwatering can be fatal. Waterlogged roots are unable to nourish the plant, leading to gradual decline or sudden collapse. Act promptly when you notice overwatering!
How To Revive an Overwatered Snake Plant
Don’t panic if you’ve overloved your snake plant with too much watering. Here are some tips to help it recover:
1. Remove from Soil – Take the plant out of its pot and carefully separate the roots from the wet soil. Discard any potting mix that doesn’t drain well.
2. Trim Damaged Roots – Clean off any mushy, rotten roots using sterile pruners. Healthy roots should be firm and white/cream colored. Only remove what’s necessary.
3. Let Dry & Callous – Allow remaining roots to dry out for a day or two. This helps callous over any cuts and prevents introducing pathogens.
4. Repot in Fresh Mix – Choose a potting blend made for cacti and succulents, which drains rapidly. Add extra perlite for aeration.
5. Pick Sunny Spot – Place repotted plant in bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can dry soil too quickly.
6. Hold Off Watering – Let soil dry out completely before watering again. Only add water when mix is bone dry 1-2 inches down.
7. Monitor for Recovery – Over the next few weeks, watch for new growth and other signs of health. Adjust care as needed.
With attentive treatment, your snake plant can bounce back from overwatering. Just be sure to find the moisture balance it thrives in.
Preventing Future Overwatering
Once you’ve revived your overwatered snake plant, it’s crucial to modify your care routine to stop excess water issues in the future. Here are some handy tips:
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Always check soil moisture before watering with your finger. Only water when potting mix is dry 1-2 inches down.
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Use free-draining cactus/succulent soil and add extra perlite or pumice.
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Make sure container has drainage holes at the bottom to let excess water escape.
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Add crushed gravel layer at pot bottom to improve drainage.
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Cut back on watering frequency in winter when growth slows.
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Water deeply until it drains from bottom, then don’t water again until soil is dry.
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Let water pool in drainage tray briefly then discard excess. Don’t let plant sit in water.
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Use terra cotta pots which naturally dry out faster than plastic containers.
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Repot whenever roots fill out container or potting mix compacts over time.
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Consider using self-watering pots to provide consistent moisture level.
A bit of attentive care goes a long way in keeping snake plants hydrated just right. Monitor soil moisture and adjust your watering habits based on what your plant needs in its environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overwatered Snake Plants
If you’re struggling to revive your overloved snake plant, here are answers to some common questions:
How often should you water a snake plant?
Water a snake plant only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. This might mean watering once every 2-6 weeks depending on temperature, humidity, light exposure, and other factors.
What does an overwatered snake plant look like?
Signs of overwatering include wilting, mushy leaves and stems, brown leaf tips, slowed growth, mold or fungus on the soil, foul odors, and drainage issues.
Can a snake plant recover from root rot?
If more than 50% of roots are healthy, a snake plant can bounce back from root rot with proper treatment. Remove all diseased roots, repot in fresh dry soil, hold off watering, and provide bright indirect light.
Should you remove yellow leaves on a snake plant?
It’s best to remove any fully yellow leaves showing signs of rot or damage. But if they are just yellowing due to stress, leave them be and address underlying issues like overwatering. The leaves may recover.
How do you fix a drooping snake plant?
Drooping leaves are a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Repot in well-draining cactus mix if needed. Increase light exposure and humidity. Cut off any rotted roots or foliage.
What soil is best for snake plants?
Snake plants thrive in a fast-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. Add extra perlite or gravel to improve drainage. Avoid moisture-retaining potting mixes.
Keeping your snake plant properly hydrated takes some trial and error. But with the right adjustments, you can easily fix overwatering issues and keep your plant thriving for years to come.
Step 4: Repotting The Plant
Repotting the snake plant into fresh soil is the last step in saving it from overwatering. If the soil is moldy or extremely damp and squishy, you should take this action. Also, if the plant has turned yellow, this is a great idea because the new soil will have a great balance of nutrients, including nitrogen.
Remove the plant from the pot, then remove any extra soil. Repot the plant using high-quality, new potting soil that is fresh and well-drained. Before replanting, the pot should be cleaned and sanitized. This will help get rid of any mold that has grown on it. Once the plant has been re-potted, wait a few days for it to settle in the new soil before giving it water. Be careful and limit the watering of the snake plant.
Here’s how to repot snake plant step by step,
- Collect the sanitized tools. Root rake, chopstick, pruner, etc.
- Remove the soil around the root with a root rake.
- Remove the plant and check to see if it needs to be re-potted by looking at how damaged it is.
- Clean the soil off the roots with a chopstick even if you don’t need to re-pot. It is possible to give the soil a fresh start because fertilizers can build up minerals that aren’t needed. But be careful when you poke with a chopstick, because snake plant roots are weak and easily broken.
- With a pair of shears, cut the damaged roots. Even out each root by cutting back for finer top growth.
- Put a mesh over the drainage holes in any pot, new or old.
- Secure the mesh with wire.
- Put down a thin layer of something that drains and then another layer of soil.
- Put the plant down and fill in any gaps with more soil. Move your fingers around in the dirt to get rid of any air pockets that are there. You can use chopsticks to remove air pockets as well.
- The last step is to give the pot a lot of water, keep it at room temperature, and add humidity.
- Don’t give the plant direct sunlight right away. Wait for a couple of weeks to provide it.
Q Should I mist my snake plant?
Ans. No matter how easy it may be, misting your snake plants is not advised. This is because they like their leaves to be dry, so misting them could damage or infect the leaves. Misting is not always necessary and it is only required by specific plants. Also, ensure to provide your snake plant with all the other amenities it needs.