Snake plants come from a place called West Africa, in countries like Nigeria and Cameroon. It’s warm and maybe a little humid there. Because of their native environment, snake plants have adapted to survive in drought conditions. But even though they’re tough, there’s one thing that can kill a snake plant quickly: overwatering.
Let’s break down exactly how to water your snake plant so it stays healthy and vibrant.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
Your snake plant’s container plays a crucial role in how often you’ll need to water.
- Drainage holes: Make sure the pot has drainage holes to release excess water.
- Pot material: Terracotta pots are ideal because they allow the soil to dry out faster.
- Soil choice: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for succulents or cacti.
Checking Soil Moisture
The best way to find if your snake plant needs watering is to check the soil’s moisture:
- Finger test: Insert your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your snake plant. If it feels a little damp, wait a few more days before watering again.
Water Over the Soil
When it’s time to water your snake plant, do it directly over the soil, avoiding the leaves. Pour water until it starts to drain out from the bottom of the pot. Make sure that the roots receive required moisture without drowning the plant. Always remember that don’t water the leaves directly, as this can lead to root rot.
Bottom Watering Technique
Another way to water your snake plant is the bottom watering technique:
- Fill a bowl: Place the snake plant’s pot in a bowl of lukewarm water and leave it for about 10-15 minutes.
- Soil absorption: The soil will absorb water through the drainage holes.
- Remove from water: Once the top of the soil feels moist, remove the plant from the water.
Water Bath
For a deeper, less frequent watering, some gardeners opt for the water bath method. This involves fully submerging the plant pot in water for up to 30 minutes. It’s a good option if you are mostly forgotten to water, but make sure your soil is thoroughly dry before doing this.
How to Water a Snake Plant After Repotting It?
Give your snake plant a thorough drink of water immediately after repotting to help settle the soil and reduce transplant shock. After that initial watering, allow the soil to dry out as usual.
Common Watering Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering: This is the number one way to kill a snake plant. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing the plant to turn yellow and mushy. Stick to the soil test!
- Watering on a schedule: Snake plants don’t like being watered on a strict schedule. Before watering, always check the soil moisture.
- Misting: Snake plants, like most succulents, don’t need misting, which can cause moisture to sit on the leaves leading to rot.
Wrong Pot Size and Its Effect on Watering
Using a pot that is too large for your snake plant can lead to overwatering, as excess soil retains moisture for longer periods. Choose a pot that’s just slightly larger than the plant’s root ball to ensure proper drainage.
How Do I Know If My Snake Plant Is Overwatered?
- Yellow, soft leaves
- Mushy base
- Foul odor from the soil
If you notice these symptoms in your snake plant, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Underwatering Your Snake Plant
On the other hand, underwatering can also harm your snake plant. Symptoms of underwatering include dry, crispy leaves and drooping foliage. Before watering your plant, you must check the soil moisture using the finger test technique. This simple method will help prevent both underwatering and overwatering of your snake plant.
