Snake plants are some of the easiest houseplants to care for. However, the one thing they hate is too much water. Sadly, overwatering is a common problem and can be the death of a snake plant if not addressed.
Don’t worry! If you think your snake plant might be suffering from excess water, this blog will help you spot the signs and take steps to save it.
How to Fix an Overwatered Snake Plant? (Easy Steps)
- Stop watering, allow soil to fully dry out
- Remove your plant from its pot.
- Clear away soggy soil and trim all rotted roots.
- Repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
- Place in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Only water when the soil is completely dry.
Signs of an Overwatered Snake Plant
Identifying an overwatered snake plant is essential for saving it. Here’s how to find if your snake plant has too much water:
1- Drooping Leaves:
Healthy snake plant leaves are firm and upright. Overwatered leaves become limp and droopy.
2- Brown Spots:
These spots on the leaves could be a sign of a fungal infection caused by overwatering.
3- Rotting Roots:
The most serious problem – if your plant’s roots are rotting, immediate action is needed. You might only be able to see these by removing the plant from its pot.
4- Yellowing or Wilting Leaves:
This could indicate your plant is struggling to take water and nutrients it needs.
5- Soft, Soggy and Mushy Leaves:
A clear indication that the plant’s cell structure is breaking down from too much water.
6- Moldy Soil:
A sure sign your soil isn’t draining well.
7- Fungal Growth:
You may even see signs of fungus or mold on top of the soil.
How to Save an Overwatered Snake Plant
Noticed any of these signs? Here’s your action plan:
1- Stop Watering:
This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important step! Allow the soil to dry out completely.
2- Removing the Plant:
Carefully take the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots.
3- Remove Excess Water:
Gently remove as much wet soil as possible and let the roots air dry for a few hours. If possible, leave them in a sunny spot with good air circulation.
4- Treating Root Rot:
If there are signs of root rot (mushy, black roots), you’ll need to trim them back to their healthy roots. Sanitize your cutting tool before and after trimming to avoid spreading rot.
5- Repot with Dry Soil:
If the old soil is still soggy, replace it with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Choose a potting soil mix specifically for succulents or cacti. You can even add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
6- Move the Plant to a Sunny Spot:
Bright indirect sunlight will help evaporate excess moisture and speed up the drying process.
7- Monitor Soil Moisture:
From here, it’s about checking in! Watering your snake plant should begin once the soil has somewhat dried out. Now the question is how to identify? Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait!
8- Water When Necessary:
Snake plants don’t like to be constantly wet. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
How to Know if My Snake Plant Recovered
With your care, it should show signs of improvement within a week or two. New growth is the best sign your snake plant has bounced back!
Remember, prevention is better than cure!
