Growing snake plants successfully requires attention to watering habits
In fact, this is the single largest care factor you must learn to grow a healthy snake plant of any variety
Snake plants require very little water, they are masters of storing moisture
Add more water only when soil is dry down at least 2 to 3 inches.
Allow the roots to get pretty dry so the plant is using some stored water occasionally
Snake plants can thrive 2 to 8 weeks without water
This may seem like a long time, and it is for a common houseplant
During the warmer months your plant will use more nutrients and waterAs the Snake Plant goes dormant in winter, less water and nutrients are used by the plant
Everything from humidity levels, plant maturation, soil and pot drainage, and pot size will effect how often you need to water your Snake Plant
Snake Plants don’t appreciate misting
These low humidity plants don’t need more water on their leaves, but they will enjoy an occasional leaf washing to keep the dust off
The leaves will be firm, thick, shiny and have good color when well hydrated
Even after the soil is completely dry a snake plant will draw on its internal moisture reserves before it shows significant distress
Pour in the amount of water needed to run through the planter and out onto the drain plate
Then, let it drain completely, and dump out any excess moisture left in the bottom plate
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again
Signs of overwatering a Snake Plant Include droopy leaves, or fading and yellowing leaves Leaves may also wilt and feel spongy or mushy
Snake plants are not fussy about how you water them
Just remember to keep the crown and leaves dry after you are done
Top watering is when you water directly onto the top of the soil, being careful not to get water directly into the leaf furls
With bottom watering you soak the pot from the bottom drain holes or reservoir pot
Allow the plant to soak up water from the bottom of the planter until the soil is saturated
Self watering methods include
LECA clay balls which absorb the water allowing the roots to pull moisture as needed
Self watering pots (which are bottom watering pots) are another great self watering system
What does an under watered Snake Plant look like?
The top growth has brown spots and leaves have dry brown dead tips
Curled up, jagged leaf edges or sucked in leaves indicate your leaves are exhausted of moisture