The snake plants are virtually indestructible. They thrive when you don’t bother the signs that they are. Most of the time, these beautiful plants were identified botanically as Sansevieria; however, in 2023, botanists changed their classification to Dracaena. They’re being sold in both botanical and horticultural names. These plants that require little maintenance can thrive at any level of light, even in those dark interior corners that want some greenery.
One thing that’s a challenge when it comes to cultivating these traditional home plants is the art of navigating snake plant watering. They thrive in neglect. Therefore, it’s recommended not to water until the soil has become completely dry. However, it can be a good idea to wait a couple of days, mainly when you are prone to watering too many plants.
What is the reason my snake plant is changing color?
The snake plant you have is probably becoming yellow because of overwatering. Snake plants do not require lots of water. Most of the time, if the upper portion of the soil appears dry, it’s time to water your snake plant.
The most efficient method to test soil water content is to insert your finger in the soil. Be cautious not to harm the plant. It is also possible to invest in a soil-moisture gauge. They typically gauge the amount of moisture by color: green for sufficient water, red or yellow for dry soil, and blue for saturated soil.
How often should you how often to
This plant is drought-resistant in comparison to many indoor plant species. Because of this, it can be watered once every two weeks. If you do not remember to water it, don’t worry! When there is a water shortage, the plant will be okay and may not require water for a couple of weeks or longer. They can dry out between waterings. But it’s essential to watch your snake plant and be aware of the best time and method to water to avoid making any mistakes with watering. Maintaining the snake plant is easy if you keep these guidelines in mind.
Steps To Determine When Your Snake Plant Is Sufficiently Hydrated
If you’ve bought snake plants for the very first time can be challenging to tell if the plant is watered correctly, so here are some suggestions to help you establish the ideal watering routine.
Step 1
After you have watered your plant, you’ll see that the soil has become deeper (either deep brown or blackish brown, depending on the topsoil you use). Also, the ground appears to shine slightly immediately following the watering (for a minimum of a few seconds).
This implies that you have supplied the soil with sufficient water to absorb for the time being. If you place your finger against the ground, you should observe water flowing from it over your finger.
Step 2
Once you’ve watered your plant, make sure you be around to be observant of the changes in the hue of the topsoil. It usually takes between 1 hour. When you are done, you’ll notice the soil has lost its shine, but it’s still darker in appearance and color than it was before adding the water. If you put your finger into the dirt, you won’t notice any water rising to the surface over your finger.
Step 3
During 24 to 36 hours, you will observe that some parts of the soil remain dark brown or black, whereas others have slightly brightened. This is a positive indication. There should not be any water over the top of the soil. Also, putting your fingers into the ground should feel damp to the contact.
If the top layer of your soil is dry, it indicates that you have not sufficiently watered the plant and might require more watering.
What’s The Best Type Of Water For Snake Plants?
There are many kinds of water used to water snake plants.
The most well-known choices are spring water, rainwater water, and water that is distilled.
Every type of water is different and has its advantages and disadvantages.
Rainwater is beneficial because it contains many minerals and oxygen, and distilled water is free of harmful chemicals.
What happens to your regular tap water?
Many variables impact the quality of the water you drink, such as the location you reside in.
Certain plants aren’t a fan of the chemicals or minerals they are injected with.
Carbonates, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates are among the minerals that are found in the water you drink.
The magnesium and calcium salts accumulate on the soil’s surface—your ground, within the plant pot, or the sides of it.
Most of the time, these salts aren’t harmful; however, they could alter the nutrients and pH that your soil has over time, harming your plants.
Residents of areas with hard water can safeguard their plants by flushing their soil with rainwater, pure water, or bottles of water.
Watering Snake Plants According to the Location
The position of the snake plant plays an essential aspect when it comes to watering. If you’re thinking about how often to water a Snake Plant, Learn more about:
If you’re growing in a room in direct sunlight all day long, The growing medium could be dry promptly. Therefore, it is recommended to water less frequently.
You can test the saturation level of your indoor snake plant every 8-10 days using a moisture gauge or conducting an experiment with your finger.
Keep in mind that you’re suggested to create a plan for checking the soil’s water content, but wait to establish an arrangement to water every eight days—only water when the ground appears dry.
If the site for the plant’s snake is outside or on a patio or balcony, it needs to be exposed to brighter sun and bright light than inside. In this case, the plant’s growing medium will dry out faster, and you should test the level of dampness in the soil every 5-7 days.
How To Water A Snake Plant
Beware tap water since it contains chlorine, which can harm plant leaves. If you’re only connected to water from the tap, let it rest overnight to let chemical compounds and chlorine be dispersed.
Avoid wetting the leaves, and ensure to avoid letting the water sit in the base of the plant’s leaves since it could cause severe plant decay.
When you plant or repot your snake plant, be sure that the container for your plant is well-drained at the bottom. You can also utilize the highly porous potting mix to keep the water from logging into it.
Like other succulents, Snake plants retain the water they need in their rhizomes, leaves, and roots. This means that the plants can thrive even without regular irrigation.
If the plant gets regular watering, you won’t need to be concerned about anything for a minimum of two weeks.
You can check the soil’s moisture every week or once, But the plant won’t need irrigation for at least two weeks.
What would an overwatered snake plant appear like?
The most apparent indication of an overwatered plant is when its leaves lose their shape. They are known for their rigid leaves that face upwards. When they slide at any angle, you must reduce the water you give them. The leaves become yellow and mushy around the base of the plant, indicating that they have been overwatered or that root rot might have begun.
Here’s a brief guideline on how to save your snake plant overwatered:
- Let the 2 inches of soil above completely dry.
- Take the plant out of its pot and examine the roots. If the roots haven’t begun to rot, put the plant back in the pool. It will rest for two weeks and follow the appropriate watering timing.
- The water should be poured around the outside of the plant pot. Keep the plant’s base and leaves dry. The bank should drain quickly before putting it back onto the drain dish. Ensure that the top two inches of soil are not wet before you water it again.
- Replace the potting soil if it’s too compact and does not drain quickly. That could be the reason for root decay. It is possible to utilize a pre-made potting mix for succulents.
- If the leaves are falling, the base is turning yellow, and the roots are decaying, it’s hard to rescue the plant in this stage. You can remove the leaf’s best part and grow it into fresh snakes by placing them in well-drained soil.
How long can snake plants last?
In general, the snake plant is slow to grow, but it may see a growth boost when you plant it outside in the summer months. What is the length of time the snake plant last? The typical life span of the snake plant is between five and ten years. However, they could live for up to 25 years or even.
Do plants from snakes help you sleep?
The snake plant (also called mother-in-law’s tongue) is a natural air purifier. It releases oxygen during the night, which helps you sleep more comfortably. It also removes harmful chemicals from the air, like xylene toluene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde.
Final Thoughts
Check the soil before applying water, and watch for signs of excess watering and dehydration. You’ll not have any issues keeping your Sansevieria adequately hydrated. Using a coarse and fast-draining potting mix could also get an advantage. This advice will help to keep your Snake Plant hydrated and allows it to grow stronger.