Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, are extremely hardy houseplants that can tolerate neglect. Their ability to go extended periods without water is one of the reasons they are so popular and easy to care for.
How Often to Water Snake Plants
In general, snake plants prefer to dry out between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, aim to water your snake plant every 2-4 weeks. In fall and winter when growth slows, you can water even less frequently, around once a month.
There are a few factors that determine exactly how often your individual plant will need water:
- Pot size – Plants in smaller pots will need more frequent watering than those in larger pots.
- Environment – Snake plants in brighter light or higher temperatures require more frequent watering.
- Soil mix – Well-draining soil mixes can go longer between waterings than soil that retains moisture.
- Plant size – Larger, more established plants can tolerate longer periods of drought than smaller, younger snake plants.
Get to know your plant’s needs by feeling the soil and watching for any signs of drooping. Water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil are dry.
Signs Your Snake Plant Needs Water
Here are a few signs that indicate your snake plant is thirsty and ready to be watered:
- Soil is completely dry
- Plant looks limp, leaves droop
- Leaves appear wrinkled or shriveled
- Leaves feel soft and thinner
- Soil pulls away from the edges of the pot
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to give your snake plant a good, deep watering until excess runs out the bottom drainage holes. This will rehydrate the plant and perk it up.
How Long Can Snake Plants Go Without Water?
Snake plants can survive without water for weeks at a time. Here are some estimates for how long they can tolerate drought:
- 1-2 weeks – Snake plants can go this long without water under normal indoor conditions. Leaves may start to droop.
- 3-4 weeks – Healthy snake plants can easily go this long without water. Growth may slow or stop.
- 1-2 months – If conditions are ideal, established snake plants can survive up to 2 months without water. Extreme dehydration may occur.
- 3+ months – Under extreme conditions, some snake plants have survived over 3 months without any water. This risks long-term damage though.
While snake plants are resilient, it’s best not to intentionally deprive them of water for extended periods. Timely watering is still important for maintaining healthy growth.
Signs of Extreme Underwatering
If a snake plant goes too long without water, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Shriveling or collapse of leaves
- Brown, crispy leaf tips
- Yellowing or browning of lower leaves
- Dry, cracked, or loose soil
- Stunted growth
- Flowers or pups failing to thrive
Severe underwatering stresses the plant and makes it more prone to pests and diseases. It can be difficult for snake plants to recover if neglected for too long.
How to Revive an Underwatered Snake Plant
Here are some tips for bringing your parched snake plant back to life:
- Water thoroughly. Slowly water until it drains out the bottom to rehydrate the entire root zone.
- Trim dead leaves. Remove any leaves that have fully shriveled and died.
- Move to shade. Place the plant in a shady spot while it recovers.
- Mist leaves. Use a spray bottle to add humidity while the plant heals.
- Repot if needed. Switch to fresh, well-draining soil if the old soil has become hydrophobic.
- Fertilize cautiously. Use a weak dilution to provide nutrients without shocking the plant.
With some time and care, snake plants are remarkably resilient and will often bounce back from underwatering stress. Just be sure to resume a regular watering schedule going forward.
Can You Overwater a Snake Plant?
While it’s common to underwater snake plants, you can also overwater them. Because they have thick, succulent leaves and stems, they are prone to rot if kept too wet.
Here are some signs of overwatering:
- Wilting leaves
- Yellow, translucent leaves
- Black or mushy roots
- Rotten odor
- Excess moisture in soil
- Presence of fungus gnats
To fix an overwatered snake plant, stop watering and allow the soil to fully dry out. Repot in fresh, dry soil if needed. Remove any mushy or rotten roots before replanting.
Tips to Prevent Overwatering
Here are some tips to avoid overwatering your snake plant:
- Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil.
- Only water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
- Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then do not water again until dry.
- Pour out any water that collects in the saucer under the pot.
- Allow more time between waterings in cool weather or darker conditions.
- Check for signs of moisture stress like wilting and discoloration.
With proper care, you can keep your snake plant thriving for years without worry of overwatering.
Conclusion
Snake plants are champions when it comes to tolerating drought. While they prefer not to sit in soaked soil, allowing them to fully dry out between waterings is key to their health. With their succulent leaves and hearty root system, established snake plants can withstand weeks without water if needed.
To make sure your snake plant gets the moisture it needs, water thoroughly only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Pay attention for visible signs of dehydration like drooping or shriveled leaves. With proper care, your hardy snake plant will flourish for years as a remarkably resilient houseplant.