How Often to Water a Snake Plant So It Stays Healthy for Decades

Snake plants are one of the most popular houseplants among gardeners. This is largely because of how low-maintenance they are, often withstanding less than ideal conditions, like low light and low water. However, for this plant to thrive (rather than just survive) its water needs must be met. Too much water and a snake plant's leaves can turn yellow and mushy, too little and the tips can turn brown. To help you get it right, we spoke to experts who shared their tips for how often to water a snake plant—and how to know if it needs more or less.

How Often to Water a Snake Plant

Generally, you should water a snake plant when most of the soil feels dry to the touch. The soil tends to dry out faster during spring and summer, so you'll likely need to water your snake plant more often during these months. "During the growing season, check your snake plant every five to seven days, if the soil is still moist wait another day or two and check again before watering," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms.

Factors That Determine How Much Water a Snake Plant Needs

While soil dryness is a good indicator for when to water a snake plant, how often this plant needs water depends on a range of factors, including temperature, sunlight, humidity, soil quality, and the size of your plant, says Hancock.

Sunlight

The more sunlight a snake plant receives the faster the soil will dry out and the more water it will need. "The snake plant in higher light levels receives more radiant light to photosynthesize and will develop more leaves than one in lower light levels. Water is a key element in photosynthesis," says Hancock.

Soil Type

Your potting medium will also dictate how often a snake plant needs water. "The more air spaces in the medium, the faster it will dry out," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. If the snake pant is potted in well-drained soil it will need more water than if it's potted in soil that is not well-drained.

Temperature

A snake plant in colder temperatures requires less water than in warmer temperatures, says Hancock. This is because in cooler temperatures, the plant leaves keep the stomata closed. "In warmer temperatures the stomata are open," says Hancock. When the stomata are open, photosynthesis can occur.

Pot Size and Type

Generally, the size of a container could mean the snake plant has a more developed root system and thus needs more water. In addition to size, container type is also important. "If the pot is plastic, the water does not evaporate as easily," says Hancock. "If the plant is in a clay pot, the water will evaporate through the clay pot. So, snake plants in clay pots will need to be watered more frequently."

How to Water a Snake Plant

There are a few ways you can water a snake plant. Top watering is the most common method. For this, pour water over the potting medium, making sure not to get the foliage wet. Another method for watering snake plants is bottom watering, which experts prefer. For this, fill a tray with about an inch of water and place the pot with your snake plant on top of the dish.

For each method, check back about 10 minutes after watering and make sure the plant isn't sitting in water. "If your snake plant sits in standing water for an extended amount of time—more than a couple of hours—the chance of root suffocation, death, and rot increases," says Langelo.

Signs Your Snake Plant Is Overwatered

An overwatered snake plant typically has yellow leaves that are soft and squishy. "Feel the potting mix; overwatered mix will likely feel moist or wet," says Langelo. "As roots suffocate and die, they’re likely to be soft, squishy, and discolored instead of firm and white." 

Signs Your Snake Plant Is Underwatered

A thirsty snake plant may exhibit drooping, limp leaves. Additionally, the tips of a snake plant's leaves may turn brown when it's dehydrated, a condition called scorch. "This happens when the roots do not have enough water to absorb from the soil," says Hancock.