Factors affecting the need for water
Water requirements of snake plants are determined by only a few factors.
Pot types
When choosing pots for watering and planting plants, pot type is the most ignorant factor. The right pot type can facilitate dryness for snake plants more than remaining soggy.
It is possible to use several different types of pots as per the plants’ needs.
Less water:
Because of the non-porous quality of plastic pots, they keep the soil soggy for a long time. Do not use these for snake plants.
Medium water:
Because plastic pots tend to hold less moisture than ceramic, glass, and metal pots, the plant needs less water.
More water:
terracotta, wood, concrete and other porous pots can quickly absorb water from the soil. A healthy snake plant environment is maintained by air circulation made possible by the holes.
Soil
By now, you probably know that snake plants like a drier environment, which can be facilitated with a well-draining soil mix. Soil mix that allows water to drain and air to pass.
Their roots are easily vulnerable to root rot, which can be supported by heavy soil. If your snake plant is planted in a heavy soil mix it might need water less frequently. By following a routine, you may harm your plant.
The soil might need watering more frequently if it is aerated because it might dry out fast if other conditions are in line.
Besides making the soil fertile and supporting the plant by providing energy, water is needed for the soil’s chemical and biological processes. By using the right mix of soil, the plant will benefit.
An ideal snake plant mix is one part potting mix, one part peat moss, and two parts perlite. Compost can be added for fertility. Alternatively, you can use any succulent soil and add some organic matter in the form of compost.
Temperature
The snake plant temperature needs to be maintained between 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In this range, water needs to be applied once a week.
In the event that the water requirement slows down, then the temperature level fluctuates or falls below the ideal level. Cold temperatures and low humidity levels cause the soil to take longer to aerate.
If the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a long time, they will need water more frequently. In such conditions, prefer keeping plants inside and out of direct sunlight.
Season
As we discussed above, the season will have an impact on how you water your snake plant. Even at home, the sun can be intense during summer and spring, and it burns even though the weather is hot.
At this time of year, snake plants are going to need more water no matter where you give them. If you keep checking the soil to avoid bone dry soil frequently, the frequency will increase, and you will need to take more care.
During the winter and autumn, it’s also referred to as the dormant season, and the temperature is very cold, and the weather is quite dry. It remains moist for long periods of time due to the weak sunlight, and the leaves are likely to suffer from cold drafts.
While they are near the heating system, they should be kept at a distance so that the leaves do not bake. Don’t water at all during this time, but check the soil every few days.
Humidity
Water vapor is available in the air when it is humid, so more humidity in the air will help plants stay hydrated. Snake plants, unlike other houseplants, do not love moisture, unlike other houseplants.
The water requirement of snake plants decreases slightly if the humidity level around them is high. However, humidity doesn’t affect the plant’s watering needs, but should be controlled as to the plant’s requirements.
The snake plant prefers less humidity, usually around 40% humidity. Making sure you water them as and when the soil is dry is best.
Too much humidity can cause the leaves to become moist on the outside, which is not good for the snake plant. Do not mist your snake plant.
Light
Watering plants depends on several factors, including the amount of light, whether it is natural or artificial.
- The intensity of the light
- Amount of light
- Spectrum
Based on the general thumb rule, snake plant water needs are once a week if all the above factors are balanced. In what balance should the above factors apply to the snake plant? Let’s find out.
Indirect or filtered light, whether natural or artificial, is preferable to a light with too much intensity.
The amount of light indicates how many hours the plant gets in a day. 6-8 hours of light are recommended for a healthy growing snake plant.
For plant photosynthesis, the light source should have the appropriate spectrum for plant growth, regardless of whether it is natural or artificial. The 400–520-nanometer range of violet-blue light stimulates chlorophyll absorption, photosynthesis, and growth.
More light availability leads to a higher water requirement, less water availability leads to a lower water requirement by the soil.
Size of pot
When your plant’s pot is gigantic, it contains a bigger amount of soil, which holds a larger amount of water and stays moist for a longer time. You won’t have to water it as often.
In large pots, the roots are given enough space to grow and need watering more frequently, ideal for snake plants.
A smaller pot requires less soil and watering less regularly; it is a good option for a snake plant.
The need for watering varies from one corner to the other since the above factors affect each other’s needs. There is no thumb rule regarding watering.
How do you water a snake plant?
We explained above that snake plant watering requirements can change and are affected by a variety of factors.
It is best to water thoroughly, let the excess water drain out of the drainage holes, and ultimately make sure that the pot has a proper drainage system.
Never water your plants from the leaves because the moisture will cause mold and brown spots to develop on the leaves.
Make sure the soil is moist as water serves as a solvent and carries nutrients required for plant growth. Also, water regulates soil temperature, so it is important not to keep the soil completely dry.
Signs of overwatering snake plant
These signs will appear when the snake plant is overwatered:
- Brown tips
- Brown spots on leaves
- Yellowing foliage
- Mushy stems
- Mold on the surface of the soil
- Foul odor from soil
Signs of underwatering snake plant
Check these signs to identify an underwater snake plant:
- Drooping leaves
- Wilting
- Soil pulling from the edges of the pot
- Stagnant growth
- Wrinkled, crispy leaves
- Brown leaves
- Yellowing and dry brown spots
Should I mist my snake plant?
Because snake plants do not like mist, they prefer to remain dry, whether indoors or outdoors.
Misting causes the air to become more humid, which snake plants hate.
A misting will also result in the snake plant’s leaves getting wet from sitting in the water, which will lead to mold growth on the leaves in time.
Can you water the snake plant with tap water?
You can water snake plants with tap water, but you need to inspect them for a few days. You should never use tap water if there are salt build-ups on the soil’s surface.
For watering your snake plants, use distilled water or rainwater. If you have to use tap water, use a tub over night and fill with water.
This will make the water more fertile for snake plants by letting the chlorine and fluoride dissipate.
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