Is your Snake plant underwatered?
What do you do with such plants?
Do you simply water the plant to get the freshness back on the leaves of this plant?
Of course, you can!
But there is more to it than simply watering the underwatered Snake plant.
In today’s guide, though, I am going to talk about the underwatering issue in this plant.
So, let’s learn more about it.
Contents:
6 Signs Of An Underwatered Snake Plant
Snake plants will show a few signs of being underwatered, such as discoloration, distortion of leaves, and shallow growth.
Here are a few more distinct signs of underwatering:
1. Wrinkly Leaves
Wrinkles on Snake plants are lines that form over the leaves of the plant.
The size of the wrinkles depends on the conditions and will vary by size and depth.
But it is a clear indication that the plant is underwatered!
2. Leaves Falling Over
If the plant is left dry for long periods of time, then it will naturally result in the leaves of the plant falling.
And if there are too many leaves falling over, you will need to address this immediately.
3. Brown tips
If the plant has brown tips, this is a sign that your Snake plant is underwatered.
And you should consider fixing the watering schedule as well.
Note: Brown tips is an irreversible phenomenon in plants.
So, don’t expect to see those tips back in their original green color.
4. Brown and Dry Leaf Edges
When water does not reach the entire plant because of underwatering, the leaves will lose their color and shine, causing the edges to become brown and dry up.
This is also quite similar to the above brown tips problem in the Snake plant.
5. Curling Leaves
Curling leaves in a Snake plant can signal different issues in the plant, the main one being underwatering.
If you think that your plant is being provided enough water, then check if there are any underlying issues, too.
Sometimes, the wet soil and leaves can promote the growth of fungus on the plant, which results in the same curling leaves issue.
6. Dry Potting Soil
If the soil in the pot has been dry for long periods, the plant is severely underwatered.
Yes, the soil should be dry in-between watering sessions but do not let the soil remain that way for a long while.
Otherwise, it might impact the overall growth of your Snake plant.
Now, let’s see how you can revive the underwatered plant.
Tips To Revive Your Underwatered Snake Plant
Here’s a list of things you can do –
1. Pot Type And Structure
- Firstly, choose a large pot or container which has a drainage hole fitted at the bottom. Terra cotta pots are the best for Snake plants to be placed in as the pot has drying properties that ensure that the soil dries faster than the usual plastic pots.
- A well-draining potting mix is also required for the ideal growth of the snake plant. A potting mix suitable for cacti and succulents can be used for the snake plant too. This potting mix will help the plant not get oversaturated with water.
- Snake plants should not be buried too deep and ideally as deep as it was planted in its previous container.
2. Proper Watering Practice And Schedule
Water the plant only when the soil is dry, and keep a schedule for watering so that you know exactly when the soil turns dry.
During winters and fall, this schedule may change, so keep these changes in mind, too.
3. Creating A Good Environment
The location also matters when planting a Snake plant.
Placing the plant in a well-lit area is important for its growth.
Shady areas are also suitable for the plant, but the plant may grow slower than usual.
Choose a location that will be best suited for the snake plant, such as brightly lit spaces near a window.
However, this is not necessary as Snake plants can grow well, even in shady areas of the house.
The plant needs to be kept in a warm spot with temperatures above 50 degrees celsius.
Cold winds should be avoided for the Snake plants, too.
So, these are the 3 most essential factors in reviving your underwatered Snake plant.
If you can work on these aspects, the plant will thrive without any issues.
In the next section, I have shared a quick guide to know how to your Snake plant.
Snake Plant Watering Guide
During summertime, watering the plant once a week is sufficient.
In winters, the soil does not dry as rapidly as it does during winter, so watering the plant 1-2 times per month is enough.
Incorrect watering is the main reason any plant suffers from a disease.
There are a few other factors that should influence your watering schedule, such as:
1. Temperature
Your plant will start showing signs that it does not enjoy its current temperature through brown leaves.
Placing your plant in a cold space means that the soil does not dry quickly enough between the watering sessions.
This is why you should reduce watering the plant during winters and move the plant to a warmer space in your house.
2. Lack Of Drainage
Ensure that the plant is placed in a well-draining pot and that the soil is well-draining, too.
This is essential because often stagnant water remains in the pot, and before long, the rot begins to set in.
You can read more about the root rot issue in Snake plants here.
3. Pot Size
The soil needs to be evenly moist at all times, and for this, choose a pot of the right size so that you can assess accurately if the soil is evenly moist.
Tips While Watering:
- Dip your fingers into the soil to see if it has completely dried out.
- Keep the soil evenly moist all the time.
- Water the plant during mornings or late evenings.
- Water from the bottom, be careful not to pour water on the leaves.
5 Best Tips To Care For Your Snake Plant
Snake plants often encounter problems such as root rot or damage to the leaves if not maintained well.
Underwatering is often the most common cause of Snake plant problems as dry soil and leaves lead to several plant issues.
Here are some tips for caring for your Snake plant:
- Snake plants should not be watered frequently as this leads to root rot. Watering sessions should be spaced out well. If the soil appears damp from the last watering session, do not water it until it is completely dry again.
- Avoid watering the plant often, especially during winters and spring.
- Wipe the surface of the Snake plant leaves as they tend to collect dust.
- Snake plants should be divided at least once a year as they are fast-growers.
- Repotting and dividing the plant should be done in the spring, ideally. A section with both leaves and roots should be cut out cleanly and placed in a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
Alright now, here are some of the FAQs related to this topic.
FAQs
Snake plant shriveling is a sign that it is underwatered.
You need to water your plant well to prevent this type of issue in your plants.
An overwatered Snake plant’s leaves turn mushy and soft.
The roots of such a plant will turn brown, soft, and mushy as well.
No, Snake plants are used to being in dry and arid conditions, so it is enough just to water them.
You can mist them in summers, though.
It is not necessary; however, if you have to cut the tips, use a sharp blade to cut them.
If you do this haphazardly, the cuts on the leaves will take time to heal.
Also, if you are using this plant for decor purposes, it won’t look great after cutting the edges.
Do consider this point whenever you think of cutting those tips off.
Snake plants are low-maintenance and can survive without water for a while.
It can go a month without water and do fine.
However, do not leave your Snake plant out to dry, as this will eventually kill the plant.
Over To You
I think the above guide should help in resolving the underwatered Snake plant problem.
It is also one of the most easy-to-fix problems, and you just have to work on a couple of things to revive the plant.
If you have got any more questions, do let me know in the comments below.
Please share this guide with your friends and family as well.
Leave a Reply