Can I Water Small Snake Plant Every Week?

Snake plants, also known as Sansevierias or Mother-in-law’s Tongue, are a popular choice for indoor plants. Not only are they easy to care for, but they also have air-purifying qualities. However, one of the most common questions that people have when caring for a snake plant is how often to water it. Specifically, can you water a small snake plant every week?

A Basic Understanding of Snake Plant Care

To answer this question, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how to care for a snake plant in general. One of the reasons why snake plants are so popular is because they’re very low maintenance. They thrive in temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can thrive in both bright and low light conditions. In terms of watering, snake plants are fairly drought tolerant and can go several weeks without water.

The Frequency of Watering Small Snake Plants

In general, it’s safe to water a small snake plant once a week. This is especially true if your snake plant is situated in a warm or bright location, as this can cause the soil to dry out more quickly. When watering your snake plant, it’s important to wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. This ensures that you don’t overwater your plant, which can lead to root rot.

Signs of Overwatering a Small Snake Plant

As we mentioned earlier, overwatering your small snake plant can be detrimental to its health. So, how can you tell if you’re overwatering your plant? One of the most obvious signs is yellowing leaves. This is a sign that the roots are likely sitting in water, which can cause them to rot.

Another sign of overwatering is soft or mushy leaves. If your snake plant’s leaves aren’t turgid or feel squishy to the touch, this could also be a sign that something is wrong. Finally, if you notice a foul odor coming from your plant, this could be a sign of root rot due to overwatering.

The Importance of Good Drainage

If you’re concerned about overwatering your small snake plant, one way to mitigate this risk is by ensuring that your pot has good drainage. Snake plants don’t require a lot of water, but they do need to be planted in soil that allows for good drainage. This means that your pot should have drainage holes that allow excess water to escape. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, you can always add some by drilling or punching holes in the bottom.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, watering a small snake plant once a week is generally safe and appropriate. However, it’s important to watch for signs of overwatering, such as yellowing or mushy leaves, and to ensure that your pot has good drainage. With the right care and attention, your small snake plant can thrive and add a touch of greenery to your living space.