Snake plants don’t need much — in fact, the biggest mistake most people make is giving them too much water. So how much is just right?
Snake plants don’t need much — in fact, the biggest mistake most people make is giving them too much water. So how much is just right?
Snake plants are tough. They thrive on neglect, look great in any corner, and ask for almost nothing in return.
But when it comes to watering?
That’s where most people go wrong.
Too much water is the number one killer of snake plants.
And the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule.
How often you water depends on your climate, pot, soil, and even your plant’s mood.
Luckily, I’ve gathered real advice from people who’ve been there — snake plant owners who’ve figured out what works (and what doesn’t).
If you’re wondering how much water to give a snake plant without killing it, you’re in the right place.
Snake plants are natural survivors. 💪 In the wild, they grow in dry, rocky soil and soak up water only when it rains.
Indoors?
They keep that same energy — they store moisture in their thick, fleshy leaves like mini water tanks. 💧🌱
So how much water do they really need?
Not much.
And not often.
In fact, watering too frequently is the fastest way to cause root rot — the silent killer of many a snake plant. 🚫💀
💡 Think of it like this:
Snake plants prefer a “soak and dry” method — give them a full drink, then let them sit bone dry for weeks.
It’s not about how much water at once… it’s about how long you wait between waterings.
These plants are happiest when you forget about them for a while.
Just don’t forget forever. 😉
🍃 Tip:
A slightly bent leaf can be your plant saying “I'm thirsty.”
This was honestly the part that confused me the most at first.
I kept reading conflicting advice — once a week, once a month, every two weeks… 🤷♂️
So I started paying attention to my own plant. 🌱
Here’s what I’ve learned after testing a bunch of routines:
In summer, when it’s warmer and the air is drier, I usually water every 2 to 3 weeks.
In winter, I wait at least 4 weeks, sometimes even longer.
I never water on a fixed schedule. I check the soil instead.
I also started asking around in plant groups and found out most people say the same. Some water once a month, others every few weeks depending on their pot, soil, and how dry the air is. 🌬️☀️
One person said they only water when their snake plant leaves start to bend a little — and that stuck with me. 🌀
The golden rule I live by now?
👉 If the soil’s not bone dry, don’t touch it.
Better to be a little late than too early.
This approach has kept my plants happy, healthy, and completely rot-free.
🚫 Warning:
Mushy leaves = too much love (aka water).
When I first got into snake plants, I had no clue there were different ways to water them.
I just poured water on top like I did with every other plant.
But then someone told me about bottom watering, and it changed everything. 😄
Here’s what I’ve tried — and what I’ve stuck with:
🌊 Top Watering
I still do this when I’m in a hurry.
I water slowly and carefully until it starts to drip out of the drainage holes.
Then I let it drain completely before putting it back in its pot cover.
But — if the soil’s super dry, sometimes water runs straight through without soaking in.
That’s when I switch to…
🪣 Bottom Watering
I place the pot in a tray or bowl of water and let it soak for about 30–45 minutes. The soil absorbs the moisture from below, and the roots get a full drink. 🥤
Bottom watering has been a game-changer, especially when the soil is compact or dry as dust.
Plus, it helps prevent gnats since the top stays dry. 🪰
✨ What works best?
Honestly — a mix of both.
I water from the bottom most of the time, but give it a slow top-up now and then to flush out salts and keep things fresh.
The key is to never let your plant sit in water long-term.
Drainage is everything.
If the pot holds water, you’re asking for rot.
📦 Reminder:
Good drainage is non-negotiable. Always use a pot with holes.
If I could only give one tip for watering snake plants, it’s this: always check the soil before watering. 🪴✨
I used to follow a schedule.
“Every two weeks should be fine,” I thought.
But that’s how I nearly drowned my first snake plant. 😬
Now?
I don’t even think about watering unless the soil feels completely dry.
Here’s what I do:
👉 Finger test — I stick a finger a couple of inches deep into the soil. If there’s any moisture, I wait.
👉 Pot weight — When the pot feels light, it usually means it’s dry. When it’s heavy, there’s still moisture hiding in there.
👉 Wooden stick trick — Sometimes I use a chopstick or wooden dowel. Push it in and pull it out — if it comes out clean, it’s dry. If it’s damp or dirty, wait.
This one habit has saved my snake plants more times than I can count.
Seriously — the fastest way to kill a snake plant is to water wet soil.
And the best part?
Snake plants won’t punish you for waiting too long.
But water too soon?
Game over. 💀💧
🕒 Tip:
No schedule works for everyone — let your plant guide you.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being part of snake plant group, it’s this: everyone does it a little differently — and that’s okay. 🪴💬
Some people water theirs once a week. Others? Once every six weeks. Some swear by bottom watering. Others top water just a bit, only when the soil is dusty. A few even use rainwater, fish tank water, or rice water. 🌧️🐟🌾
One person said they water on the full moon just because it’s easy to remember. 🌕 Another uses a knitting needle to check soil dryness. Someone else goes by leaf bend. And a few… just feel it out.
At first, I thought I was doing something wrong because my routine didn’t match theirs. But the more I listened, the more I realized: there is no perfect watering schedule.
What matters most is this:
Your plant
Your pot
Your soil
Your environment
💡 The one thing everyone agrees on?
Don’t water unless the soil is completely dry.
That’s the secret.
Simple.
Easy.
Effective.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed — don’t be. Snake plants are chill. They don’t need a strict schedule or fancy tools. Just watch them, feel the soil, and trust the process. 💚
You’ve got this.
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
One Response
Totally agree! Snake Plant Watering Tips that overwatering is the biggest snake plant killer—I’ve learned that the hard way. I’ve found that letting the soil dry out completely before watering again works wonders, especially during the cooler months. It might feel counterintuitive at first, but less really is more with these guys!