The Truth About Snake Plants and Water How Long Can They Go?

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Snake Plants can go without water for long periods, and the time between watering at home should be around two weeks during the summer and up to 1 month through the colder months. However, checking soil moisture with a meter is a good idea.

They may not be as complicated to grow and care for, but they most certainly need all the care and attention you can give them. Plant enthusiasts with hectic schedules often ask how long snake plants can go without water.

Well, no need for further suspense. Let’s dig deeper and find out, shall we?

How Long Can Snake Plants Go Without Water?

Let’s be clear; the fact that they can go for long without water shouldn’t deter you from carrying out your plant care duties effectively. Snake plants are alive, which means they should never be neglected at any point.

Snake plants naturally possess unbreakable survival tactics that see them through the worst conditions. To answer your question, snake plants can go as far as two weeks without water.

The reason behind their formidable stature is that they are classified as succulents. If the aridity season calls, they store enough water for up to two weeks.

Why Snake Plants Go For So Long Without Water?

Your first reaction would be, ‘They belong in the desert, not the decorative plants’ committee.’ Snake plants are indeed a sight to behold, and it’s hard to believe they can adapt to harsh conditions so gracefully.

There are several reasons why they can go for that long without needing a few drops of water. They include;

• Viable water storage option
• Befitting seasons
• Ideal leaf shape
• Reasonable light requirements
• Warmer temperatures

Viable Water Storage Option For Snake Plants

Snake plants always store sufficient water in their leaves whenever the chance presents itself. For this reason, gardeners need not leave their snake plants embedded in overly moist soil.

This move may endanger the overall well-being of your plant by causing root rot. Remember, your snake plants are significantly self-sufficient in the hydration department. 

Adding more water to what they already have harmed their growth and overall appearance. The water stored in their foliage is enough to carry them through the period of forgetfulness that most gardeners plead guilty to.

How Do Seasons Affect Snake Plants?

Just like other plants, snake plants have their ways of adapting to the different seasons they are exposed to. Among their most comfortable seasons are the ones that provide warm conditions for them to thrive.

Cooler seasons only cause them to strive hard for their existence, and watering them during such seasons jeopardizes their healthy growth and safety. The maximum number of times to water snake plants during cold seasons is once a month.

They already have sufficient moisture to carry them through the season. 

When the seasons seem to cloud your judgment as a responsible gardener, rely on the appearance of the soil that nurtures your snake plant if it displays signs of dryness, all the more reason to get ready with your watering can.

Whatever you do, avoid submerging your soil with water, as this only enhances root rot. Touch on the ground lightly, ensuring that it’s properly moisturized.

Does Leaf Shape Help Water Retention In Snake Plants

The attractive sword shapes of their leaves are not just for grabbing the attention of a first-time observer. Okay, we can go with this reasoning, too, but the main reason for the unique shape of snake plants is to prevent water loss during drought periods.

When you go beyond the two-week ultimatum, it already has a natural backup in the form of pointy leaves that keep it sustained till the conditions are enough to favor its growth.

Not only do the leaves prevent unnecessary moisture loss, but they are also an elegant accessory to your choice of living room and office decor. Snake plants vary in leaf appearance, making them an absolute favorite in beauty plant options.

Reasonable Light Requirements

Light is an obvious requirement for all plants to thrive and do exceptionally well. However, the difference lies in the amount or type of light set aside for a successful growth initiative.

The amount of water a snake plant consumes depends on the lighting factor. They are pretty flexible and work with both artificial and natural lighting arrangements.

Certain snake plant species fall somewhere around low, medium, and high light conditions on the natural side. If you prefer artificial light options, there are various types to choose from, including; Incandescent, Fluorescent, Halogen, and LED lights.

For example, exposure to lower or dimmer light conditions may only need a few drops of water since not much will be lost.

Snake Plants Do Better In Warmer Temperatures

Since we are talking about snake plants whose purpose is beautifying your space, temperatures should not be below forty degrees. Creating warmer temperatures means they won’t suffer harsh effects such as excess water loss.

Leaving them out in the cold means they are on their own and activate their survival mechanisms. This results in ugly outcomes such as browning leaves and a mushy appearance due to tissue damage in some spots.

On the bright side, there are restoration measures you can take to make them lively. Avoid overwatering, as this can only cause root rot. In case of excessive watering, transfer the snake plant to a sunny spot but only for a limited period to allow it to dry off destructive volumes of water.

You can also remove it from the pot to loosen up the soil and allow breathing space for the roots. Finally, treat any signs of root rot before it intensifies. Do this by pruning off the affected roots, leaving only the healthy ones standing.

Remaining excess soil by washing is another convenient way of treating root rot. In most cases, the soil conceals roots that are directly affected, making room for widespread cases of root rot.

Washing off makes root rot visible, making your mission easier.

Can Snake Plants Live Without Water?

Of course not! No living thing can survive without water. Snake plants need water to thrive, but their hydration requirements are extraordinary.

Be especially keener on your watering schedule during the summer months as this is when they need extra TLC. Twice weekly works for snake plants during this season due to their tendency to lose water, and the soil dries up quickly.

FAQ on The Truth About Snake Plants and Water How Long Can They Go?

Should I water my snake plant every day?

Snake Plants use very little water, and you should not water them daily. Keeping the soil moist will cause root rot and allow the plant to dry out completely before watering again. On average, water every two weeks, but check the soil’s moisture first.

Why is my snake plant cracking?

Snake plants crack and split because of being too moist. Overwatering is the number one issue with Snake Plants, and too much water is absorbed by the plants, and the leaf’s outer skin cannot expand, resulting in cracks and splits.

Can Snake Plants Live Without Water?

Of course not! No living thing can survive without water. Snake plants need water to thrive, but their hydration requirements are extraordinary. Be especially keener on your watering schedule during the summer months as this is when they need extra TLC. Twice weekly works for snake plants during this season due to their tendency to lose water, and the soil dries up quickly.

Can Snake Plants Wither?

Yes, they can. As stated earlier, snake plants can go as far as two weeks without water. Any longer and further than this duration only provokes them to dry out. You will know that your snake plants are withering when their foliage color turns from fresh green to brownish leaves. Worse still, the edges of the leaves will also appear to be scorched.

Final Thoughts On How Long Can Snake Plants Go Without Water

Well-meaning gardeners must familiarize themselves with the ideals and protocols for growing and nurturing snake plants. Their ability to sustain the overall elegant appearance comes with a hefty price.

Though we’ve seen that their need for moisture is minimal, look into other equally important markets for its survival and blooming appearance. Focus on lighting is also crucial as you raise stand-out snake plants.

See that you avoid extremities by all means possible and only stick to moderate lighting conditions.

Last but not least, learn the requirements of your choice of snake plants by heart. Their beauty mainly lies in their existence in various species.