How to water snake plant indoors and outdoors: Water your snake plant only when the soil is fully dry. For indoor snake plants, water once every 15 to 20 days. For outdoor ones, once a week is enough. Avoid overwatering, as this plant doesn’t like wet feet. From my own experience, it’s always better to underwater than overwater this plant.
When I first started, I made some common mistakes, especially in watering. Over time, I’ve learned how this plant behaves in different seasons and spaces—like inside a room, on the window sill, or out in the open garden. In this post, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from my experience so that you can keep your snake plant healthy and happy.
IN THIS ARTICLE
About the Snake Plant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Snake Plant, Mother-in-law’s Tongue |
| Botanical Name | Sansevieria trifasciata |
| Type | Indoor & Outdoor |
| Watering Need | Very low |
| Light Requirement | Bright indirect sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-draining soil, like cactus mix |
| Special Benefit | Air purifier, easy to grow |
Snake plant is one of the easiest houseplants I’ve ever taken care of. You don’t need to water it daily or even weekly. In fact, watering it too much can kill it. This is where many people go wrong.
Quick Watering Tips (Based on My Experience)
- Check the soil before every watering
- Water only when the soil is completely dry
- Use less water indoors, more only in summer outdoors
- Always use pots with drainage holes
- Avoid watering in the evening during winters
- Best time to water: early morning
How I Water My Indoor Snake Plants
Indoors, snake plants take longer to dry because of less sunlight and cooler temperature. When I first kept my snake plant inside my living room, I thought it needed water like other indoor plants—but I was wrong. Its leaves started turning yellow. That’s when I realised I was watering it too often.
Now, here’s what I do:
- I check the soil with my finger. If it feels dry at least 2 inches deep, only then I water.
- I usually water once every 2 to 3 weeks in normal conditions.
- I use a small mug and pour water near the base, not on the leaves.
- I wait until water starts to drain out from the bottom hole of the pot.
- After watering, I empty the tray below the pot so no water sits there.
This method keeps my indoor snake plants healthy, even with very little effort.
How I Water My Outdoor Snake Plants
I have a few snake plants in my balcony and garden. They get more light and airflow, so their soil dries faster than my indoor ones.
What I’ve noticed:
- In summer, I water them once every 6–7 days.
- In winter, I reduce it to once every 3–4 weeks.
- If it rains, I completely skip watering for a few days.
- I avoid watering at night, especially in colder months.
- I use terracotta (mitti) pots outdoors—they dry faster and prevent overwatering.
I keep my outdoor snake plants in a semi-shaded spot. Too much direct sun with extra water can burn the leaves, so I protect them from afternoon heat.
Best Time to Water (From What I’ve Learned)
Morning is always the best time to water snake plants. The plant gets time to soak the moisture and the soil dries during the day. In winters, especially, I never water in the evening because that keeps the soil wet overnight, which is bad for snake plants.
Common Watering Problems I Faced (and How I Solved Them)
| Problem | What Happened in My Case | My Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow, soft leaves | I was watering too often indoors | Reduced watering to once in 3 weeks |
| Roots turning black | Overwatering in rainy season | Shifted to clay pot + dry soil mix |
| Wrinkled leaves | Forgot to water for a month | Gave a deep watering and leaves recovered |
| Brown tips | Kept under fan, irregular water | Moved it to a brighter spot + proper routine |
These are real issues I faced, and trust me, once I understood my plant’s water needs, it started growing beautifully again.
My Final Watering Tips
- Let the plant stay a little thirsty – it’s safer than overwatering.
- Always use well-draining soil—you can mix garden soil with sand or cocopeat.
- Don’t follow a fixed schedule. Let the plant and the soil tell you when it’s time.
- Less is more with snake plants—this rule works every time.
FAQ – How to water snake plant
How often should I water my snake plant indoors?
From my experience, you should water your indoor snake plant once every 15 to 20 days. But always check the soil first—if it feels dry 2 inches deep, it’s time to water. Never water on a fixed schedule
Can I water my snake plant every week?
No, not always. Snake plants don’t like too much water. If you water every week, especially indoors, the roots may rot. Only water when the soil is completely dry.
How do I know if my snake plant needs water?
I check the soil with my finger. If the top 2 inches are dry and the leaves look slightly wrinkled or soft, it’s time to water. Otherwise, wait for a few more days
Conclusion
So, if you’re wondering how to water snake plant indoors and outdoors, just remember this one golden rule from my personal experience: water only when the soil is completely dry. Whether it’s in your bedroom or balcony, this hardy plant doesn’t need much – just a little care and the right amount of water. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see your snake plant growing strong and looking fresh all year round.
Read More Post
How to care for snake plant indoors – Beginner’s Guide
How to Propagate Snake Plant | in soil, Water and Plant by Division
