How to Save an Overwatered Snake Plant

The snake plant, also known as sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular and hardy houseplants. Its striking, sword-shaped leaves can grow up to 6 feet tall, and its resilience makes it perfect for beginning gardeners. However, despite being relatively low maintenance, snake plants are still susceptible to overwatering.

If you’ve given your snake plant too much water, don’t panic! With the right care, you can nurse it back to health This article will walk you through the signs of overwatering in snake plants, how to save an overwatered plant, and tips to prevent waterlogging in the future

Signs Your Snake Plant is Overwatered

Because snake plants store water in their thick, succulent leaves, it can be tricky to identify when you’ve given them too much. Here are some telltale signs your sansevieria has gotten more water than it needs:

• Drooping or wilting leaves – Healthy snake plant leaves stand upright, but excess moisture causes them to go limp and bend over.

• Soft, mushy leaves – Overwatered leaves will feel squishy or spongy when gently squeezed rather than firm

• Yellowing leaves – Too much water blocks nutrients from being distributed, causing leaves to yellow.

• Leaf drop – Severely overwatered snake plants will shed leaves easily with just a gentle shake.

• Foul odor – Excess moisture leads to rotting roots, which gives off a foul, rotten smell.

• Moldy soil – Continually soggy soil provides the perfect environment for mold.

• New growth issues – Poor root health from overwatering inhibits new leaves from unfurling properly.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s likely time to take action to save your snake plant from deteriorating further.

How to Revive an Overwatered Snake Plant

Fortunately, snake plants are resilient and can bounce back from overwatering if you catch it early enough. Follow these tips to get your sansevieria back to good health:

1. Allow the Soil to Dry Out

The first step is to stop watering and allow the soil to dry out completely. This gives the roots a chance to recover from excess moisture. Remove any standing water from the drainage saucer as well. Place the pot in a sunny spot to speed up drying.

2. Remove from Pot and Inspect Roots

Carefully remove the snake plant from its container and brush away as much soil as possible to expose the root system. Look for any roots that are brown, mushy, or slimy – these are dead and need to be trimmed. Healthy roots will be firm and white.

3. Cut Off Rotted Roots and Rinse

Use sterilized scissors or pruners to cut away any dead, rotted roots. Be sure to remove all of the damaged parts so they don’t infect the healthy roots. Rinse the remaining roots with room temperature water to wash away debris.

4. Treat Root System with Fungicide

To prevent further root rot, treat the cleaned roots with a fungicide specially formulated for houseplants. Let them air dry for a few hours before repotting.

5. Repot in Fresh Soil Mix

Replant your snake plant in a clean pot with fast-draining soil. A cactus mix amended with perlite is ideal, as it resists staying overly wet.

6. Find a Bright Spot

Place your revived snake plant in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Bright light helps limit fungus growth and dries out the soil. Avoid direct sun, as it can further stress the plant.

7. Resume Watering Cautiously

Only water again once the soil is completely dry to avoid another overwatering episode. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly and let excess drain out.

Tips to Prevent Overwatering Snake Plants

Once you get your sansevieria healthy again, implementing a few simple practices will help prevent overwatering in the future:

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Snake plants only need to be watered every 2-3 weeks.

• Use fast-draining soil. Amend regular potting mix with perlite or pumice.

• Add sand or small gravel to the bottom of pots to improve drainage.

• Water lightly until you learn your plant’s needs.

• Use pots with drainage holes and empty any excess water.

• Check soil moisture before watering by using your finger.

• Keep snake plants on the dry side in winter when growth slows.

• Water early in the day to allow leaves to dry out.

• Don’t let plants sit in water or mist leaves frequently.

• Group plants to increase air circulation and drying.

• Monitor for signs of overwatering and adjust as needed.

The key is to find a watering routine that works for your specific conditions and plant. Pay close attention to your snake plant’s needs, and you can avoid the headaches of overwatering.

When to Propagate an Overwatered Snake Plant

If your sansevieria’s roots have rotted extensively, you may need to propagate healthy leaves or pups to start a new plant. Propagation is also useful for multiplying your snake plant collection.

Here’s when it’s best to propagate an overwatered snake plant:

• If most roots are dead and the main plant is unlikely to recover.

• To save the healthiest leaves on a deteriorating plant.

• When the plant has drooped significantly from moisture stress.

• If the rot has spread through a substantial part of the plant.

• To restart with fresh, healthy plants and soil.

• When you want to create new snake plants for decoration or giving.

The key is to select non-infected, undamaged leaves and pups for the best chance of success. Then simply place them in well-draining soil and provide bright, indirect light while they root.

Be Diligent Against Overwatering

Snake plants are forgiving, but overwatering can still be fatal if left unchecked too long. That’s why it’s so important to regularly assess soil moisture, drain excess water, use containers with drainage, and adjust your watering habits to match your plant’s needs.

Pay close attention for any signs of problems, and take quick action at the first hint of overwatering. With attentive care and optimal growing conditions, you can have a thriving, healthy sansevieria for many years to come.