Planta Discover

How to Water a Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Published November 20, 2025

How to Water a Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

How to water

All of the soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil is still moist, you risk giving your snake plant too much water which can make it start to rot. There are several ways to water Snake plants - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the soil is moist - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

When you water your Snake plant, water well and then allow the soil to dry out completely before you water it again.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

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Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put your Snake plant back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Like other succulents, Snake plants store water in their leaves and are therefore ready for periods of drought.
— Planta tip

Frequently asked questions

When should I water my Snake plant?

You should only water your Snake plant when all of the soil has completely dried out. Watering while the soil is still moist risks giving it too much water, which can lead to rot.

How much water does a Snake plant need?

When watering your Snake plant, water it well until water starts to run out from the drainage holes in the pot. Afterward, make sure to remove any collected water so the plant does not sit in it.

What is the best way to water a Snake plant?

There are several effective ways to water Snake plants, including pouring water over the soil, bottom watering, or using a water bath. Choose the method that suits you and your plant best.

Can I bottom water my Snake plant?

Yes, bottom watering is an effective method where you fill a tray with water and let the soil soak it up for about 10-20 minutes. However, remember to also water from the top occasionally to wash away salts and minerals from the soil.

How can I tell if I'm overwatering my Snake plant?

You might be overwatering if the soil is still moist when you water again, or if the plant sits in collected water. Snake plants store water in their leaves and prefer periods of drought, so overwatering can easily lead to rot.

Why don't Snake plants need frequent watering?

Like other succulents, Snake plants store water in their leaves, allowing them to tolerate periods of drought. This adaptation means they do not require frequent watering.

How to water a Snake plant

  1. Make sure all of the soil is dry before watering your Snake plant.

  2. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.

  3. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

  4. If you have a tray under the pot, remove all collected water afterward to ensure your plant does not sit in water.

  5. If you watered under a tap, make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back.

  6. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering it again.