Snake plants have thick, leathery leaves that are green and grey in some spots. They are low maintenance plants, so beginners can have a houseplant in their homes. Even though snake plants tolerate low light and drought, how do they handle winter? Is this plant capable of surviving the winter?
How to Care of Snake Plants During Winter
During the winter, you should give your snake plants some attention so that they can survive. You can live without water from your snake plants for up to two months in the winter. You don’t even have to feed them. Still, there are several things you need to consider in order to make your snake plants survive the winter.
Avoid Overwatering
It is not necessary to water snake plants very often. Snake plants will not thrive if they are overwatered. If snake plants consume more water than they require, their leaves can absorb more water, which can damage their cells. Snake plants’ leaves can store water, so they may overwater if they receive too much. It can even split the leaves. In winter, how often should we water a snake plant?
It is not necessary to water snake plants often in winter because they can survive without water for up to a month. If you want to know when to water them, you can use a skewer or moisture meter to check the soil. When you find that the top two inches of the soil are dry, it indicates that you need to water your snake plants. Without seeing the soil condition, you can end up with root rot and pest infestation if you water them frequently.
As you can see from the list below, there are several ways to avoid overwatering.
- The soil you choose for your plant needs to be well-draining.
- It is important to feel the soil before watering the snake plant.
- Make sure the soil is dry and not wet.
- You need to wait a few days before watering your snake plant if the soil is moist or even wet.
- A drainage hole and a tray need to be checked.
- The tray needs to be emptied if it is filled with excess water.
- Do not let your snake plant sit in still water for too long.
- You can make a watering schedule.
- When watering your snake plant, you may need reminders or notes.
Avoid Excess Fertilization
Snake plants require fertilizer to grow. A very diluted feed is required for these plants. However, the feed is subject to a particular regime. As with other houseplants, snake plants need to be fed only during the growing season. During the dormancy period, which occurs in winter, they do not need it because they are not growing. Therefore, you do not need to fertilize your snake plants during the winter.
It is possible to fertilize in the spring and summer. You can fertilize them in the fall, but the amount of fertilizer is reduced by half. Fertilizing them is not necessary in winter. Snake plants can have leggy growth and stunted growth if you fertilize them too frequently, including in winter.
The following are several ways that you can avoid overfertilizing your plants.
- During the summer and spring, snake plants only need to be fertilized.
- To feed them, a highly diluted feed and a well-balanced fertilizer should be used.
- It is possible to reduce the quantity of feed to half during the fall.
- All you need to do is use fertilizer with 10:10:10 or 20:20:20 for your snake plants.
- You shouldn’t fertilize snake plants during winter.
Move Your Snake Plants to the Correct Area
For your snake plants to survive the winter, you’ll need to move them to the right spot. If you place them near a window, you will get a cold draft. For safety reasons, you can also close the windows.
Snake plants are not affected by heat, but they cannot survive conditions that are very cold. Temperatures below 50°F are too cold for them. Therefore, you have to maintain their temperature during the winter. However, don’t place them near radiators since the heat may harm the snake plants. During winter, you can give your snake plants artificial lights if you put them in a low light location.
Maintain the Suitable Humidity Levels
You will not experience any problems with your snake plants during the winter when there is extra humidity. If the air is too dry, you can help it by using a humidifier or a plant to check the humidity. It is dangerous for your snake plants if the temperature falls below 50°F during winter. In other words, you have to make sure that the temperature around your snake plants is warm. Snake plants can also be kept in the bathroom during the winter.
A solution of neem oil can be added to water and sprayed over snake plants using a spray bottle. Pets and insects will be kept at bay by this oil, as well as your snake plants.
Avoid Your Snake Plants from Stress
A snake plant can be stressed when its condition changes drastically. Snake plants, for example, are usually placed outside where they get plenty of sunlight, but in winter you suddenly move them inside to your bathroom. Snake plants can become stressed if you do this. Preparation is the key to avoiding stress.
In the fall, you can put your snake plants in the low light area for a while, and then move them back to their original spot. Doing so allows them to adapt to the conditions they will face. You will see stunted or leggy growth, droopy leaves, and even wilting if your snake plants are stressed.