I think I overwater my snake plant while replanting ,is it dying

Olivia Jackson
by Olivia Jackson
  6 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 12, 2017

    snake plants do not need a lot of water,allow to dry out and see if it sends any new growth out.

  • Hard to tell without a picture.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Oct 12, 2017

    Does the pot or planter have a drain hole in the bottom? or did you put stones or gravel in one without a drain hole? another problem might be that there are air pockets in the soil around the roots... try repacking the dirt and pay special attention around the roots

  • Barbara Baldwin Barbara Baldwin on Oct 12, 2017

    Sanseveras are pretty forgiving. Plus, it would take a longer amount of time for the water to kill it. They don't like to be repotted. They do best if pot bound, if that's the right word. Maybe they are just shocked. Why do you think it's dying?

  • Olivia Jackson Olivia Jackson on Oct 12, 2017

    Because the leaves have turned yellow

  • PJ Wise PJ Wise on Oct 12, 2017

    https://www.hunker.com/12003162/my-over-watered-snake-plant-needs-help


    By Melissa Monks

    Melissa Monk


    Snake plants, also called mother-in-law's tongue, are slow-growing, drought-tolerant plants that can thrive in almost any condition but over-watering! Their thick, wavy leaves that stand upright in variegated masses lose water slowly and don't require frequent replenishing. Over-watering is a common mistake made by well-meaning houseplant owners that can cause oxygen deprivation and root rot.


    Results of Over Watering

    Soil has pockets of air that contain oxygen essential for normal root function. Without oxygen, a plant's roots will die and eventually, so will the rest of the plant. When soil becomes saturated with water, oxygen is pushed to the surface and is no longer available to the roots. Too much water sitting in the bottom of a pot can also cause roots to soften and make them susceptible to infection by soil-borne fungi and bacteria. These pathogens eat away at the root tissue, restricting the amount of water available to the rest of the plant.


    The Right Pot

    Containers are an important part of houseplant irrigation. A container without drainage holes not only allows water to sit in the pot, but it prevents salts and other potentially harmful minerals from being flushed out. Drainage holes are critical for a healthy snake plant. The material a pot is made from is also important. Plastic pots or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture longer than unglazed ceramic pots do. Plants sensitive to over watering may fare better in a ceramic pot than a plastic pot.


    Dry It Out

    If you have over watered your snake plant, the first step is to pour off any water standing in the top of the container and in the drainage dish. Allow the plant to dry out until at least half of the potting medium is dry. Don't let the soil get so dry it separates from the container, however. If symptoms like yellowing leaves and wilting improve, you can resume a normal watering schedule. Water thoroughly, empty any water standing in the drainage dish after an hour or so and water again when the top 2 inches of the soil are dry.


    Correcting Root Rot

    Your snake plant may have root rot if you let it dry out and it is still wilted and off color. Check the roots by gently lifting the plant out of its container. If half to all of the roots are brown and mushy, just discard the plant. It is too far gone to save. Otherwise, use clean scissors and cut the roots off above the brown, mushy sections. Leave as much of the healthy root intact as possible. Repot the plant in a new pot with a drainage dish. Use new potting medium at a mixture of three parts peat to one part potting soil. Water thoroughly, discard any water left in the drainage dish after about an hour and only water again when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.