Snake plant health - Ask Extension
I have a snake plant that I water every 3 weeks. The leaves are curling, and I'm wondering if that's from watering too little or too often? This plant...
Knowledgebase
Snake plant health #930240
Asked May 01, 2026, 8:56 AM EDT
I have a snake plant that I water every 3 weeks. The leaves are curling, and I'm wondering if that's from watering too little or too often? This plant has never done very well, so I repotted it last year, and it still doesn't seem like it's thriving. It get light from a north facing window that's about 2 feet away (you can see the corner of the window in the photo). I fertilize once in the spring and once in the fall.
Thanks for any input you have!
Jayson
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Most indoor plant issues are too much water or too little water. Dracaena trifasciata is no exception and will display unhappiness with curling leaves. Low humidity can also cause this.
I'd suggest investing in an inexpensive hydrometer and modify your watering schedule accordingly. Misting in winter might also be useful.
As for fertilizer, once in the spring is probably sufficient. Do not fertilizer in the fall. Plants need fertilizer when actively growing. While this plant doesn't go dormant in winter, its growth is greatly reduced by the reduced light and lower temperatures.
I'd suggest investing in an inexpensive hydrometer and modify your watering schedule accordingly. Misting in winter might also be useful.
As for fertilizer, once in the spring is probably sufficient. Do not fertilizer in the fall. Plants need fertilizer when actively growing. While this plant doesn't go dormant in winter, its growth is greatly reduced by the reduced light and lower temperatures.
