As autumn approaches, the snake plant requires adjustments to its usual care routine. In an article from Homes & Gardens magazine, gardening editor Rachel Bull warns that maintaining the same summer watering routine can be harmful, since the plant needs less water when growth slows down with reduced daylight. The Royal Horticultural Society indicates that overwatering is a frequent cause of problems in these plants, which can lead to root rot, as they store water in their fleshy leaves.
The article recommends checking substrate moisture by inserting a finger into the soil before watering, rather than following a fixed schedule. The surface may appear dry while, deeper down, the substrate remains moist. It is also important to ensure good drainage, allowing excess water to drain away and emptying the saucer or decorative container where the pot is placed to prevent roots from remaining in contact with pooled water.
Regarding light, although the snake plant tolerates low-light environments, it benefits from a bright location. With shorter days, Homes & Gardens suggests moving it closer to a window when necessary, avoiding prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves through glass. As for fertilisation, this should be reduced and stopped when the plant begins to grow more slowly, to prevent salt buildup in the substrate.
The Royal Horticultural Society recommends keeping the plant at temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees, protected from cold drafts and away from radiators. The article notes that, in Portugal, adjustments should follow the conditions of each home, and that September serves as an opportunity to observe the plant and review care routines, without automatically reducing watering simply because the month has changed.
