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The Succulent Reality
## Understanding CAM Photosynthesis
Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) use a specialized photosynthesis called CAM—Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. This is the same system succulents and cacti use.
### Why This Matters for Your Watering
CAM plants open their stomata (pores) at **night** to take in CO2, then close them during the day to prevent water loss. This means:
- They lose 90% less water through transpiration than tropical plants
- They can survive weeks without water
- They actively suffer when soil stays wet for days
### The "Melt" Warning Signs
Root rot in Snake Plants looks different than in tropical plants:
1. **Early stage**: Leaves feel soft, not firm
2. **Mid stage**: Yellowing starts from the base, not leaf tips
3. **Late stage**: Leaves detach completely with a gentle pull
By the time you see yellow leaves, the roots are already compromised. Prevention is everything.
Key Takeaway
Snake Plants are succulents, not tropicals. They want dry soil, bright indirect light, and infrequent watering. The 'unkillable' reputation only holds if you treat them like cacti, not ferns.