Snake Plant Care and Growth—What You Need To Know

Are you looking for a low-maintenance plant baby to adopt? A snake plant is a perfect addition to your home because it requires little effort to maintain and complements all living spaces.

The snake plant is incredibly resilient and adaptable. It can tolerate low light conditions, infrequent watering, and neglect, making it ideal for busy plant parents or beginners in gardening. 

Curious about how to care for your snake plant? Read on to get all the information about snake plant care to ensure it thrives in your home.

But first, let’s see why snake plants are considered one of the easiest plants to care for.

Snake Plant In A Nutshell

Although the snake plant originates from western and southern Africa, you can find it in tropical places like Florida and Hawaii as well. Sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant adds a lush green vibe to any home or office. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, it removes many common indoor pollutants with its air-purifying nature.

With its adaptable quality, this plant is almost impossible to kill.

It’s all about its succulent nature – the snake plant stores water in its leaves, staying hydrated and fresh even if it is neglected now and then.

Snake plants can reach a height of up to 3 feet, depending on the breed. Some common breeds include:

• Sansevieria Trifasciata
• Sansevieria Masoniana
• Sansevieria Kirkii
• Sansevieria Patens
• Sansevieria Ballyi
• Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
• Sansevieria Parva
• Sansevieria Zeylanica
• Sansevieria Cylindrica
• Sansevieria Eilensis

While snake plants are not particularly dangerous, they can still be toxic for pets and children who have a knack for putting things in their mouths. Keep them out of reach to avoid any mishaps. 

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of snake plants, let’s move on to care tips so that your plant looks fresh and healthy at all times.

Snake Plant Care Guide | How To Care for a Snake Plant?

Caring for a dracaena trifasciata (snake plant’s botanical name) is easy because of its low-maintenance qualities. Follow this easy-care checklist to keep your snake plant happy and thriving:

• Place it where it gets more sunlight, even if it’s not too bright. 
• Water every two weeks or when the topsoil gets dry. 
• Keep it in a warm place above 10°C (70-90°F).
• Feed it with liquid fertilizer once a month.
• Use well-draining soil and repot in spring if needed.
• Check for pests regularly and treat them promptly.
• Trim yellow leaves and wipe with a damp cloth to keep them clean. 
• Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth.

Let’s explore the essential aspects of snake plant care by examining answers to the questions below.

How much sunlight does my snake plant need?

Snake plants are like a tolerant friend who can roll with whatever life throws their way. They can flourish in almost any light condition, from basking in bright sunshine to laying low in shady corners.

However, they have their limits – imprisoned in a windowless room for ages won’t do them any favors. We recommend placing your plants where they can enjoy some sunlight.

But remember: the more sunlight it gets, the happier it’ll be!

Do I need to water my snake plant every day?

No! The beauty of a snake plant is that it’s super low maintenance. You only need to water their soil (using plant watering spikes) every two weeks when you feel the top inch or two of the soil becoming dry and crumbly. 

Additionally, observe the plant’s leaves for any signs of drooping or wrinkling, which can indicate that it needs a drink.

In winter, you can go up to 3 weeks between watering your plant baby. You should let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions to prevent root rot.

What is the correct way of watering my snake plant?

Pour the water onto the soil directly at the base of the plant. It stimulates the roots to grow downwards and increases stability. Watering on top of the leaves can lead to water sitting in the center of the plant.

We do not recommend misting your plant. It does more harm than good because water fathers inside the leaf badges or at the plant base, resulting in root rot.

What’s the best temperature for my snake plant?

These easy-care plants are pretty tough but thrive the most in warm environments, ideally above 10°C (70-90°F). During chilly winters, keep them away from windows.

Snake plants aren’t fans of moisture and humidity, so it’s a good idea to avoid placing them in bathrooms. Place them in your bedroom or living room instead.

How should I fertilize my plant?

Give your snake plant a monthly dose of liquid fertilizer during spring and summer. It’s not only necessary for their survival but can boost their growth as well. Too much fertilizers can cause the leaves to lose their color.

Here are the steps you need to follow to fertilize your plant:

1. Choose a balanced indoor plant fertilizer.
2. Dilute it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Water your plant before applying the fertilizer to the soil.

It’s essential to note that too much fertilizer can cause leaves to lose their color.

What kind of soil is best?

Use a well-draining potting soil mix, typically one with some sand and the other with gritty material to ensure effective drainage.

Pro Tip: Pair this soil mix in a terracotta pot, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and reducing waterlogging.

When should I repot my plant baby?

If your plant looks snug and happy in its nursery pot, there’s no need to repot it. Since snake plants grow slowly, repotting isn’t a frequent task.

When it’s obvious that your snake plant is outgrowing its pot, upgrade it to a larger one in spring. Use a mix of houseplant or cactus compost to give it the best start in its new home.

Some sansevieria plants can reach impressive heights, so choose a decorative pot that’s large enough to keep it stable.

How do I propagate my plant?

There are two ways to propagate your plants, as mentioned in the table below:

How do I know if my snake plant has pests?

• If you notice curled leaves on your plant, it’s a warning sign of health issues.

• Check for yellow or brown squishy leaves, which can indicate rotten roots because of overwatering.
• Bendy or drooping leaves may signal underwatering or nutrient deficiency.

Watch for pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects that can harm your plant. Act quickly to fix the root cause, trim damaged leaves, and keep a close watch to maintain your snake plant’s health and vitality.

What is the best time to prune my plant?

It’s best to prune any yellow or damaged leaves whenever you spot them, keeping your plant neat and healthy. Consider doing it during spring or summer for better growth.

As for cleaning, an occasional gentle wipe-down with a clean, damp cloth works wonders. Not only does this exercise remove dust and debris, but it also helps your plant breathe better, absorb more light, and maintain its glossy appearance.

Do I need to rotate a snake plant?

A regular simple routine to rotate your plant, especially during spring and summer, can be helpful for its growth and appearance. It’s a good idea to give your pot a gentle quarter turn every month, ensuring all sides of the plant receive equal sunlight.