If you’re lucky enough to have a snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) in your home congratulations! These top 10 air-purifying plants are not only beautiful but also easy to care for. Here are a few tips to keep your snake plant healthy and happy.
Light: Snake plants do best in bright indirect light. They can tolerate low light but will grow slower in these conditions. If you start to see the leaves turning yellow or brown that’s a sign that your plant is getting too much light. Move it to a shadier spot.
Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. These plants are very drought tolerant and don’t like to be kept too wet. Watering once a week should be sufficient. If the leaves start to droop that’s a sign that your plant needs water.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal for snake plants.
Fertilizer: Fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Temperature: Snake plants prefer warm temperatures but can tolerate cooler conditions down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity: These plants are tolerant of dry air but prefer humid conditions. If your home is on the dry side you can increase the humidity around your plant by grouping it with other plants placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Pests: Snake plants are relatively pest-free but can occasionally be plagued by mealybugs spider mites or scale. If you see any of these pests on your plant isolate it from your other plants and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases: Snake plants are generally very hearty and disease-resistant but they can be susceptible to root rot if they’re overwatered. Keep an eye on the soil and make sure it’s not too soggy.
Propagation: Snake plants can be easily propagated by division. Just carefully remove the plant from the pot and divide it into smaller sections making sure each section has at least one root ball. Repot the divisions into fresh potting mix and water well.
How often should you water your snake plant?
You should water your snake plant about once a week letting the soil dry out in between watering.
How much light does a snake plant need?
Snake plants prefer bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions.
What type of soil is best for a snake plant?
Snake plants prefer a well-draining sandy potting mix.
How often should you fertilize your snake plant?
You should fertilize your snake plant about once a month during the growing season.
What is the ideal temperature for a snake plant?
Snake plants prefer warm temperatures and will do best between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much humidity does a snake plant need?
Snake plants prefer low humidity levels and will do best in a room with average humidity levels.
What is the best way to propagate a snake plant?
The best way to propagate a snake plant is by division.
How do you know if your snake plant is getting enough light?
If your snake plant leaves are starting to turn yellow it is getting too much light.
If the leaves are starting to turn brown and crispy it is not getting enough light.
My snake plant’s leaves are drooping what does that mean?
Snake plants droop when they are thirsty so make sure to water your plant when the soil is dry.
I think my snake plant is dying what should I do?
If your snake plant is dying it is probably because it is not getting enough light.
Move it to a brighter spot and see if it starts to improve.
Why are the tips of my snake plant’s leaves turning brown?
The tips of your snake plant’s leaves are turning brown because the plant is not getting enough water.
Make sure to water your plant more frequently.
I noticed some white powder on my snake plant’s leaves what is that?
The white powder on your snake plant’s leaves is most likely mealybugs.
Mealybugs are small sap-sucking insects that can damage your plant.
Remove them by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.
I think my snake plant has root rot what should I do?
If your snake plant has root rot it is probably because it is being overwatered.
Let the soil dry out completely before watering again and make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
What pests are common on snake plants?
Common pests on snake plants include mealybugs spider mites and thrips.
How do I get rid of pests on my snake plant?
To get rid of pests on your snake plant start by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.
You can also try using a natural pesticidal oil like neem oil.
