If you’re lucky enough to have a snake plant (aka sansevieria) congratulations! You’ve got a virtually indestructible houseplant that can take anything your indoor environment can dish out including neglect. Snake plants are tough customers that can tolerate just about any indoor condition including low light drafts and erratic watering schedules. The snake plant’s upright sword-like leaves add a touch of the exotic to your home décor and the plant is easy to care for. With a little information you can successfully grow snake plants indoors.
Light
Snake plants will grow in just about any light condition from full sun to low light. In fact if you have a snake plant that’s looking leggy it’s probably getting too much light. Not enough light on the other hand will cause the leaves to lose their variegation and revert to all green. If your snake plant is looking pale it’s probably not getting enough light.
When choosing a spot for your snake plant pick a spot that gets bright light but avoid putting it in direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. If you don’t have a bright spot you can grow snake plants in artificial light. They’ll do fine under fluorescent lights but they’ll grow best under LED lights.
Water
One of the best things about snake plants is that they’re very drought tolerant. In fact you’re more likely to kill your snake plant by overwatering it than by underwatering it. When you do water your snake plant water it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If you’re not sure whether your snake plant needs water it’s better to wait a few days and then check the soil before watering.
Fertilizer
You really don’t need to fertilize your snake plant unless you want it to grow quickly. If you do fertilize use a balanced all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and then skip fertilizer during the fall and winter when growth slows.
Potting and Repotting
When you first get your snake plant it will probably be in a pot that’s too small. That’s OK because snake plants don’t mind being pot-bound. In fact they often do better when they’re slightly pot-bound. When you do repot your snake plant choose a pot that’s only one or two sizes larger than the current pot.
To repot your snake plant carefully remove it from the pot along with as much of the old potting mix as you can. Then lightly prune the roots and replant in fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly and then allow the potting mix to dry out completely before watering again.
Pests and Diseases
Snake plants are relatively pest- and disease-free. The biggest problem you’re likely to have is root rot which is caused by overwatering. If you think your snake plant has root rot stop watering it and allow the potting mix to dry out completely. If the roots are still firm your plant should recover. If the roots are mushy you may need to start over with a new plant.
Another problem you may encounter is brown tips on the leaves. This is usually caused by too much fluoride in the water. If you have hard water try watering with distilled water or rainwater. You can also leach the fluoride out of the potting mix by watering your plant with two to three times the amount of water you need then discarding the excess water.
With a little care you can successfully grow snake plants indoors. These tough low-maintenance plants make excellent houseplants and they’re virtually indestructible. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant look no further than the snake plant.
What are some tips for caring for snake plants indoors?
Some tips for caring for snake plants indoors include keeping the plant in a well-lit area watering it sparingly and using a pot with drainage holes.
Where is the best place to keep a snake plant?
The best place to keep a snake plant is in a well-lit area such as near a window.
How often should you water a snake plant?
You should water a snake plant sparingly only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Does a snake plant need a lot of light?
A snake plant does not need a lot of light but it does best in bright indirect light.
What kind of pot is best for a snake plant?
A pot with drainage holes is best for a snake plant.
How do you know when a snake plant needs watering?
You will know that a snake plant needs watering when the soil is dry to the touch.
Can a snake plant be kept in low light?
A snake plant can be kept in low light but it will not grow as quickly.
What is the best way to water a snake plant?
The best way to water a snake plant is to water it sparingly only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Should you fertilize a snake plant?
You can fertilize a snake plant but it is not necessary.
What happens if you overwater a snake plant?
If you overwater a snake plant the roots will rot and the plant will die.
What happens if you underwater a snake plant?
If you underwater a snake plant the leaves will begin to brown and wilt.
Can a snake plant be kept outdoors?
A snake plant can be kept outdoors but it will do best in bright indirect light.
What is the ideal temperature for a snake plant?
The ideal temperature for a snake plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to propagate a snake plant?
The best way to propagate a snake plant is by division.
What are some common problems with snake plants?
Some common problems with snake plants include overwatering underwatering and not enough light.
