A snake plant is a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant. Also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue snake plants are virtually indestructible making them perfect for beginners (or anyone with a black thumb). So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your indoor jungle a snake plant is a great option. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for a snake plant.
Light
Snake plants are native to Africa where they grow in hot sunny conditions. As such they’re tolerant of bright light but can also thrive in lower light conditions. When growing snake plants indoors aim for a spot that receives bright indirect light. If you can’t provide bright light your snake plant will be just fine in a spot that receives lower light. However it’s worth noting that snake plants grown in lower light conditions will tend to be smaller and have less vibrant colors.
Water
One of the great things about snake plants is that they’re very drought tolerant. In fact it’s more likely that you’ll kill your snake plant by overwatering it than by underwatering it. When it comes to watering the general rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. For most homes this means watering your snake plant every one to two weeks. However if you live in a particularly dry climate you may need to water your plant even less often. And if you live in a humid climate you may need to water your plant more frequently. The best way to determine when to water your snake plant is to stick your finger in the soil. If the soil is dry to the touch it’s time to water.
Soil
When it comes to soil snake plants are pretty tolerant. They’ll do fine in standard potting mix as long as it’s well-draining. If you’re a bit more of a plant nerd (like me) you can mix up your own potting mix using two parts perlite or coarse sand to one part potting mix. I like to add a bit of coco coir to my potting mix as well to help retain moisture ( snake plants like their soil on the drier side but a little extra moisture won’t hurt them).
Fertilizer
Snake plants are not heavy feeders so they don’t need a lot of fertilizer. In fact it’s easy to over-fertilize them which can lead to leaf burn. If you choose to fertilize your snake plant do so sparingly using a fertilizer that’s been diluted to half strength. I like to fertilize my snake plants every other month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Potting and Repotting
Snake plants are slow growers so they don’t need to be repotted very often. I like to repot mine every two to three years using a pot that’s only one size larger than the current pot. When repotting be sure to use a well-draining potting mix. And if your snake plant is looking a bit pot-bound (the roots are coming out of the drainage holes) you can gently loosen them up before repotting.
Pruning
Snake plants can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings. So if you need to do a bit of pruning you can use the cuttings to start new plants. To propagate from leaf cuttings simply cut a leaf into 2-3 inch pieces dip the cut end in water and then place the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist and in a few weeks you should see roots beginning to form.
Pests and Diseases
Snake plants are pretty tough plants so they don’t tend to be susceptible to many pests or diseases. However mealybugs can be a problem (particularly for plants that are grown outdoors). If you see small white fuzzy bugs on your plant those are mealybugs. Mealybugs will suck the sap out of your plant causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. If you have mealybugs you can remove them by gently wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also treat mealybugs with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Dull leaves can also be a sign of mealybugs.
Another problem that can affect snake plants is root rot. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil which can happen if you overwater your plant or if the pot doesn’t have proper drainage. If you think your plant has root rot the best course of action is to remove it from the pot cut away any rotting roots and then replant it in a well-draining potting mix.
Tips for Caring for Snake Plants
Here are a few final tips for caring for snake plants:
-If you notice that the leaves of your snake plant are drooping that’s a sign that it’s thirsty. Water your plant immediately.
-Snake plants are toxic to pets so if you have cats or dogs keep your plant out of reach.
-To avoid leaf browning don’t let water Splash on the leaves of your plant.
-If you want your snake plant to grow taller you can try growing it in a grow pot.
What kind of snake plant should I get?
There are many different types of snake plants so do some research to find the best one for you.
Where should I put my snake plant?
Snake plants prefer bright indirect sunlight.
How often should I water my snake plant?
Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Water about once every 2-3 weeks.
What kind of pot should I use for my snake plant?
A pot with drainage holes is ideal.
Can I put my snake plant outside?
Yes snake plants can tolerate being outside in most climates.
How often should I fertilize my snake plant?
Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
What is the best way to propagate my snake plant?
Snake plants can be propagated by division or by rooting stem cuttings.
Is it normal for my snake plant to lose leaves?
Yes snake plants will naturally lose some leaves over time.
Why are the leaves of my snake plant turning brown?
This is usually due to too much direct sunlight or overwatering.
What pests or diseases should I be aware of with my snake plant?
Watch out for mealybugs scale and spider mites.
These are the most common pests.
How can I tell if my snake plant needs more water?
The leaves will start to sag and the soil will feel dry to the touch.
How can I tell if my snake plant is getting too much water?
The leaves will start to yellow and rot and the soil will feel soggy.
What is the best way to clean my snake plant?
Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
Can I cut my snake plant back if it gets too big?
Yes you can trim back the leaves as needed.
Is it okay to put my snake plant in direct sunlight?
No snake plants prefer bright indirect sunlight.
