Snake plant, like other plant, also need a care, no, snake plant need a better care. How to take a better care for snake plant? Because of their powerful, dramatic appearance and rough, pointed leaves, these plants aren’t for everyone. They’re not the soft, “touchy-feely” kind of plants, but they certainly have personality and a striking shape.
Better Care for Snake Plant; Air Circulation
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The dry, stale air in our homes and offices doesn’t bother these plants. They’ll also work well in restrooms, which have significantly higher humidity levels. Another quality that earns this houseplant the moniker “diehard” is its adaptability.
Better Care for Snake Plant; Fertilizer
Until this year, I had never fertilized my Snake Plants (see note below). Every spring, I give them a worm compost and compost topping.
Every spring, I give most of my houseplants a light application of worm compost, followed by a light covering of compost. For a 6′′ houseplant, a 1/4” coating of each is all that is required.
If you prefer fertilizing, an organic all-purpose houseplant food might suffice. Read more about my Worm Compost/Compost Feeding. Just make sure to fertilize twice a year, in the spring and/or summer. Snake plants don’t require much in the way of care.
Houseplants need to rest in the late fall and winter, so don’t fertilize them during that time. Also, avoid fertilizing a stressed houseplant, such as one that is bone dry or dripping wet.
Note: During the summer, I now water my Snake Plants with Eleanor’s vf-11 2-3 times a week. Tucson has a longer growth season and more difficult growing circumstances. In between Eleanor’s feedings, I use Max Sea once or twice.
Soil
Snake plants aren’t picky about the nutrients they need in their soil. I’d recommend a fast-draining, well-draining soil to help prevent root rot, which is one of the main difficulties that kills these plants.
In a 1:1 ratio, mix succulent and cactus potting soil. If the mixture appears to be too heavy, I add a few handfuls of pumice perlite to increase the aeration and drainage. If the pot only has one or two tiny drain holes, I’ll do the same thing.
Better Care for Snake Plant; Pests
Snake plants are pest-resistant, however they can obtain mealybugs and/or spider mites under unfavorable conditions.
If yours is infested with mealybugs, this guide on How to Get Rid of Mealybugs and Aphids will help. Spider Mites Control can be found here. Because pests grow quickly, it’s important to act as soon as you notice them. Pests can quickly spread from one houseplant to the next, so deal with them as soon as you notice them.
I’m hanging out with a Sansevieria “laurentii” in the grower’s greenhouse.
Better Care for Snake Plant; Temperature
In our houses, Sansevierias can withstand a wide range of temperatures. If you’re comfy in your home, your Snake Plants will be as well. Simply keep them away from drafts and heating and cooling vents.
I have one in a pot growing outside that is doing well. In the summer, it can be exceedingly hot here in the desert, while a few evenings can be below freezing in the winter.
If yours is spending the summer outside, keep in mind that they do not tolerate cold or snow, so bring them inside before the temperatures drop too low.
Propagating Snake Plants
Snake plants develop rhizomes, which can be divided easily. Although this can be done at any time, the optimal time is in the spring. Because summer is growing season, your newly propagated plants will grow much quicker.
Snake plants can also be propagated from leaf cuttings. Simply cut 2 to 3-inch sections of a leaf and plant them about 1 inch deep in snake plant soil. Plant cuttings pointing up, in the same direction that they were growing. Enjoy! Snake plants look beautiful in clusters of varying heights.
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