Can we use succulent soil for snake plants? Any plant will thrive in soil conditions that are similar to those in its natural habitat. As with all succulents, snake plants require drought-prone soils that contain inorganic components like sand, crushed rocks, gravels, etc. Consequently, the soil of their natural habitats has excellent drainage, and it has excellent aeration, which helps succulent roots to breathe and grow deeper into the ground. As the succulents evolved over the years, they only adapted to these conditions.
So if you grow them in an undrainable soil mix or one that contains organic components like compost, pine bark, etc, the chances of survival are very low. In order to grow snake plants that are conducive to drainage, they need aeration, and low levels of organic components because a basic supply of organic matter is necessary to keep soil texture and nutrients intact.
What Type Of Soil Do Snake Plants Need?
The best soil mixes for snake plants contain these properties:
- Water retention is extremely low
- A lightning-fast drainage system
- Supports the aeration of the air
- It has a slightly acidic pH
Plants generally adapt well to extreme conditions as well as neglect, and snakes are no exception. Their roots, however, are very sensitive to damp soil conditions. Root rot can easily occur if the succulent sits on damp soil for a while. Even if it is able to live in gritty, moderately fertilized soils, it cannot live in mixes that hold soil moisture. A draining soil mix is not optional, it is mandatory.
Furthermore, proper aeration reduces the growth of fungi and pests in the soil. So, the soil mix for growing snake plants should include more inorganic components, such as gravel, pebbles, crushed granite and volcanic lava rocks, along with coarse sand and perlite. The snake plant’s roots can absorb water for as long as it needs to dry up these components after getting wet. We recommend using organic materials less than 25% (compost, tree bark, or peat moss) in your garden. The pH value should be between 6.5 and 6.8.
Can You Use Succulent Soil For Snake Plants?
Can we use succulent soil for snake plants? Well, one of the best soil mixes for growing snake plants is succulent soil. They remain healthy under these conditions because they are tailored to meet their needs. Nearly all indoor plants thrive under drainage-friendly conditions, and succulent soil is perfect for them given the limited amount of resources that are available. To make sure you are making the exact soil mix for succulents or cacti, you must also add other soil components.
Here are a few benefits of growing snake plants in succulent and cactus soil mix:
It Has An Incredibly Fast Drainage Facility
As a result of the inorganic composition of the soil mix, water retention will be lowered. When you use a succulent soil mix to grow succulents, you will be able to take care of the snake plant’s basic soil needs.
Improve Root Development
Inorganic components present in greater amounts in the soil aid plant roots in developing well. Furthermore, the succulent roots will also be able to grow deeper with ease in the water that is readily available. The upper part of the snake plant reflects the health of the root system. The roots of a plant are the element that makes the plant healthier, prettier, and stronger.
Naturally Reduces The Chance Of Pest Infestations
It is common for pests and fungi to manifest in soil when the soil remains moist for extended periods of time and the soil texture is dense and heavy. In this case, the soil is naturally draining which makes it suitable for growing plants indoors since it not only promotes good drainage, but also better aeration, which prevents the growth of microbes in the soil. The only requirement in this regard is that you must be very careful about your watering practices since overwatering can lead to root rot and slowly kill a plant. So, can we use succulent soil for snake plants? Yes, definitely.