How To Care For A Snake Plant
Snake plants are among the easiest, lowest-maintenance plants on the market today, but there are a few guidelines you can follow to maximize the health of your snake plant!
There are more and more snake plants popping up in the household. Adding them to the kitchen, the bedroom, or even the bathroom, they’re flying off checkout counters and even off online sellers. Snake plants are often treated like succulents, but that’s actually not the case – our snake plants care guide will tell you how to look after them.
Let’s get started! We’ll show you how to take great care of your plant.
As such, snake plants generally need less water than most plants, just like succulents. They do not require a lot of light, so setting them on your kitchen table with plenty of windows around them would be an ideal situation. In addition to the bedroom or bathroom, a window sill would be a good place to go, but not necessarily next to a window.
Okay, let’s look at the basics of Sansevieria trifasciata care!
What is a snake plant?
Native to the western and southern hemisphere, the snake plant also grows wild in more tropical climates like Florida and Hawaii due to favorable tropical conditions. There are many types of Sansevieria trifasciata. Its name originates from Sansevieria trifasciata, and one of its common nicknames is mother-in-law’s tongue due to its sharp, pointed leaves.
It grows to be two or three feet tall and has thin, flat leaves that can reach depths of up to three inches. Snake plants can get as big as three feet if they are cultivated properly! There is also a variant called Sansevieria patens and Sansevieria cylindrica that has a more cylindrical leaf. The leaves of various plants can be up to 2 inches thick at the base and 8 inches tall!
There are a number of different colors of snake plants. Some are pale green with stripes of green going across the leaves, others may be light green with stripes of yellow, and still others may be yellow with green stripes. You don’t have to limit yourself to one color form!
Proper Pot Size and Drainage
If you want your snake plant to thrive, make sure you use the right size pot. It’s okay to use a larger pot than you initially need to give it room to grow. The plant might need to be re potted in the future depending on its size.
It’s also important to have proper drainage. It’s possible that some pot ideas will not work out, such as an old glass container that used to contain a candle. Hence, make sure your drainage system is either homemade or you purchase a pot with proper drainage.
Light It Up! Or, Not?
There is a debate over how much light your snake plant requires. It’s often referred to as a low-light plant and is perfect for areas without direct sunlight, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Although this is true, Sansevieria trifasciata requires some light, and, if you want it to thrive, high light conditions are best for it to grow like crazy!
The window sill or ground near a large window would be great places to place it. It may survive under higher light conditions, but it may require more watering than in a lower light environment. Keeping it outside on a deck or porch in a hot climate, like here in Utah or other desert regions, may require more frequent watering than in a temperate climate. Or you can just keep it inside.
It is recommended to alternate lighting scenarios, especially with plants showing signs of dying or wilting in low light environments.
Don’t Overwater Your Plant!
Succulent snake plants require only a tiny amount of water a day, a spray bottle is also practical. Snake plants can have leafy limbs, but are actually succulents. They require very little water, just a little every couple of days.
When the soil is dry, water your plant. If the soil crumbles, you need to water it. Touch the soil with your finger, and if it is dry, you need to water your plant.
Good Soil, Good Life!
It is crucial for the survival of your snake plant to have good soil, so make sure to check the tag on it when you purchase it. In some cases, it may also come with fertilizer, so we’ll discuss that in a moment.
There’s an easy way to make your own African violet soil if your snake plant doesn’t come with a label. If your snake plant does not come with a tag, this is the best soil mix to use. Sand is needed to help with drainage and may be added to one part garden soil, one part peat, and two parts garden soil!
You may not always be able to find the soil you need at your local store, or the soil may be in bulk. Instead, consider making your own soil for your plants — it could be a cheaper option down the road!
In spring and summer months, once a month is a good timeframe for fertilizing your snake plant. Fertilization in winter is not usually necessary since plants grow slower, but would be okay if you requested it. Remember that most people abstain from fertilizing during the winter, and they will see lots of growth when they fertilize in the spring and summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions!
How often do you water a snake plant?
The snake plant does well with watering every 2-3 days. If the soil is dry or crumbly, water your plant. For larger snake plants, you will need to water them more often or give them more water.
Are snake plants easy to take care of?
Snake plants are among the toughest plants. They require ample sunlight every day and fresh water every 2 to 3 days. With proper care, they will last for many years. Ensure the soil is changed, the plants are watered regularly, and plenty of sunlight is provided.
Should I mist my snake plant?
You can choose to use this method if you feel the plant is overwatered. You can spray it with mist every day, or you can add one cup of water every 2-3 days.
How do you know if your snake plant is overwatered?
It is easy to find out if your plants have root rot by repotting them with fresh soil and trimming any mushy leaves. You should be careful how much water you give your plant, and you should drain any excess water immediately.
Do snake plants need sunlight?
In order for plants to survive and grow, sunlight is essential, but the amount may vary. If you want your plants to grow large, then lots of sunlight is the best solution. If you keep them in a bathroom or bedroom with little light, they may not grow much. Don’t forget that how much water you need to give your plant directly correlates with its level of sunlight exposure.