How To Care For Snake Plant

This article gives how to care for snake plant indoors, outdoor and in winter including water, fertilizer, pets, etc. The comprehensive guide on snake plant care will provide you with essential care tips to ensure its healthy growth indoors, outdoor and in winter.

Snake plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria - Dracaena trifasciata, is renowned for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various indoor environments. snake plant benefits in bedroom, snake plant varieties

With their striking, sword-like upright leaves and air-purifying qualities, snake plants make an excellent addition to any home or office.Snake plants are easy to grow and care for, and are nearly indestructible.

Care Instructions For Snake Plant

Snake Plant In Pot in Pot

Caring for a snake plant indoors is a rewarding experience. With their striking foliage and minimal care requirements, snake plants are perfect for both indoor and outside growing. Following are the care instructions for snake plants:

Light Requirements : Sunlight

Snake plants can tolerate a wide range of light conditions including bedroom light conditions, but they thrive best in bright, indirect light. Place your container near a window with filtered sunlight.

Do not suddenly move your plant from a dark location to a bright light spot, instead gradually move it toward the light source.

Do not expose the plant to direct hot sunlight for prolonged periods, as it may scorch the leaves.

Temperature and Humidity Requirement

The snake plant can grow indoors and outside as well. Snake plant is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. In areas of extreme cold climate, grow it as a houseplant, and move the container outside during summer and back indoors during the cold weather.

Snake plants prefer temperatures between 15-29°C (60-85°F). They are adaptable to different temperature ranges, making them suitable for most indoor environments. 

Snake plants grow well in a wide range of humidity environment. Average household humidity is generally sufficient for snake plants, but they can tolerate low humidity levels as well.

Soil For Snake Plant

Snake plants thrive in a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti. This will ensure proper aeration and prevent the soil from becoming too compacted. You can make the best soil for snake plant by mixing 3 parts potting mix, 1 part compost or cow manure and 1 part river sand or perlite. This is an excellent soil mix for snake plants as the manure makes the soil nutrition rich while the sand makes it free-draining.

Watering Snake Plant

One of the most important aspects of snake plant care is the correct watering, how often you should water your snake plant.  The question is how often and how much you should water the snake plant? It is tricky. The snake plant does not need much water. 

Snake plants are drought-tolerant, so it's important not to over-water them. The snake plants can suffer from root rot if over-watered.  Do not pour the water in the leaf rosette to avoid rot Water the soil, away from the central root system. Pour water directly at the base of the plant, allowing the excess water to drain out through the pot's drainage holes. Always check the soil moisture level before watering again.

Snake Plant Fertilization

Snake plants generally don't require frequent fertilization. However, you can feed houseplant fertilizer or a balanced NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to leaf burn and other issues. Sprinkle the fertilizer along the rim of the pot, mix in soil and water well.

Cleaning and Dusting

Regularly clean and dust the leaves of your snake plant to improve photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves gently with a soft cloth or brush to remove accumulated dust. You can use a gentle spray of water or preferably a dilute neem solution not only to enhance the plant's appearance but also to prevent pest infestations.

Pest Control

The snake plants are generally pests free, but you can see sometimes infestations by spider mites or mealybugs. If you spot any signs of infestation, treat it with an organic insecticidal soap or wipe the pests off gently with a damp cloth.

Pruning Snake Plant

Pruning snake plants is not necessary. However, you can trim any yellowing or damaged leaves close to the base using clean and sharp pruning shears.

1. There is no need to prune mother-in-law's tongue plant, however, if planted in a pot, it will need to be transferred to a bigger pot as it grows form extensive underground rhizomes (root). Re-pot in the spring. The plant may need re-potting or dividing every year. If not re-potted, the Sansevieria plant can break a clay pot with its underground rhizomes.
2. As snake plants likes to be a little pot bound, there is no need to repot your plant often. You may repot it every 3 to 5 years depending on your plant.

Propagating Snake Plants

Snake plants are easily propagated through division or leaf cuttings in water and soil. Snake plant propagation in soil | how to propagate snake plant in water

Snake Plant Blooms

Flowers on snake plants are rarely seen in home garden. The plant can bloom under ideal growing conditions, but sometimes you can be surprised to see flowers on an unattended snake plant that has been stressed - too much light, under-watered. The plant will not produce flowers without moderate exposure to sunlight.

Snake plants produce only one stalk with dozens of clusters of small tubular flowers having thin petals. The flowers look like honeysuckle or small lily flowers.

Caring for Snake Plants in Containers

The snake plant care requirement as regards to soil, fertilization, pruning and light level is the same as mentioned above. However, pot type is important for growing snake plant in containers.

You need to select the right container. When choosing a container for your snake plant, opt for one with drainage holes to prevent water-logging. If your desired container lacks drainage holes, add a layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom to enhance drainage and prevent excess moisture. The pot material is not important.

Snake Plant Care in Winter