Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law's tongue, have soared in popularity due to their robust nature and striking appearance. Their sword-like leaves add an architectural element to any room, making them a perfect addition to your indoor garden. Not only do they bring a touch of greenery and freshness to your space. There are many types of sanseveria to choose from all with their own beauty and elegance.
Here’s everything you need to know about growing your snake plant and caring for these hardy, attractive plants.
Key Benefits of Snake Plants
- Visual Appeal: Adds colour and decoration with its long, sword-like leaves often with striped leaves. The upright leaves are dark green with subtle variations. and still look good in those winter months.
- Low Maintenance: The snake plants is easy to grow and look after and will survive your holiday trip or weekend away. Growing a snake plant is great for beginners.
- Drought Tolerant: The snake plant can thrive even with minimal watering. I have left mine for up to 3 weeks and it still looked good.
- Adaptable: Can be placed in various light conditions, from bright indirect sunlight to low light areas.
- Air Purification: Known for improving indoor air quality although the effect on your air is quite honestly, minimal.
Care Instructions for a Thriving Snake Plant
Light Conditions
Though snake plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight, they are remarkably adaptable to most light conditions and can survive in darker corners of your home. Be mindful that variegated varieties might lose some of their color in less light, and taller types may become a bit leggy. Avoid direct sunlight. You can even keep your snake plant in the bathroom, but every few months give it a week in a better light if it's a dark bathroom.
Soil and Water
The health of snake plants relies heavily on using a potting mix that allows for good drainage and waiting until the soil has dried out fully before watering again.
It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this is a common mistake that can cause root rot and ultimately damage the plant.
After watering, take care to drain off any surplus water, ensuring the plant isn't left sitting in moisture.
Opt for high-quality specialist houseplant compost to provide optimal growing conditions, and be vigilant against moist, waterlogged soil.
Fertiliser
Snake plants have minimal fertilizing needs. Applying a houseplant fertiliser a couple of times a year is more than enough to keep them healthy.
Baby Bio House plant fertiliser is easy to use and store away. I feed my snake plant in spring, twice in summer and once in the autumn.
Potting and Repotting
Once potted in a suitable, well-draining soil mix, snake plants won’t need repotting for years due to their slow growth rate. When they do outgrow their current pot, repotting in spring is recommended. Ideally, use a specialist houseplant compost.
Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to some growth when conditions are good.
I have repotted my snake plant every 2-3 years in the past just to give it fresh compost because it was outgrowing the pot.
Pests and Problems
While generally pest-free, the occasional issue with mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites can occur. Using insecticidal soap on the affected areas can address this. To avoid root rot, be cautious with watering schedules and ensure proper soil drainage.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and eco-friendly pesticide that's made from potassium fatty acids. It's used to control pests on plants by disrupting the cell membranes of the insects, effectively dehydrating and killing them upon contact. It's especially effective against soft-bodied pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. When using insecticidal soap, it's important to thoroughly coat the pests with the solution, as it only works on direct contact.
Alternatively, wash off any infestations with a soft damp cloth and gently remove any infestations. Do this regularly and you can clear it up.
Leaf Care
To keep your leaves looking shiny and bright it's good practice to wash the leaves with a soft damp cloth to remove dust. This will also help its photosynthesis and health.
There are leaf sprays you can buy, personally, I don't use them but they do work.
How to Propagate Snake Plants
Propagating snake plants is straightforward through leaf cuttings or division.
Leaf Cuttings:
When using leaf cuttings to propagate a snake plant, select a healthy, mature leaf and cut it horizontally into sections that are at least 2 inches (5 centimetres) long. Important to note, the bottom of each section should be planted in soil, mimicking the orientation it had when attached to the parent plant. This ensures that the leaf can properly take root and develop into a new plant.
Division:
To divide a snake plant, gently take it out of its original pot and clear the soil to reveal the roots. Look for clusters of leaves with their roots. With a sharp knife, divide these sections, ensuring each has roots attached. Repot them in well-draining soil, and water sparingly and place them in a spot with indirect sunlight. Doing this in the warmer months gives the plants time to settle before winter.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Yellow Leaves: Likely a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Wrinkled Leaves: Indicates underwatering. Gradually water the plant, and it should recover.
- Sideways Falling Leaves: These can result from improper watering or insufficient light.
- Mealybugs: Treat with a damp cloth soaked in an insecticide that contains fatty acids or plant oils.
- Watering: prevent overwatering as it will eventually kill your plant.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Genus =Dracaena , formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata
- Common names: snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue
- Height: up to 1.2m 4 foot
- Spread: out to 60cm, 2 foot
- it slow growers
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade. avoid direct sun, it is good in low light.
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained potting mix
- Temperature: Ideally 18-27C but will tolerate as low as 10C
- Pets: they are mildly toxic so avoid being eaten by your pets
Common Questions about Snake Plants
How often should I water my snake plant?
Water your snake plant every 2-6 weeks, depending on light and temperature. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Is my snake plants toxic to pets?
Yes, snake plants can be mildly toxic when ingested by pets. It's best to keep them out of reach of cats and dogs.
What are the signs of an overwatered snake plant?
An overwatered snake plant may exhibit yellow leaves, root rot, or a mushy base.
Can my snake plant purify indoor air?
- Yes, snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and can remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. However, you need a heck of a lot of plants to make a noticeable difference.
Why are the leaves of my snake plant turning brown?
Brown leaves can be caused by overwatering, low humidity, excess salt in the soil, or direct sunlight.
How can I encourage my snake plant to grow faster?
While snake plants are typically slow growers, you can encourage growth by providing bright, indirect light, and occasional watering with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Potting on your snake plant into a bigger pot will allow it to grow bigger.
Gallery of images and uses of the Snake Plant.
