How and When to Plant Snake Plant
Snake plants are toxic to pets and young children, so keep them away from them.
The hardy snake plant is perfect for home and office environments. It's a top-heavy plant, so use a heavy container with a drainage tray for stability. Fill the container with high-quality, well-draining potting soil. After placing the snake plant in the container, lightly press the soil around it and water sparingly. Spring is the ideal season to plant snake plants, helping them establish well.
Snake plant is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10–12. In other areas where it grows as a houseplant, you can move the snake plant's container outside for the summer and back indoors before cold weather arrives.
Although it will live and grow in low light, it tolerates all light levels and grows faster in bright light.
Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.
Snake Plant Care Tips
Light
Snake plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also adapt to lower light conditions. They can even survive in dark corners. However, lower light conditions may cause the colors of some Sansevieria varieties to fade, and taller plants might become leggy. This generally doesn't harm the plant's health.
Soil and Water
Water your snake plant when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, using room-temperature water. Allow the water to soak through, then dispose of any excess from the drainage tray after a few minutes.
Snake plants are highly drought-tolerant, but overwatering can lead to problems such as root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water retention.
Fertilizer
Snake plants don't require much fertilizer. An application of plant food for houseplants a few times a year is sufficient.
Potting and Repotting
After potting your snake plant using well-draining potting soil, it won't need to be repotted for several years. The plant is slow-growing and doesn't mind being crowded as long as it isn't root-bound.
If the plant is placed in bright light, it may need to be repotted in three to five years. If it lives in low light, it may not need to be repotted for up to 10 years.
Pests and Problems
Snake plants are relatively pest-free but can become infested with mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. If this happens, separate the infested plant from other plants to prevent the spread of pests and spray with insecticidal soap.
A bigger problem for snake plants is root rot. These plants cannot tolerate overwatering. Prevent root rot by watering only when the soil is dry, and never let the plant stand in water.
If root rot occurs, repot the plant using a new potting medium and break away as much of the old medium as possible.
How to Propagate Snake Plant
It is easy to propagate a snake plant with leaf cuttings. Here's how to do it:
- Cut a 3- to 4-inch section of the leaf and stick it in moist potting soil.
- Keep the cutting evenly moist but not wet. In several weeks to a month, small plantlets will begin to grow from the base of the cutting.
- Separate small plantlets into individual plants or leave them as a clump.
Most varieties of snake plant with variegated leaves are actually chimeras, a plant mutation that causes variegated foliage. Chimeras may not reliably keep their variegation or stay true to type when propagated via leaf cuttings. Therefore, crown divisions are generally recommended.
Types of Snake Plant
Bird's Nest Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii' grows to only 6 inches tall, forming clusters of leaves that form a cup, similar to a bird's nest.
Cylinder Snake Plant
Sansevieria cylindrica produces round, rigid leaves that can reach several feet in length. Leaves arch outward from a central crown.
'Laurentii' Sansevieria
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' is a popular variety with creamy yellow leaf margins. It does not come true from leaf cuttings and reverts to the green form. Divide the plant to make new ones just like the mother plant.
Variegated Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata is grown for its dramatic upright form, with leaves 2 to 4 inches wide and several feet long. It is one of the best plants for low-light areas.
'Silver Queen' Sansevieria
The luminous sword-shaped leaves of Sansevieria trifasciata 'Silver Queen' make it an especially regal addition to a houseplant collection. It has a yellow halo at the edges of each leaf.
It is a slow grower but can eventually reach around 1 to 2 feet tall when well cared for in bright, indirect light.
'Black Gold' Sansevieria
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Black Gold' is not actually black but is more of a deep, dark green with variegated yellow edging. It has a dramatic and sculptural appearance and can reach approximately 3 to 4 feet in height.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a snake plant live?
Most snake plants live up to 10 years. However, some have been known to live as long as 25 years with proper care.
Is the snake plant a cactus?
No. However, it is related to several succulents, including aloe and agave plants.
What are other names for snake plant?
In addition to mother-in-law's tongue, snake plant is known as viper's bowstring, devil's tongue, snake tongue, and jinn's tongue.
Is it okay to put a snake plant in bright sunlight?
Snake plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight. Avoid putting them in a spot that gets intense afternoon sun, as their leaves may scorch.
Do snake plants purify the air?
Yes, these plants remove common household pollutants from the air. They also release oxygen at night.
