How to Care for Snake Plant (Sansevieria): The Ultimate Guide

Sansevieria care made easy! Learn the ultimate guide to snake plant care with expert tips on watering, light, soil, and propagation to keep your plant healthy.

Ready to start your plant parenting journey? There’s no better place to begin than with the snake plant—scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata. This incredibly resilient and popular houseplant is famous for its striking upright leaves and its ability to thrive on neglect.

Unlike other finicky plants, the Sansevieria is nearly impossible to kill, making it the perfect choice for new gardeners or anyone who wants guaranteed indoor gardening success.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to properly grow and care for your Sansevieria, and I promise you’ll never have to worry about killing one again!

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• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to thrive, but will tolerate low-light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
• Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus and succulent blend, to prevent root rot.
• Temperature: Thrives in a warm environment between 60-85°F (15-29°C). Keep it away from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Humidity: Snake plants are highly adaptable and do not require high humidity. They are perfectly content with average indoor humidity levels.
• Watering: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Less is more with this plant to avoid root rot.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in the fall or winter.
• Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, which is typically every 2-3 years. Choose a heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over.
• Common Pests & Diseases: The most common issue is root rot from overwatering. Watch for pests like mealybugs and spider mites, which can be treated with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.

About Sansevieria Plants

Sansevieria is a tropical plant that is native to Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia. They are hardy plants commonly known as snake plants, mother-in-law’s tongue, or simply sansevieria. They are popular houseplants due to their ease of care, air-purifying qualities, and tolerance for low light levels.

Snake plants are an ideal choice for those with busy schedules. And it is the perfect plant for those who are just starting out with indoor plants or think they kill things. Which is why I think they are the most popular houseplants to grow.

Benefits of Growing Sansevieria Plant (Snake Plant)

Now that we know how easy it is to care for Sansevieria plants, what are the benefits of having them in our homes? There are several great reasons to add a snake plant to your collection:

• Aesthetic Appeal: With their variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, snake plants are a versatile and attractive addition that can complement any home or office decor.
• Air Purification: Snake plants are renowned for their ability to remove harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides from the air, helping to improve indoor air quality.
• Low Maintenance: As tough and adaptable plants, they require little water and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making them ideal for busy or forgetful gardeners.
• Stress Relief: Studies have shown that simply having plants like the snake plant in your home can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
• Great Beginner Plant: With their low-maintenance nature, snake plants are perfect for new gardeners, those who think they have a ‘black thumb,’ or people who simply don’t have the time to coddle a plant.

How to Care for Snake Plant

Growing snake plants is relatively easy because they are low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of light conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

Soil Requirements for Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

When it comes to soil, the most important thing to remember is drainage. Sansevierias are prone to root rot if they sit in soggy soil, so it’s crucial to use a mix that dries out quickly. To me, it’s better to keep their soil on the drier side!

• The Right Potting Mix: The easiest solution is to use a pre-made cactus and succulent potting mix. These blends are specifically formulated to provide the fast drainage that Sansevierias love.
• DIY Mix: If you prefer to make your own, a great recipe is to combine equal parts regular potting soil and a gritty amendment like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This DIY mix will improve aeration and drainage, preventing water from pooling around the roots.
• Choosing the Right Pot: Because some varieties of snake plants grow very tall, they can become top-heavy. To prevent your plant from toppling over as it matures, make sure you plant it in a heavy-duty pot, such as one made of terracotta or ceramic.

Light Requirements for Your Sansevieria

While snake plants are famous for their ability to survive in low-light environments, they truly thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of a sunny spot a few feet away from a south-facing window, or a room with plenty of natural light. This is where you’ll see your plant grow faster, produce more vibrant colors, and stay its healthiest.

A Word on Low Light: Your snake plant will tolerate low light conditions, but “tolerating” is not the same as “thriving.” In very dark corners, its growth will slow to a crawl, and its colors may fade. The key is to ensure it receives some light—avoid placing it in a room with no windows or a completely dark space like a windowless bathroom or closet.

A Word on Direct Sun: While your Sansevieria loves bright light, direct, intense sunlight can be too much. It can easily scorch the leaves and cause permanent damage, so it’s best to avoid placing it directly in a sunny window for long periods.

I keep mine in many different areas of my home and they thrive in almost anything you throw at them. Just make sure they get some sort of light – the plant will do much better!

Humidity

Snake plants can thrive in low humidity, but a weekly misting can help keep the leaves healthy if you want to do that. I don’t mist my plants and leave them be while they are indoors. It’s a good idea to dust the leaves off every now and again though so the leaves photosynthesis.

If your home’s air is dry (especially in winter), consider using a humidifier near your plant. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (making sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water) also works wonders. Grouping plants together can also create a microclimate with higher humidity..

I bring my snake plants outside during the warmer months after all danger of frost passes so they can enjoy the heat and humidity of a long New Jersey summer. While outdoors, keep them in an area that receives bright indirect light out of direct sunlight. I keep mine under a covered porch or roofline of the house.

Sansevierias benefit from their time outdoors by putting out more rapid growth. While they are still slow-growing plants, you’ll notice more new growth if you give them a summer vacation.

Temperature

As a native of West Africa, the Sansevieria thrives in warm environments and is quite sensitive to cold. Based on research, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 85°F (15°C and 29°C), making it perfectly happy in typical indoor household temperatures.

While the Sansevieria is resilient, it will not tolerate frost. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause irreversible damage to the plant, leading to wilting and root rot. If you move your plant outdoors for the summer, it’s crucial to bring it back inside once nighttime temperatures consistently drop into the upper 50s.

It’s also important to keep your Sansevieria away from cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents. During the cooler, dormant winter months, you should reduce watering to prevent root rot, as the plant’s growth will slow down. The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) but may require more frequent watering in extreme heat.

Watering Your Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Where watering snake plants is concerned, less is more. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings, and be careful not to overwater. Snake plants are drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. I water my snake plants once a month if that. Do not water these plants weekly as they do not like wet soil.

We have one plant in our Vermont cabin and sometimes it won’t get watered for a few months. So these plants almost thrive on some neglect.

Fertilizing Snake Plant

Fertilize snake plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. I used to fertilize my indoor plants with a slow-release fertilizer a few times a year and call it a day which works for sansevierias. And I typically start feeding them in late winter, and at the very latest, very early spring. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for the recommended strength and stop fertilizing in the fall so they can go dormant during the winter season.

However, I recently switched over to feeding all of my houseplants every time I water with a gentle organic fertilizer and I’ve notice my plants doing much better with this type of feeding regimen.

Re-Potting Sansevieria Plant

Repot snake plants every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current pot. If left in their containers for too long, they can get root-bound. And if you grow them in a clay pot they’ve been known to bust out of them if left in one for too long.

When repotting your sansevieria plant, it’s also a great time to propagate or divide them too.

Since snake plants are slow-growing, they do not require frequent repotting. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root system and it’s fine to leave it be for a few years. I think I’ve repotted my snake plants one time in the last 6 years of growing them. That said, it’s been a while so I should probably do it this year.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Common Pest and Disease Problems

Although the snake plant is incredibly hardy, it isn’t entirely immune to pests and diseases. The most common problems are usually a result of overwatering, which creates a favorable environment for pests and fungi.

Snake Plant Pests

The main pests you may encounter are mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats.

• Mealybugs: These look like small, white cottony masses, often found in the crevices where leaves meet. They feed on the plant’s sap and can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To get rid of them, you can dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
• Spider Mites: If you see fine webbing on your plant and stippling (tiny dots) on the leaves, you may have spider mites. These tiny pests are hard to see with the naked eye. You can treat them by wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth or using a gentle insecticidal soap.
• Fungus Gnats: These small, dark flies are attracted to moist soil. While they are mostly harmless to the plant itself, their larvae can cause minor root damage. The best way to get rid of them is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. You can also use sticky traps to catch the adult gnats. I’ve never needed to use these on my snake plants, but have used them on other houseplants – just sayin!

Sansevieria Plant Diseases

The most common disease problem for snake plants is root rot. This is a fungal disease caused by overwatering. The symptoms include soft, mushy, or discolored roots and yellow, droopy leaves. The best way to prevent root rot is to ensure your plant is in a well-draining pot with appropriate soil and to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If your plant has root rot, you may be able to save it by trimming off the affected roots and repotting it in fresh, dry soil.

As a preventative measure, I’ve been using this organic houseplant insect control granule on all of my houseplants to keep these kinds of problems at bay and it works like a charm!

What Does Snake Plant Do For Your House

There are a lot of snake plant benefits to caring for them in your home. They are known for their ability to purify the air as they can help remove harmful toxins. But they are also known to release oxygen at night, making them an ideal plant for bedrooms.

In addition to their air-purifying qualities, sansevierias are also low-maintenance, stress-relieving, and aesthetically pleasing plants that are easy to care for making them fun to grow. Their interesting leaf shape and foliage color bring personality and style to any home decor. And to me, the leaves of the snake plant create drama in otherwise dull spaces. Thus, the plant adds great visual impact when styled in the home.

Sansevierias are tough and adaptable plants, requiring little water, and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. So growing them couldn’t be easier.

In short, growing snake plants indoors can increase oxygen levels, improve indoor air quality, and add to the overall ambiance of the space.

Snake Plant Care FAQs

Do Snake Plants Need Sunlight?

While snake plants can tolerate low light conditions, they do need some bright light that is indirect to thrive. What does that mean?

They can handle a range of light conditions, from bright, indirect light to low light. Just avoid direct sunlight. Snake plants can go for periods without sunlight, making them a suitable choice for spaces that receive limited natural light. However, it’s best to keep them in a room that has a window.

I’ve come to learn they do well in any indoor living space that has some natural light. My snake plants have resided in rooms with south, north, east, and west-facing windows, and they’ve done well in each space. The biggest thing to remember is to avoid overwatering, keep an eye on the plant and give them some sort of light. If you maintain them in a low-light location, move them to a brighter location every now and again.

How Long Do Snake Plants Live?

Snake plants can survive for several decades with proper care. The lifespan of a snake plant can vary greatly depending on factors such as lighting, watering, and temperature.

While they are a slow-growing plant, on average, I’ve read that snake plants can live for 20-25 years, but with proper care, some snake plants have been known to live for much, much longer.

Avoiding overwatering, providing good air circulation and some natural light are key to maintaining a healthy snake plant and ensuring a long lifespan.

How Fast Does a Snake Plant Grow?

Snake plants are slow growers and typically grow at a moderate to slow pace. The growth rate of snake plants largely depends on factors such as light, temperature, and soil conditions.

In optimal growing conditions, snake plant growth can reach 1-2 inches per year, but they can also go several years without growing much at all. I’ve noticed mine put out the most growth when they summer outdoors.

That said, slow growth rate of a snake plant is normal. Providing bright, indirect light, well-drained soil, and not overwatering are the best conditions for the plant to thrive.

Propagating Snake Plants

There are several ways to propagate snake plants. And they all work equally as well as the other.

1. Division: Carefully separate offsets or baby plants from the parent plant and replant each in its own pot.
2. Leaf Cuttings: Cut a healthy leaf into pieces, let the cut end dry for a day, then plant it in well-draining soil.
3. Root Cuttings: Cut a section of the root system and plant it directly into potting soil.

Regardless of the method, it is important to make sure that the soil is well-draining when repotted, keep out of direct sunlight, and avoid overwatering.

How to Divide a Snake Plant

I’ve mostly divided my snake plant through the years. It’s easy to do because the rootball breaks apart fairly easily. Here’s how to do it.

• Remove the sansevieria from it’s container.
• Break apart the rootball and rhizomes with a sharp shovel or knife. When I did this last, the roots pulled apart pretty easily.
• Repot each plant in a new container with fresh well-draining soil.
• Water well and care according to the above.

How to Propagate Snake Plant From Cuttings

The easiest way to propagate a snake plant is to take a cutting, stick it in the soil, then wait for it to root. Growing snake plants (Sansevieria) from cuttings is a simple and effective method of propagation but takes time to root. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut a healthy leaf using sharp, clean snips, pruners, or scissors to cut a healthy leaf from the parent plant, about 4-6 inches in length.
2. Allow the cut end to dry for a day or two. This will help to prevent rot when planting the cutting.
3. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
4. Insert the cutting into the soil, making sure that the cut end is buried beneath the surface of the soil.
5. Water well and wait for roots to develop. This may take several weeks to several months, so be patient.
6. You’ll know it is rooted when you gently tug on it and there is little give.
7. Once the cutting has developed stronger roots and has started to grow, transplant it into a larger pot with fresh potting mix.

Provide bright, indirect light for the cutting and do not overwater. With proper care, the cutting should grow into a healthy snake plant.

Propagating Snake Plants in Water

Another easy way to propagate snake plants is in water. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut a healthy leaf using sharp, clean snips, pruners, or scissors from the parent plant, about 4-6 inches in length.
2. Leave the cut end of the leaf to dry for a day or two. This will help to prevent rot when planting the cutting.
3. Fill a container with water, making sure that the water level is high enough to cover the bottom of the cut leaf.
4. Insert the cutting into the water, making sure that the cut end is fully submerged in the water.
5. Wait for roots to develop, which may take several weeks to several months. Change the water every two weeks to prevent rot and promote healthy root growth.
6. Once the cutting has developed roots, transplant it into well-draining potting soil mix.

Don’t they sound super easy to grow and propagate? I started with one plant several years ago and now have many. I’ve propagated them from leaves that fell over and snipped off. And I’ve propagated my snake plants by dividing them too. It was one of the easiest plants to acclimate in our new home after we moved and never skips a beat.

When my Vermont sansevieria doesn’t get enough water, the foliage puckers a little and doesn’t feel as tough to the touch. While that sounds bad, the plant is very resilient and bounces back after a good watering. That’s a sign the plant isn’t getting enough water (which sometimes happens if we don’t get up there for a while).

When caring for a snake plant, lean towards neglect as opposed to watering it all the time. The plant will let you know if you aren’t caring for it enough. But if you overwater it and maintain soggy soil, the plant will eventually die.

Favorite Snake Plant Varieties

There are lots of different types of snake plants to grow! Here are a few you should check out!

Classic Snake Plant Varieties

• Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata): The OG snake plant, instantly recognizable with its tall, sword-like leaves adorned with horizontal stripes. This low-maintenance warrior thrives on neglect, making it perfect for forgetful plant enthusiasts.
• Golden-Striped Sentinel (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’): A glamorous twist on the classic, sporting bright yellow margins that bring a touch of sunshine to any space.

Compact Snake Plant Varieties

• Bird’s Nest Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’): This pint-sized charmer grows in clusters of rosettes, resembling a nest of plump green chicks. Ideal for adding texture and interest to smaller spaces.
• Cylindrical Cousins (Sansevieria cylindrica): Think spiky skyscrapers! These compact varieties boast thin, almost pencil-like leaves that reach towards the ceiling, adding a touch of architectural intrigue.

Quirky Varieties of Snake Plants

• Whale Fin Wonder (Sansevieria masoniana): Prepare to be awestruck by the undulating leaves of this aquatic-inspired wonder. Its broad, wavy foliage, resembling a majestic whale fin, makes a statement in any room.
• Silvery Sensation (Sansevieria kirkii ‘Silver Blue’): This cool cat flaunts shimmering, silvery-blue leaves that add a touch of icy elegance to your indoor jungle.

This is just a glimpse into the diverse world of Sansevieria. With so many varieties to choose from, finding the perfect snake plant to complement your personality and space is an adventure in itself.

Final Thoughts About Snake Plants (Sansevieria)

If you’re looking for one plant to start your houseplant journey with, this is it. The snake plant, or Sansevieria, is the one I recommend to anyone and everyone who’s just starting out. Why? Because it’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is truly more.

By following the simple tips we’ve covered—a little light, a good soil mix, and a hands-off approach to watering—you’ll be rewarded with a plant that not only survives but absolutely thrives. It’s the perfect way to build your confidence and prove to yourself that you have a green thumb after all. So go ahead, bring a Sansevieria home. I promise it won’t let you down.

Do you grow snake plants? What is your favorite variety? Let’s chat more about it in the comments below.

For more information about growing snake plants, read these article from Penn State Cooperative Extension, University of Connecticut, and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on houseplant care basics and grow an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:

• Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
• From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
• Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
• How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
• Is Your Houseplant Getting Enough Light? Here’s How to Tell.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

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