I've long sung the praises of the snake plant. Known for being low maintenance and tough, snake plants still need a bit of know-how to thrive in your home. It's one of my top three easiest houseplants, and here I'm going deeper with more helpful details on snake plant care.
The snake plant's scientific name is Sansevieria trifasciata, and its nickname is mother-in-law's tongue. It's also called viper's bowstring hemp, because its fibers were once used to make bowstrings.
These attractive houseplants can grow quite large, with long, stiff, pointed leaves that grow upright.
I really love this beautifully structured plant, which is so easy to look after. I received one at my grandfather's funeral, but sadly I left it outside over the winter and it died. So although it's easy to care for, don't make my mistake and leave it out when temperatures drop below freezing. I bought another one, and it lives indoors for most of the year!
Why Snake Plants Are Worth Growing
- Beautiful: These plants can grow quite large, with long, stiff and pointed leaves that grow upright. They typically have dark green leaves with lighter green or white vertical stripes or horizontal bands.
- Versatile: Their architectural shape, plus the many varieties and colors, makes snake plants a striking statement in almost any interior design style.
- Easy: Most people already include snake plants among their top picks for easy houseplants, and they're among the hardest to mess up.
- Purifying: I recently learned that the snake plant is unusual because it keeps releasing oxygen even at night. Other plants release carbon dioxide when they lack light for photosynthesis. Snake plants have a special metabolic process that sets them apart.
The Many Varieties of Snake Plants
Of all the benefits these plants offer, my favorite is the sheer number of varieties. You have so many options for choosing the plant (or plants!) that suit your style. Here are some of the most popular varieties, with a little info on what makes each one different.
- Sansevieria Laurentii: This variety has narrow leaves with white vertical stripes and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
- Sansevieria cylindrica: Also called African Spear, this evergreen succulent has unique round leaves that grow from a basal rosette, reaching up to 6 feet tall! The leaves usually have horizontal banding.
- Golden Hahnii aka bird's nest snake plant: This one has a compact, nest-like shape and golden-yellow stripes.
- Twisted sister aka gold twist: This variety has twisted, spiral leaves that give it a one-of-a-kind look.
- Black gold: A dark-leaved variety with gold edges.
- Black robusta: Another dark-leaved variety, with a sturdy, robust look.
- Futura superba: This one has broad, dark green leaves with light green stripes.
- Black dragon: A striking variety with deep purple-black leaves.
- Black jack: Similar to Black Dragon, this one also has very dark, nearly black leaves.
- Bantel's sensation: This variety has bold white vertical stripes, giving it a zebra-like look.
How to Propagate Snake Plants from Leaf Cuttings
Now that you know about all the options, I bet you'll want more than one! The great news is that propagating snake plants from leaf cuttings is easy too. It's a simple, low-cost way to grow your collection and to share and swap with friends.
Here are the simple steps for water propagation of a snake plant leaf cutting:
- Pick a mature, healthy leaf.
- Cut the leaf near the soil line using clean scissors or a sharp knife.
- Cut the leaf into sections at least three inches long, taking care to keep them right side up.
- Cut a V shape into the bottom of each section.
- Stand the cut ends of the leaf sections in a glass jar or dish filled with a couple of inches of clean water.
- Set the jar in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
- Once a week, rinse the jar thoroughly and change the water.
- Within three or four weeks, you'll see roots forming.
- Plant the cuttings in separate pots filled with potting soil.
- Watch for new growth to appear.
How to Care for Snake Plants
From watering to placement, here's a rundown of everything you need to know to help your snake plant thrive.
Snake Plant Light Requirements
Snake plants adapt to just about any light you give them. They tolerate low light just fine, though they won't grow as fast or as tall. On the flip side, they can handle some direct sunlight, but not for long, since the leaves can burn. Artificial light, such as fluorescent bulbs or LED grow lights, also works well, as long as you keep a consistent schedule that mimics nature.
Ideally, though, snake plants prefer indirect light. Indirect or filtered sunlight gives them just enough energy to grow their best and look their most attractive.
Are Snake Plants Safe for Pets?
No. They're poisonous to pets, and if people eat them, their toxins can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These plants are beautiful, but keep them well out of reach of little ones and pets.
How often should you water a snake plant each week?
Snake plants need very little water and should only be watered every two to six weeks. That's a wide window, and the timing depends on how much light the plant gets, plus the temperature and humidity.
Keep an eye on the soil. If it looks dry, feel the top inch to confirm, then water the plant.
It's far better to underwater a snake plant than to overwater it, which leads to root rot and other problems. Native to West Africa, these plants are naturally drought-tolerant. In fact, you should deliberately cut back on watering during late fall and winter. Snake plants need even less water when they're not in their growing season.
What size pot do I need for my snake plant?
Snake plants like to grow slowly in snug quarters. Choose a container only about one or two inches wider than the root ball.
When should I repot my snake plant?
Snake plants usually need repotting every 2-3 years, or when they become pot-bound. You'll know it's time when roots poke out of the drainage hole or when the plant seems to stop growing.
What type of soil does my snake plant need?
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as cactus mix, or regular potting soil with added perlite or sand. Also feed it a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer about once a month. I prefer Happy Happy Houseplants plant food.
What temperature and humidity work best for a snake plant?
Temperatures between 60-85°F (15-30°C) are ideal, along with average indoor humidity of 40-60%. That said, snake plants are famously resilient and can handle most conditions outside these ranges, just not for long.
Common Snake Plant Problems and How to Fix Them
These hardy houseplants are known for their durability, but things can still go wrong. Here are a few signs of possible trouble and how to fix them if you spot them,
If your snake plant is:
- Not growing: This could be due to overwatering, too little light or nutrients, or extreme temperatures. If you suspect any of these, they're all fairly simple to fix. Move your plant to a different light source. Keep the room within the ideal range of 60-85°F (15-30°C). If it's been a long time since you repotted, fresh soil will be welcome.
- Yellowing and wilting: This can be caused by root rot or by common houseplant pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. If bugs are present, treat the plant with neem oil. If you suspect root rot, your plant may still be saved. Remove it from the pot and shake off the soil to check the roots. If more than a quarter look healthy, you're in luck. Trim away any rotted roots and replant in fresh soil in a well-draining pot.
- Blooming: Not necessarily a problem, but it's rare and can be a sign of stress. Snake plants can produce small, tubular white flowers followed by orange-red berries that contain seeds you can use to grow new plants. The catch is they usually only do this when something is off, such as being rootbound or not getting enough water.
Essential Houseplant Accessories
And finally, here are a few of my favorite accessories and supplies for caring for houseplants:
- Happy Happy Houseplant Plant Food
- Self-watering planters, handy in case you forget to water each week.
- Bamboo Plant Shelf for the perfectly lit spot in your home.
- A soil moisture, light and pH tester, the ideal tool for getting your light and soil conditions just right.
Leave me a comment if you have other questions about snake plant care. If I don't know the answer, I'll be glad to find out and get back to you as soon as I can.
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