Growing Snake Plants

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Snake Plants

Snake Plant

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Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are one of the easiest house plants to take care of. This succulent plant is very forgiving and perfect for beginners. Here’s how to care for a snake plant in your home! 

Too much water is the only thing that can kill this plant. Soggy soil will cause root rot. In southern regions, it can be grown outdoors, but tends to become invasive.

Planting

  • Use well-draining potting mix. A succulent mix is ideal.
  • The snake plant prefers bright light and even some direct sunlight, but also grows well in shady corners.
  • Place the plant in a warm spot with temperatures above 50 degrees F.

Care

  • Let the soil dry between waterings.
  • During the winter, water only about once a month.
  • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth as needed to remove dust.
  • Snake plants are rapid growers and may need to be divided annually.
  • Divide and repot in the spring. Cut out a section containing both leaves and roots and place in a pot with well-draining potting mix.
  • If the plant is pot bound, it will flower occasionally. Fragrant, greenish-white flower clusters appear on tall spikes.

Pests/Diseases

  • Root rot due to overwatering is the most common issue.

Recommended Varieties

  • Sansevieria trifasciata is the most common species of snake plant. It has dark green leaves with light grayish-green horizontal stripes.
  • ‘Golden Hahnii’– Leaves are variegated along the edge in yellow. Leaves only grow 6 to 8 inches long. This variety does need bright light to grow well.
  • ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ – Narrow leaves have white vertical stripes and grow to about 3 feet long.

Wit & Wisdom

  • Snake plants, along with spider plants and peace lilies, are effective at cleaning the air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde.
  • Sansevieria trifasciata, a native of tropical Africa, yields a strong plant fiber and was once used to make bow strings for hunting.

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Growing Snake Plants

Botanical Name Sansevieria spp.
Plant Type Houseplant
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Soil Type
Soil pH Neutral
Bloom Time
Flower Color
Hardiness Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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