What is a Snake Plant?
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, is a striking and resilient succulent plant species native to the tropical regions of Western Africa. These plants are characterized by their tall, upright leaves that grow vertically from a basal rosette. The leaves are thick, rigid, and sword-shaped, with a distinctive striped or banded pattern along their lengths.
Snake plants come in various varieties, each with its unique leaf markings and colors. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Sansevieria trifasciata (also known as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue): This is the most common variety, featuring tall, cylindrical leaves with green banding and yellow or golden edges.
- Sansevieria cylindrica (Cylindrical Snake Plant): As the name suggests, this variety has round, cylindrical leaves that resemble thick green fingers.
- Sansevieria hahnii (Bird’s Nest Snake Plant): This dwarf variety forms a compact rosette of short, stiff leaves with a slightly twisted appearance.
- Sansevieria masoniana (Whale Fin Snake Plant): This unique variety has broad, flat leaves that resemble the shape of whale fins, with intricate patterns of green and gray.
Despite their exotic appearance, snake plants have a long history of use in traditional African culture and have been cultivated for centuries as ornamental plants. Their resilience and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions have made them popular houseplants worldwide.
Why Snake Plants Make Great Houseplants
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are incredibly popular houseplants for good reason. They are incredibly low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy individuals or those new to plant care. Snake plants can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low light, drought, and neglect, making them virtually indestructible.
One of the key benefits of having a snake plant is its ability to purify indoor air. NASA studies have shown that snake plants effectively remove toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides from the air. These toxins are commonly found in household products and building materials, making snake plants a valuable addition to any home or office space.
Another advantage of snake plants is their resilience and hardiness. They are incredibly difficult to kill, even for those with a notorious “black thumb.” Snake plants can survive long periods without water, making them an ideal choice for forgetful plant owners or those who travel frequently. Their thick, succulent leaves store water, allowing them to thrive in dry conditions.
Snake Plant Light Requirements
Snake plants are remarkably tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions, making them an excellent choice for low-light environments. However, they still require some level of brightness to thrive.
Amount of Light Needed
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels. Ideally, they should receive filtered sunlight or bright, indirect light from an east or west-facing window. In lower light conditions, their growth rate may slow down, but they can still survive.
Signs of Too Much Light
While snake plants can tolerate direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to intense, direct light can lead to sunburn. The leaves may develop brown or yellow patches, and their color may fade or become washed out. If you notice these signs, move your snake plant to a location with bright, indirect light.
Signs of Too Little Light
In low-light conditions, snake plants may become leggy, with elongated stems and spaced-out leaves. The leaves may also lose their vibrant green color and appear pale or yellowish. If your snake plant is not receiving enough light, try moving it to a brighter location or supplement with artificial grow lights.
Snake plants are incredibly adaptable when it comes to light requirements, but providing the right amount of brightness will ensure optimal growth and a healthy, vibrant appearance.
Best Soil for Snake Plants
Snake plants thrive in well-draining potting mixes that allow excess moisture to escape. A gritty soil blend made for cacti and succulents is ideal, as it mimics the plant’s natural desert environment. Alternatively, you can amend a standard potting mix by adding materials like perlite, coarse sand, or small pebbles to improve drainage.
An optimal potting mix for snake plants contains:
- Potting soil or coir
- Perlite or coarse sand (up to 1/3 of total mix)
- Bark chips or small gravel
The key is ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged or compact over time. Amending with inorganic materials like perlite prevents soil compaction and provides vital aeration for the roots. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues in snake plants.
Watering a Snake Plant
Snake plants are one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants, making them perfect for those who tend to forget about watering. However, that doesn’t mean you can completely neglect watering them. Here are some tips for proper watering:
How Often to Water
During the growing season (spring through fall), allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Water thoroughly, until liquid drains from the drainage holes, then don’t water again until the soil is dry down to about 2 inches deep. In the winter when growth is minimal, you can let the soil dry out even more between waterings.
Signs of Underwatering
Underwatered snake plants will have wrinkled, shriveled leaves that start to look dry and crispy. The leaves may also start to curl inward from the sides. If severely underwatered for an extended period, the leaves can turn yellow or brown and die back completely.
Signs of Overwatering
Overwatered snake plants will have soft, mushy, yellowing leaves. The soil will remain wet and may start to smell foul or grow fungus. Leaving a snake plant sitting in water for too long can cause the roots to rot, which can eventually kill the plant.
The key is to strike the right balance – don’t let it dry out completely for months on end, but also don’t water so frequently that the soil stays wet. With their thick, succulent leaves and drought tolerance, snake plants can bounce back from periods of underwatering more easily than overwatering.
Temperature & Humidity Needs
Snake plants are remarkably resilient and can tolerate a wide range of temperature and humidity levels. However, like all plants, they thrive best within certain ideal conditions.
Temperature
Snake plants prefer warm temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C). They can handle occasional dips into the 60s°F (15°C) or spikes into the low 90s°F (mid 30s°C), but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can stress the plant.
If your home tends to be on the cooler side during winter months, consider moving your snake plant to a warmer room or using a heat mat to maintain a comfortable root zone temperature.
Humidity
These desert-dwellers are well-adapted to dry air and can handle low humidity levels without issue. In fact, too much humidity can lead to problems like fungal diseases or root rot.
Most homes have humidity levels between 30% and 50%, which is perfectly suitable for snake plants. If your home is exceptionally dry, you can increase humidity around the plant by:
- Grouping plants together to create a micro-humid environment
- Using a pebble tray or humidity tray
- Running a humidifier nearby (but not directly on the plant)
Avoid misting snake plants, as this can promote fungal growth and doesn’t effectively raise humidity for extended periods.
By providing the right temperature and humidity, your snake plant will reward you with lush, healthy growth and minimal care requirements.
Fertilizing Snake Plants
Snake plants are light feeders and don’t require frequent fertilization. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to problems like fertilizer burn or excessive growth. The best time to fertilize is during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
For fertilizing, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply the diluted fertilizer when watering every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in the winter when growth slows down.
An excellent option is to use a liquid seaweed fertilizer or compost tea, which provides a gentle source of nutrients. You can also top-dress the soil with a small amount of worm compost or well-rotted manure in the spring.
Be cautious about using strong chemical fertilizers, as they can easily burn the sensitive roots of the snake plant. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, and when in doubt, use less rather than more.
By fertilizing sparingly, you’ll encourage healthy, compact growth in your snake plant without promoting excessive stretching or weak, floppy leaves.
Repotting & Propagating
Snake plants are remarkably easygoing when it comes to repotting. They can stay root-bound for years without any serious issues. However, repotting every 2-3 years is recommended for optimal growth. The best time to repot is in the spring before the growing season kicks into high gear.
When repotting, choose a container just 1-2 inches wider than the current pot. Snake plants like to be slightly pot-bound. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and inspect the roots. If the roots are densely circling the root ball, you can divide the plant into two or more sections at this point.
Dividing snake plants is easy and an excellent way to propagate new plants from an established mother plant. Simply pull or cut the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has plenty of roots and at least one stalk of leaves. Replant each division into its own appropriately sized pot with fresh potting mix.
You can also propagate snake plants from leaf cuttings. Use a sharp, sterile knife or scissors to cut off a few leaves as close to the soil line as possible. Allow the cut ends to callus over for a few days, then stand the cuttings upright in a fresh pot filled with well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix. Water sparingly and provide bright, indirect light. Roots and new plant growth will eventually emerge from the base of the cuttings.
Common Snake Plant Problems
Pests: Snake plants are relatively resistant to pests, but they can occasionally suffer from infestations of mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. These pests can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a generally unhealthy appearance. Inspect your plant regularly and treat any infestations promptly with an appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Diseases: Snake plants are also fairly resistant to diseases, but they can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Root rot can cause yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and eventual plant death. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
Cultural Issues:
- Overwatering: One of the most common issues with snake plants is overwatering. These drought-tolerant plants don’t require frequent watering, and excess moisture can lead to root rot and other problems. Only water when the soil is completely dry, and ensure proper drainage.
- Underwatering: On the other hand, prolonged underwatering can cause the leaves to become dry, wrinkled, and eventually brown. Snake plants can tolerate drought conditions, but they still need occasional watering to thrive.
- Low Light: While snake plants can tolerate low light conditions, extended periods of insufficient light can cause the leaves to become pale, leggy, and weak. Ensure your plant receives adequate bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Overcrowding: As snake plants mature, their rhizomes can become overcrowded in their containers, leading to stunted growth and poor overall health. Repot your plant every few years to provide fresh soil and ample space for the rhizomes to spread.
Solutions:
- Proper Watering: Water your snake plant when the top few inches of soil are completely dry, and ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Place your snake plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light, such as near an east- or west-facing window.
- Regular Repotting: Repot your snake plant every 2-3 years, or when the rhizomes become overcrowded, using a well-draining potting mix.
- Pest Control: Regularly inspect your plant for pests and treat any infestations promptly with an appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
By addressing these common issues and providing the proper care, your snake plant can thrive and remain a low-maintenance, beautiful addition to your home or office.
Snake Plant Varieties
Snake plants come in several different varieties that vary in appearance. The most common variety is Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ which has thick, upright green leaves with bright yellow edges. Another popular type is Sansevieria cylindrica, the cylindrical or African spear plant, with round, finger-like leaves.
Some other eye-catching snake plant cultivars include:
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ – Sometimes called the Bird’s Nest Sansevieria, it has densely clustered, tubular leaves that grow outward in a rosette pattern.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ – Featuring shorter, more slender leaves with attractive horizontal bands of green and silver-gray.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’ – The leaves are spiraled into corkscrew shapes, adding unique texture.
Sansevieria masoniana – A dwarf variety with slender, cylindrical leaves that only reach about 1-2 feet tall.
While all snake plant varieties have the same basic care needs, some may differ slightly. The dwarf and compact varieties need less frequent repotting, while the larger, robust types like ‘Laurentii’ require more root space. But overall, snake plants make very low-maintenance houseplants that thrive on benign neglect.
Where to Buy Snake Plants
Snake plants are widely available and can be found at most nurseries, garden centers, and even big box stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. However, for the best quality and selection, consider purchasing from a reputable online nursery specializing in houseplants.
Online retailers like Costa Farms, Logee’s Plants, and Hirt’s Gardens offer a vast array of snake plant varieties, from the classic Sansevieria trifasciata to rarer cultivars like ‘Sayuri’ or ‘Moonshine.’ When ordering online, look for well-established plants with healthy foliage and robust root systems.
If you prefer to shop locally, check your area for independent nurseries or botanical gardens. These specialized retailers often carry a broader selection of snake plant cultivars and can provide expert advice on care and maintenance.
When selecting a snake plant, inspect the leaves for any signs of damage, pests, or disease. The foliage should be thick, upright, and uniformly colored. Avoid plants with yellowing, mushy, or severely damaged leaves.
With their low maintenance requirements and tolerance for neglect, snake plants make an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. By sourcing your plant from a reputable seller, you’ll ensure a healthy, long-lasting addition to your indoor garden.
