How much light do snake plants need?
To thrive and produce those striking, upright patterns, your Snake Plant craves bright, indirect light. WAIT WHAT I THOUGHT THEY WERE LOW-LIGHT PLANTS?!?!? I believe that all Snake Plants do best near a sunny window. However, they are famous for being unfussy. Even if you place them in a darker corner, they will still survive. In lower light, the plant will grow much slower, and the vibrant patterns on the leaves may fade, becoming more solid green. Remember no plant "thrives" in low light, but some can survive for a very long time in low light.
How do you water a snake plant?
Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, and the Snake Plant is especially sensitive to it. Mastering Snake Plant watering is about benign neglect. These plants are native to arid environments and store water in their leaves.
When to Water
Insert your finger (or a chopstick) deep into the soil. If the soil feels even slightly damp, wait. If the soil feels completely dry, and the pot feels light, it's time to water. When in doubt, wait another week. The higher the light you keep the plant in the more often the plant will use water therefor the more often the soil will be dry.
How to Water
When you do water, water deeply. Pour water over the soil until it flows freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root system is hydrated. Discard any excess water sitting in the saucer; Snake Plants hate "wet feet" and sitting in stagnant water will guarantee root rot.
Tip: In the winter, your plant goes dormant. You will likely need to cut your watering down significantly, sometimes to as little as once a month or less. This is a very general comment but often true.
What type of soil do snake plants need?
Standard potting soil from the garden center is often too dense and moisture-retentive for a Snake Plant. They will rot in it if you aren't careful. Like most succulents, their roots need rapid drainage and plenty of airflow.
To create the perfect environment, you should use a gritty soil amendment. A great DIY recipe is:
- 50% Cactus or Succulent Soil
- 25% Perlite (for drainage)
- 25% Coarse Sand or Pumice (for grit and structure)
This mixture allows water to rush through quickly, ensuring the roots never sit in moisture for too long.
How to help your snake plant thrive?
Encouraging Growth: Rhizomes and Pups
As your Mother-in-Law's Tongue matures, you will notice new shoots poking out of the soil near the base of the main plant. These are pups, which grow from underground stems called rhizomes. This is how the plant expands to fill its pot.
What to do with Pups?
You have two main options:
- Leave them: This creates a fuller, bushier plant that looks impressive in a floor planter.
- Divide them: Once a pup has developed its own roots, you can cut it away from the parent plant with a sharp knife and pot it separately to create a whole new plant.
Cleaning the Leaves
Because Snake Plants have broad, flat leaves that stand upright, they can collect a lot of dust. A layer of dust blocks sunlight and reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize. Wipe the leaves down gently with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them shiny and efficient.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best Snake Plant care, issues can arise. Here is how to diagnose your plant:
1. Yellowing or Mushy Leaves
This is the classic sign of overwatering. If the base of the plant is slimy or mushy, root rot has set in. Stop watering immediately. You may need to remove the plant from its pot, trim away rotting roots, and repot it in dry, fresh soil.
2. Wrinkled, Pruney Leaves
This usually indicates the plant is dehydrated. While they are drought-tolerant, they do need some water. If the leaves look wrinkled rather than plump and firm, give the plant a thorough soak.
3. Falling or Drooping Leaves
If your leaves are falling over, it is likely due to one of two things: root rot (the roots are no longer anchoring the plant) or insufficient light (the leaves are growing weak and stretching). Check the roots first; if they are healthy, move the plant to a brighter spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Snake Plant toxic to cats and dogs? Yes. The plant contains saponins. If chewed or ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets. While usually not fatal, it will cause an unpleasant stomach ache. As always I reccomend checking with the ASPCA.
How often should I fertilize? During the growing season (Spring and Summer), feed your Snake Plant a few times with a mild cactus fertilizer. They are light feeders. Stop fertilizing completely in the winter.
When should I repot my Snake Plant? These plants actually prefer to be "root-bound" (tight in their pots). You may only need to repot every 3-5 years. Repot only when the roots are cracking the plastic nursery pot or growing out of the top of the soil. You'll see some images of people with snake plants that haven't been repotted in a decade and they're massive and happy enough.
By following this Snake Plant care guide, you are well on your way to growing a structural, indestructible specimen. Remember: ignore it a little, and it will love you for it!
