Snake Plant

Overview

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue or Sansevieria, is one of the most adaptable and easy-to-grow houseplants. Native to West Africa, this succulent is characterized by its tall, stiff, sword-like leaves that grow vertically from a basal rosette. Snake Plants are renowned for their hardiness and ability to thrive in conditions that would kill most other houseplants.

Beyond their striking architectural appearance, Snake Plants are also known for their air-purifying qualities. NASA's Clean Air Study found that they can filter indoor air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. They're also one of the few plants that convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night, making them excellent bedroom companions.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Snake Plants are incredibly adaptable when it comes to light conditions. They can survive in low light areas, but they thrive best in bright, indirect light. Here's what you need to know:

• Low Light: Will survive but grow slowly with less vibrant coloration
• Medium Light: Ideal for healthy growth and maintaining leaf patterns
• Bright Indirect Light: Promotes faster growth and more vivid colors
• Direct Sunlight: Avoid prolonged direct sun as it can scorch the leaves

If you notice your Snake Plant becoming leggy or pale, it may need more light. Conversely, if the leaves develop brown spots or appear bleached, it might be getting too much direct sunlight.

Watering

The number one rule with Snake Plants is: it's better to underwater than overwater. These plants store water in their thick leaves and are highly susceptible to root rot if kept too moist.

Watering Schedule:

• Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
• In spring and summer: Water approximately every 2-3 weeks
• In fall and winter: Reduce to once every 4-6 weeks
• Always check soil moisture before watering by inserting your finger 2 inches into the soil

Watering Technique:

• Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the center of the rosette
• Ensure excess water drains freely from the pot
• Empty any water that collects in the saucer

If you're unsure whether to water, wait a few more days. Snake Plants can recover from drought much easier than from overwatering.

Soil

Snake Plants prefer well-draining soil that won't retain too much moisture. A cactus or succulent mix works well, or you can create your own mix:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• 2 parts standard potting soil
• 1 part coarse sand or perlite
• 1 part small pebbles or pumice

This combination provides adequate drainage while still retaining enough nutrients for healthy growth. Avoid heavy, dense soils that retain water, as these can lead to root rot.

Temperature & Humidity

Snake Plants are not fussy about temperature or humidity, which contributes to their reputation as easy-care plants.

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C)
• Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Keep away from heating vents and air conditioners

Humidity:

• Adapts to normal household humidity levels (30-50%)
• No need for misting or humidifiers
• Can tolerate dry air, making them perfect for heated indoor environments in winter

Fertilizing

Snake Plants are light feeders and can thrive with minimal fertilization. Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good.

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength
• Feed once during spring and once during summer
• No fertilizer needed during fall and winter when growth slows
• If your plant is in very low light, reduce fertilizing to once a year

Propagation

Snake Plants can be propagated in several ways, making it easy to expand your collection or share with friends.

Leaf Cuttings in Water:

1. Cut a healthy leaf into 3-4 inch sections
2. Remember which end is the bottom (the end that was closest to the soil)
3. Place the bottom end in a container with about an inch of water
4. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria
5. After 3-6 weeks, roots should form
6. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, plant in soil

Leaf Cuttings in Soil:

1. Cut a healthy leaf into 3-4 inch sections
2. Allow the cut ends to callus for 1-2 days
3. Plant the bottom end about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil
4. Keep the soil slightly moist until roots develop
5. New growth should appear in 1-3 months

Division:

1. Remove the plant from its pot during repotting
2. Gently separate the rhizomes and roots into smaller sections
3. Ensure each section has healthy roots and at least one leaf
4. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil
5. Water sparingly until new growth appears

Note that when propagating from leaf cuttings, the new plants may not retain the variegation pattern of the parent plant.

Common Problems

Despite being low-maintenance, Snake Plants can occasionally face issues:

Overwatering Symptoms:

• Soft, mushy leaves
• Yellowing or browning leaves
• Foul smell from the soil
• Root rot

Solution: Reduce watering frequency, ensure proper drainage, and if severe, repot in fresh, dry soil after trimming away rotted roots.

Pests:

• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters on leaves
• Spider mites: Fine webbing and tiny specks, usually in dry conditions
• Scale: Brown bumps on leaves that don't scrape off easily

Solution: Wipe leaves with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, or treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Brown Leaf Tips:

• Usually caused by dry air, underwatering, or fluoride in tap water
• Can also result from fertilizer burn

Solution: Adjust watering schedule, use filtered water if possible, and ensure proper fertilizing.

Leaning or Falling Over:

• Often due to insufficient light causing leggy growth
• Can also happen when the plant becomes top-heavy

Solution: Rotate the plant regularly and provide more light if possible. Consider staking very tall leaves or dividing an overcrowded plant.

Popular Varieties

There are numerous Snake Plant varieties, each with unique characteristics:

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii'

• The most common variety
• Dark green leaves with yellow margins
• Can grow up to 3-4 feet tall

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii' (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

• Compact, rosette-forming variety
• Grows only 6-8 inches tall
• Perfect for small spaces and desktops

Sansevieria cylindrica (Cylindrical Snake Plant)

• Round, cylindrical leaves that grow upright
• Often braided or arranged in fan patterns
• Also called African Spear Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Moonshine'

• Striking silvery-green, almost white leaves
• Broader leaves than many other varieties
• Medium height, typically 1-2 feet

Sansevieria trifasciata 'Twisted Sister'

• Wavy, twisted leaves with yellow margins
• Compact growth habit
• Adds unique texture to plant collections

With their striking appearance and forgiving nature, Snake Plants are perfect for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. Their ability to thrive in various conditions makes them an excellent choice for homes, offices, and spaces with limited natural light.