How to Care for a Snake Plant

The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is one of the most popular houseplants around. With its striking, architectural foliage, it’s no wonder that this plant has been a favourite among gardeners for generations. Not only is it easy to care for and maintain, but it’s also incredibly resilient – which makes it perfect for novice gardeners who are just starting out. Here’s how to make sure your snake plant stays healthy and vibrant!

Sansevieria trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa. Popular common names include Snake Plant Mother-in-law’s Tongue, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, Saint George’s sword, Bowstring Hemp, and Devil’s Tongue.

Snake plant Danger

Snake plants are toxic to pets. While Snake plants are generally not harmful to humans, they can be toxic to kids, pets such as cats and dogs if eaten or chewed. The saponins in the plant’s leaves can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty breathing in animals. If you have pets or young kids in your home, it is best to avoid keeping snake plants or to keep them out of reach. The leaves of some varieties may cause mild skin irritation if touched by some sensitive individuals. But it is their sharp spine you need to really be aware of if you’re keeping them in pots indoors.

Some types that have a very sharp pointed spine at the end of their leaves. Eye protection around snake plants is useful in the garden and if indoors keep them away from curious children or cut off the spines. Don’t be put off as there are many great reasons for keeping a Snake Plant in your home.

In the garden Snake plants can be invasive. In some cases, snake plants can become invasive and spread rapidly if conditions are good (ie you live in the Tropics). If left unchecked, they can take over an area and crowd out other plants. However, they can make great barriers or ground cover on barren land or ‘green up’ areas with really poor soil. If you are concerned about the potential for invasiveness, it is best to avoid keeping snake plants in your garden.

Benefits of Keeping Snake Plants In Your Home

This is what makes Snake plants so popular:

1. Air Purification: Snake plants are known to be one of the best air purifying indoor plants. Snake plants are known to remove toxins from the home environment. They are able to absorb harmful substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene and convert them into oxygen. This can help to improve the air quality in your home and create a healthier living space.

2. Low Maintenance: Snake plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant and can survive for long periods without regular watering. This makes them a great choice for busy individuals or for those who do not have a lot of experience with plants. It requires very little water and can thrive in low light conditions making it easy to care for and they practically thrive on neglect!

3. Snake plants are resilient and can survive in a range of conditions. They can tolerate low light levels and are not affected by fluctuations in temperature. This makes them a great choice for homes with less than ideal lighting conditions or for those who live in areas with extreme weather.

4. Stress Reliever: Its natural green color adds a calming atmosphere to any room in the house. Scientific research has proven that keeping plants like the snake plant around your home can reduce stress levels significantly and help you experience more positive emotions.

5. Aesthetic Appeal: Snake plants are attractive and add a touch of the tropical to any space. With their long, glossy leaves and distinctive patterns, snake plants make a beautiful addition to any home. They can be placed in a variety of locations, from windowsills to table tops, and can help to create a more inviting and peaceful atmosphere. The unique shape and texture of the snake plant makes it an attractive addition to any space in your home.

Sansevieria trifasciata is a very diverse species and there are many types of snake plants, here are some you might like to grow:

• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii‘: This variety has long, broad leaves with yellow margins and dark green crossbands.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii‘: This type has shorter, more compact leaves and is often grown in containers or as a tabletop plant.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Futura Superba‘: This one has dark green leaves with light green crossbands and a glossy sheen.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine‘: This plant has pale green leaves with a silver-blue sheen and is prized for its attractive coloration.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation‘: This snake plant has long, narrow leaves with a distinctive striped pattern.
• Other common varieties of Sansevieria trifasciata include ‘Cylindrica‘, ‘Fernwood Mikado‘, ‘Golden Hahnii‘, and ‘Whitney‘.

How to Grow and Care for Snake Plant in Containers

The best way to have have a happy and healthy indoor Snake Plant:

1. Choose a well-draining potting mix that is specifically designed for succulents or cacti. Snake plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
2. Plant your snake plant in a container that is slightly larger than the root ball, with enough room for the plant to grow. Snake plants prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so a container that is too large may cause the plant to grow too quickly and become unstable.
3. Water your snake plant sparingly, only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Snake plants are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it is important to let the soil dry out completely between watering.
4. Place your snake plant in a bright, indirect light location. Snake plants can tolerate low light conditions, but they will grow best in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your snake plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch or turn yellow.
5. Fertilize your snake plant once or twice a year, using a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Snake plants do not require frequent fertilization and can easily become over-fertilized, so it is important to use a light hand when applying fertilizer.
6. Prune your snake plant as needed to remove any dead or damaged leaves. Snake plants can grow quite large, so regular pruning can help to keep them manageable and promote healthy growth.

With the right and very little care, your snake plants can thrive and bring a touch of the tropical to your indoor space.

General Light Requirements

Snake plants really thrive in bright light conditions, but they can tolerate some shade as well. They do best when they get between 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day, so if growing them indoors as pot plants, put them near a window or any other light and bright area of the house. They can also handle some shade, but too much shade can cause growth issues and discoloration of leaves. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, you could (if you’re really keen) use artificial lighting to supplement the light your snake plant needs.

Watering Needs

Snake plants don’t need much water – in fact, overwatering can be detrimental to their health. Snake plants are actually considered succulents. Succulents are a type of plant that has adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots in order to survive in arid environments. This is why Snake plants have thick, fleshy leaves that are able to store water, which allows them to survive for long periods without regular watering. Because of this adaptation, snake plants are often classified as succulents.

So, you should only water your snake plant when the soil has dried out completely (you can check by sticking your finger about an inch down into the soil). When you do water it, make sure you give it enough that the entire pot is saturated but then let any excess water drain away from the bottom of the pot before replacing it in its spot.

Snake Plant Fertilizer

Like other houseplants, snake plants need a little fertilizer to be at their their best and thrive. Fertilize your snake plant every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength then reduce fertilizing to once a month during fall and winter months. This will ensure that your snake plant gets all the necessary nutrients throughout the year.

From Single Leaf to Snake Plant Forest – Propagation Guide

Here’s how to make more baby Snake plants:

1. Choose a healthy, mature snake plant with well-established roots.
2. Cut a leaf off the snake plant using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors. Make sure to cut at least an inch below the base of the leaf from a section of the plant that has at least one leaf and a small section of the root.
3. Place the cut end of the leaf in lukewarm water and allow it to sit for several hours to encourage root growth. Change out the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
4. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix that is specifically designed for succulents or cacti.
5. Plant the leaf once roots have grown in a pot filled with well-draining soil such as a succulent or cactus mix. Make sure to firm the soil around the root ball so that it is secure and won’t shift when watering or moving the plant.
6. Water your new snake plant lightly until it becomes established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings; then reduce watering frequency gradually over time as needed to avoid overwatering.
7. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil slightly moist.

After a few weeks, new growth should begin to appear. Once the plant is well-established, you can gradually increase watering as needed.

Caring for a snake plant doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming all you need are some basics tips and tricks. By following these few simple steps – like making sure your snake plant gets enough light, watering on an as-needed basis (when the soil has dried out completely), and fertilizing regularly – you’ll have a happy and healthy houseplant in no time at all! So don’t be afraid to add this beautiful plant into your home; with proper care, it will bring life into any room for years to come.