Snake plants, also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and Sansevieria, are one of the easiest houseplants to take care of. This succulent plant is ideal for beginners because it is highly tolerant. What you need to know about maintaining a snake plant at home!
About Snake Plants
Snake plants, which are indigenous to southern Africa, are well suited to climates that are comparable to those in the southern United States. As a result, in USDA zones 8 and warmer, they can be cultivated outdoors for a portion of the year. Snake plants should only be planted in restricted areas or in containers since they spread by putting out underground runners and may become invasive.
Only a very small number of conditions have the power to significantly harm this plant, including excessive water and cold temperatures. Root rot is brought on by wet soil, and foliage can be harmed by prolonged exposure to freezing weather.
How to Plant Snake Plants
- Pick a pot with a bottom drainage hole. Since terra cotta pots let the soil to dry out more readily than plastic pots, they are ideal for growing snake plants.
- Use a potting mix that drains effectively. The best potting soil is one made for “cacti and succulents,” as it will be less likely to become overly wet.
- Avoid burying snake plants too deeply when repotting them. The plant needs to be buried the same depth as it was in its previous container.
Choosing a Location in the Home
- Snake plants can handle some direct sunshine but prefer bright, indirect light. However, they also thrive in dark, shaded spaces and other low-light sections of the house, albeit more slowly.
- Relocating your plant too quickly from low light to direct sunlight will shock it. Try to avoid doing this. When relocating plants, do so gradually. Over the course of about a week, gradually expose the plant to stronger and brighter light. In warmer, brighter places, plants will require more water, so be sure to alter your watering practices accordingly.
- Keep the plant in an area that is warm (above 50°F) (10C). Make sure to shield it from drafty windows in the winter.
How to Care for Snake Plants
Overwatering is one of the most frequent issues with snake plants and other succulents. These plants frequently have root rot because they cannot tolerate wet soil well. Follow these watering guidelines to prevent this:
- Avoid watering too often. Between waterings, allow the soil to mostly dry out.
- Observe more than simply the appearance of the soil’s surface to determine when to water. Instead, carefully insert a wooden chopstick or your finger a few inches into the ground. Delay watering if you detect any wetness or if soil sticks to the chopstick.
- If at all feasible, use the pot’s bottom water. This promotes deep, downward root growth, which helps to support the thick, towering leaves.
- Water less frequently in the winter than in the spring and summer when the plant isn’t actively growing.
- The broad, flat leaves are prone to dust accumulation; if necessary, wipe them clean with a moist cloth.
- In ideal circumstances, snake plants grow quickly and may require dividing every year.
- In the spring, split and replant. Remove a part with roots and leaves and put it in a pot with potting soil that drains properly.
- A snake plant may occasionally flower if it is confined to a pot. On tall spikes, fragrant clusters of greenish-white flowers can be seen.
- Sansevieria trifasciata is the most common species of snake plant. It has tall, dark-green leaves with alternating bands of light grayish-green.
- With “Bantel’s Sensation”
- Up to three feet long, narrow leaves contain white vertical lines. Finding this kind can be challenging.
- Sansevieria hannai
- In “Bird’s Nest,”
- A tight nest-like shape, resembling that of a bromeliad, is formed by short, broad, dark and light green leaves. Only 6 to 8 inches are grown on leaves. To thrive, this type does not require a lot of light.
- The “Golden Hahnii”
- Similar to the common “Bird’s Nest,” but with yellow-variegated leaf edges.
- Cylindric Sansevieria:
- called “Cylindrical Snake Plant”
- This type of snake plant has cylindrical leaves that finish in a sharp point, as the name would imply.
- called “Starfish Snake Plant”
- The cylindrical leaves of the starfish snake plant fan out from its base, giving it the appearance of a starfish.
- Masoniana Sansevieria
- A “Whale Fin”
- These fascinating snake plants have broad, huge leaves that mimic a whale breaching the surface of the water.
- According to reports, peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants are highly effective in purifying the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde. To fully understand the breadth of these plants’ air-purifying potential, however, more research is required!
- A species of snake plant called Sansevieria trifasciata, which is indigenous to tropical Africa, produces a robust plant fiber that was originally utilized to construct hunting bow strings. It also goes by the term “Bowstring Hemp” because to this.
- Root rot due to overwatering is the most typical issue.
- Remove any dead leaves and let the plant dry out more than usual if this happens. Snake plants are tough and usually bounce back. If the plant doesn’t improve, take it out of its container, throw away any rotten roots and leaves, and repot it in new soil.
Does a snake plant require soil that is saline?
The snake plant is susceptible to root rot because it is a succulent plant. Therefore, the best soil for snake plants is one that drains properly.
Pick a planter that has drainage holes. Choose one of the existing premium cactus and succulent potting mixes or create your own.
A plastic pot is acceptable, although terracotta pots typically have the ideal amount of drainage.
There are a number of nice pre-made soil combination options for snake plants, but three particular brands seem to stand out:
Ramsey Succulent Potting Mix
The main component of the Ramsey succulent soil is seaweed. In order to generate a mixture with excellent drainage and good nutritional benefits, the mix also incorporates perlite and sand.
A cactus or a snake plant?
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Cactus (Cactaceae) and snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) have traits in common and differences. Because their stems and leaves hold water, cacti and snake plants are both succulent plants. Both plants frequently cause confusion among gardeners; if you were buying one, you might mistake it for the other. To provide the best care for the plant you are growing, it is best to be knowledgeable about it.
Cacti belong to the genus Cactaceae, whereas snake plants are succulents from the Asparagaceae family. The primary distinction is that cacti have areoles while snake plants have genuine leaves.
Do people believe mother-in-tongue law’s to be a succulent?
The recommended temperature range is between 60 and 75 °F (15 and 24 °C), but not below 50 °F (10C).
Light:
The mother-in-tongue law’s is renowned for its ability to function in direct sunlight and dim lighting, while bright lighting with partial sun and shade is ideal.
Watering:
Because it is a succulent, the soil does not need to be kept damp because the plant retains water in its leaf. Water in the spring, summer, and fall when the soil seems dry to the touch, and only once a month in the winter. Avoid overwatering at all costs to prevent the plant’s base and root from rotting.
Soil:
I would simply use a regular cactus and succulent potting mix that is readily accessible from all garden supply stores.
Re-Potting:
Repot the snake plant only when the pot splits from development because it dislikes it when it’s done frequently. The optimum container for them is a clay pot that can split once the inside growing area has been utilized.
Fertilizer:
Feed your succulents once a month throughout the main growing season (spring to fall) with a diluted cactus and succulent fertilizer.
Humidity:
Although it’s best if your home has a moderate amount of humidity, this plant can withstand dry air and drafts.
Propagation:
When it’s time to repot the plant or when you notice sufficient plant development, multiply via division. Additionally, you can prune offsets that develop close to the plant’s base and grow 2 inch leaf tip cuttings. The best strategy appears to be to divide the plant.
Note:
Potential Problem
Base rot: The most frequent cause of this issue is over watering in cold weather, which can be first noticed by the leaves turning yellow or drooping. If the entire base of the plant is damaged, you will need to remove the worst-affected areas or trash the entire plant.
If you are certain that you have not overwatered, examine the room’s temperature because the rot could be brought on by a drop in temperature below 50F (10C). If this does occur, make sure to take cuttings for propagation.
Can I combine a snake plant with a succulent plant?
- When the roots of your snake plant have completely exceeded the container, divide.
In reality, agaves are a member of the succulent family, which includes snake plants. (But refrain from trying to gather them to create tequila!) Similar to their agave cousins, they are quite forgiving if you forget to water them, don’t need a lot of sunshine to develop, and are excellent air purifiers, making them ideal for stuffy offices. A snake plant’s upright, spiky nature can give your indoor garden of houseplants some unique texture among the ferns, palms, and spider plants.
Where to Grow a Snake Plant
In search of a small piece of greenery for the living room or an office plant? A snake plant is a great option because it does well with little light. It will also expand in direct, bright light. Just make sure you don’t leave it where the windowsill sun can scorch the foliage. To keep the colors, you should actually put your variegated snake plant (one with green and white or yellow leaves) in an area that receives bright but indirect light. When exposed to extremely low light levels, variegated plants will occasionally become green. While plants thrive indoors, they can also flourish in zones 10 through 12 when grown in the shade outside.
How to Plant a Snake Plant
1. Pick a plastic container (with drainage holes) that is no bigger than a third the size of the plant’s root ball. Why use plastic? The fast root growth of snake plants can potentially cause a clay pot to break.
2. Add fast-draining liquid to the container until it is one-third full. Cactus, palm, and citrus plants benefit from Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which was created with their growth in mind.
3. Set the plant into the container, being careful to provide space for watering by setting the top of the root ball about an inch below the rim. Around the root ball, add more soil and gently push.
4. Water your snake plant, let it drain, then transfer it to its new location by placing it on a saucer or catch tray.
How to Water a Snake Plant
Snake plants don’t require much watering because they don’t want to sit in consistently damp soil. Before adding watering, let the top 2 to 3 inches of soil in the container dry up. When it’s time for a drink, give the plant plenty of water and let it drain.
How to Feed a Snake Plant
Your snake plant will require additional nutrients a month after planting. Use Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food to rapidly quell its appetite, making sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. For smaller pots, use two pumps; for larger pots, use five pumps (over 6″ diameter).
How to Divide and Repot a Snake Plant
When happy snake plants’ roots gradually cover the full surface of their container, it’s time to replant. Don’t be afraid to take the clump out of the pot and tear it apart. Use the aforementioned planting instructions to replant parts in containers that are just 1/3 larger than the root cluster. Give some to your friends or disperse them across your house’s more shadowy areas.
How to Handle Problems with Snake Plants
Snake plants are so ridiculously simple to grow that there’s a good chance you won’t run into many issues. Variegated varieties should be moved to a more light-filled area if their leaves turn completely green. Repot plants if they outgrow their containers. Most of all, have fun!
How frequently do I need to water my snake plant?
Mother-in-Tongue, law’s Sansevieria, and Viper’s Bowstring Hemp. There are numerous varieties of snake plants, and each one needs the same maintenance: Snake plant liqueur Victoria, a snake plant
Water
Only water your snake plant every two weeks, and make sure to let the soil completely dry in between to avoid overwatering and root damage. If the soil is still damp after two weeks, you can water your snake plant once a month over the winter.
How do you know when to water your snake plant?
Overwatering is evident if the tips of your snake plant’s leaves begin to turn brown. Before watering your snake plant, make sure the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Your snake plant requires water if it is. If not, hold off on watering for a few days and then recheck.
This concludes our post on caring for snake plants and watering them. Keep in mind that most snake plants respond well to watering once a week. Larger plants might need to be watered more frequently.