Sansevieria (snake plants) are some of the most beautiful houseplants around. Their pointed leaves add color and variety to any setting in the home. The mantle, on a quilted table runner, in the entryway and even by your bed. They add a dynamic flair and add so much because of their vastly different shape and style. If you have a lot of soft, rounded edges in your decor, consider adding these pointy plants to give your space depth.
Not only are they beautiful, but they can take a beating! If you often neglect basic houseplants then you are going to want to get your hands on one of these, seriously. Although they are generally easy-peasy to care for, they do require a little maintenance.
These are evergreen perennials and they can be grown indoors and outdoors. In outdoor settings, they prefer the shade with some indirect light.
Snake Plant Care
As mentioned, they are pretty easy going plants, but there are a few things you should know about them.
How To Water Snake Plants
Be mindful of watering these plants. They don’t need a ton of water to survive. In fact, overwatering will likely kill them or make them very unhappy. When the soil dries on top, it is often time to water. If they are overwatered, they will rot. Indoor plants only need to be watered every 2-4 weeks. It really doesn’t get much more easy-going than that. This is a great houseplant for the frequent traveler.
What Kind of Light Do Snake Plants Need?
Snake plants prefer indirect light inside and not full sun. Place your plant about 10 feet away from a window. That being said, they will also do quite well with lower light or even more light, closer to a window. They can get burned from the sun though, so be mindful of how close they are to the direct line of the sun.
What Temperatures Do Snake Plants Like?
Snake plants are pretty tolerant of all temperatures, especially when we are talking about houseplants. Your home generally will not get too cold or too hot to make this plant unhappy. They don’t care for temperatures below 50 degrees.
Is There an Air humidity that is best for snake plants?
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue plants are pretty easy going when it comes to the type of air they are surrounded by. They are happy with low and high levels of moisture in the air. This makes this plant even easier as you can simply leave out on a counter, or put it in your bathroom where the air has much more humidity in it.
How to transplant snake plants
When you get home with a new snake plant from the greenhouse or it arrives at your door from Amazon, you don’t need to transplant right away. Ironically, this is a plant that actually thrives when it’s kept in close quarters in the pot. You can, of course, repot it if you would like it in a pretty spot in your home, but it isn’t necessary. Repotting snake plants only needs to happen every few years. When transplanting or repotting, add some fresh soil.
What kind of soil is best for snake plants
Keep your snake plants in some loose potting soil, cactus mix or even soilless potting mix. They will thrive and be happy. You don’t want a heavy soil that could trap moisture for long periods of time causing root rot. Root rot is one of the ways to kill this plant.
Do snake plants have any pests to worry about?
Spider mites are the biggest concern for bugs and problems with the plant. Generally, these will only come when the plant is suffering. Snake plants are generally very pest-resistant.
Should I use fertilizer on snake plants?
The type of fertilizer needs for snake plants is easy, it isn’t needed. You could feed your snake plant with a little bit of compost or worm castings if you really want to. Don’t do it often, just 2-4 times per year. Also, if you are concerned, you could dress it will a little bit of houseplant fertilizer that is cut in half and well diluted. Again, none of this is necessary. I’ve had my main snake plant for about 12 years now and it’s never had fertilizer or a top dressing.
Snake plants, cats & dogs
There is some evidence that snake plants might be slightly toxic to cats and dogs. It appears that it might take large quantities of ingestion to cause hard to your pets. When in doubt, keep the plants away from your beloved pets.
value of snake plant Care
The value we see in snake plants is in their ornate beauty. They really are quite a lovely plant to look at. They add interest to any room with their spiky leaves and green hues and stripes. Don’t’ forget to gift these to neighbors who travel often or you think may not have a green thumb. They just might get hooked on houseplants and learn how to care for them.