Snake plants, known for their resilient nature and striking appearance, are popular houseplants for a good reason.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant parent, these hardy plants are sure to charm you with their low maintenance and slow, steady growth.
If you’re just starting out with a snake plant, you might have some questions about how to care for it properly. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep your snake plant thriving.
1. They’re Part of the Lily (Or Asparagus?) Family
Snake plants have long been classified under the Sansevieria family, a group closely related to lilies. However, recent botanical developments have reclassified them into the Dracaena family, which also includes plants like asparagus.
While both classifications are still in use, it’s important to know that whether you see them labeled as Sansevieria or Dracaena, they’re the same hardy plant.
This bit of botanical trivia doesn’t change much about how you care for them, but it’s a fun fact that adds to the rich history of these versatile plants.
2. Yes, Snake Plants Can Flower (But Don’t Hold Your Breath)
While snake plants are typically prized for their strong, sword-like leaves, they are also capable of producing flowers. These blooms are small, tubular, and creamy-white, somewhat resembling lilies.
However, don’t expect this to happen often, especially indoors. Flowering usually occurs when the plant experiences stress—yes, you read that right.
A bit of stress, such as increased light exposure or reduced watering, can trigger the plant’s natural survival instincts, leading to a bloom as it attempts to reproduce.
The flowers often open at night and emit a faint, sweet fragrance.
While it’s a rare treat to see your snake plant in bloom, it’s not something you should actively try to force, as their primary charm lies in their foliage.
3. Slow Growth: A Feature, Not a Flaw
One of the great things about snake plants is their slow-growing nature. Once you’ve placed one in a pot, you can expect it to maintain its shape and size for months, if not years, with minimal upkeep.
These plants can experience small growth spurts, particularly during seasonal changes, but overall, they remain fairly static, making them ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance greenery.
Depending on the variety, a snake plant can range from a small, compact plant that maxes out at around six inches tall to a towering giant that can grow over seven feet tall.
With a lifespan that typically ranges from five to ten years, although some can live for over 25 years, these plants are long-term companions.
4. The Air-Purifying Myth (Sort Of)
Snake plants gained widespread popularity after a NASA study highlighted their air-purifying abilities.
The study found that snake plants, along with several other houseplants, can help remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides from indoor air.
However, it’s important to note that while snake plants do contribute to air purification, the effect is relatively modest in a typical home environment.
Some websites even claim that snake plants can sustain human life in an airtight room, which is simply not true.
What makes snake plants particularly interesting is their ability to perform Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which allows them to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, unlike most plants that only do so during the day.
This makes them a popular choice for bedrooms, especially in homes with minimal airflow. So while they’re not a miracle cure for indoor air quality, they certainly don’t hurt.
5. Indestructible and Easy to Maintain
If there were an award for the easiest houseplant to care for, snake plants would be strong contenders. They thrive on neglect, making them perfect for those who aren’t particularly diligent about plant care.
In fact, these plants almost seem to do better when you forget about them for a while.
The key to keeping a snake plant happy is to give it bright, indirect light—though it can also tolerate low light or direct sunlight.
If you have a north or east-facing window, that’s ideal, but don’t worry if you don’t. Snake plants are remarkably adaptable. They can even start their journey outdoors in the spring and move indoors as the weather cools.
As for soil, a standard houseplant mix with good drainage is perfect.
Watering is where many people go wrong with snake plants. These plants are native to arid regions and have shallow root systems, so they don’t need much water.
In fact, overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill them.
Water them a few times a month during the growing season, ensuring the soil has time to dry out between waterings. In the winter, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less.
6. Repotting: Rarely Necessary
Because snake plants grow so slowly, they can stay in the same pot for years without any issues.
You should only consider repotting if you notice the roots pushing against the edges of the pot or growing out of the drainage holes—this is the plant’s way of telling you it’s ready for a bigger home.
When repotting, choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one. Too much extra space can lead to overwatering and root rot.
Gently remove the plant from its pot, massage the roots to loosen them, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil. Give it a good soak after repotting to help it settle into its new home.
7. More Varieties Than You Might Expect
The world of snake plants is more diverse than you might think. While most people are familiar with the classic trifasciata species, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, which has variegated, sword-shaped leaves, there are actually over 70 recognized varieties of snake plants.
Each variety has its own unique characteristics, making it easy to find one that suits your taste and space.
For instance, the Bird’s Nest Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’) is a compact variety that grows to just six inches tall, making it perfect for small spaces or tabletops. Its leaves form tight clusters, resembling a bird’s nest.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Cylinder Snake Plant (Dracaena angolensis) has tall, tubular leaves that can reach up to seven feet in height, adding a dramatic, architectural element to any room.
The Moonshine Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’) is another popular variety, known for its silvery-green leaves that have a unique, almost ethereal appearance.
And let’s not forget Bantel’s Sensation, a cultivar with slender, white-striped leaves that grow to about three feet tall, providing a striking contrast to the typical green and yellow varieties.
Whether you’re looking for something small and subtle or bold and eye-catching, there’s a snake plant variety for everyone.
8. Propagation: Easy and Rewarding
One of the joys of owning a snake plant is how easy they are to propagate. If you already have one snake plant, you can easily multiply your collection with just a little effort.
There are two primary methods of propagation:
Leaf cuttings involve taking a mature leaf, cutting it at the base, and placing the cut end in water or soil until it develops roots. If you choose water propagation, make sure to change the water every two weeks to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
Once the roots are established, you can plant the cutting in soil. Alternatively, you can let the cut end dry for 24 hours to form a callous before planting it directly in soil.
Division is even simpler and is the best method for older plants that have grown too large for their pot. Simply remove the plant from its pot, separate the root clusters (known as rhizomes) with a sharp knife, and plant each section in its own pot. Within a few weeks, you’ll have several new snake plants ready to thrive.
9. The Biggest Threat: Root Rot
Snake plants are incredibly resilient, but they do have one significant vulnerability: root rot.
This condition occurs when the plant’s roots are exposed to too much moisture, leading to decay. Root rot is often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.
The best way to prevent root rot is to water your snake plant sparingly and ensure the soil is well-drained. A good rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
If you notice yellowing leaves or a mushy texture at the base of the plant, these are signs of root rot.
In this case, you’ll need to act quickly. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away the affected roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil. This process can save your snake plant and give it a new lease on life.
10. Pruning: When and Why
Thanks to their slow growth and upright structure, snake plants rarely need pruning. However, there may come a time when you need to trim back overgrown or damaged leaves.
Pruning is straightforward and can be done at any time of the year, though the plant will experience the least stress during the winter months.
To prune, simply identify the tallest or most damaged leaves and cut them off at the base using a sterile cutting tool. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also encourages healthy new growth.
Don’t be afraid to prune your snake plant—it’s a resilient species that can handle a little tough love.
With these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to care for your snake plant and enjoy its beauty for years to come. Whether you’re just starting out with one plant or you’re looking to expand your collection, the snake plant is a versatile and rewarding addition to any home.
11. Just Love Your Plant and Share This With Your Friends!
