The Snake Plant is native to African deserts, places of extreme heat and drought. The plant is therefore known to be a real survivor, making it incredibly easy to care for. On this page you’ll find all information on Snake Plant care, from the ideal spot until repotting instructions. Follow these Snake Plant care guidelines and help yours live a long and healthy life.
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) can be placed in nearly any spot, whether it’s in direct sunlight or more of a shady spot. Watering it will hardly take up any time, as the Snake plant prefers too little water over too much. The potting soil should dry up before watering. Lastly, the Sanseveria doesn’t need to be repotted on a yearly basis. You’ll only need to repot it when the plant really seems to be bursting out of its pot.
Given its resistance to drought and sunlight/shade, the Snake Plant is often thought to be unkillable. It practically is, save for two weak spots. The plant really cannot tolerate cold temperatures. It prefers room temperature, but any temperature above 10 ° C works as well. It’s also important never to overwater the plant. When watering it, give just enough to moisten the potting soil. Read on for all Snake Plant care tips.
Snake Plant light requirements
Whilst the Snake Plant can tolerate both shade and direct sunlight, it prefers a very light spot. Such a spot will promote growth. If you’d rather place the plant in a darker spot, make sure it does receive natural light. It should not be placed in full shade, but only in partial shade.
Snake Plant care: water
The Snake Plant prefers too little over too much water. Water it moderately from spring through autumn, and allow the potting soil to dry before watering it again. During winter, the Snake Plant goes into a resting phase, during which it’s sufficient to water it once every 1 to 2 months. Always make sure to water it moderately, so there’s no layer of excess water at the bottom of the pot. Water the Sansevieria directly on the earth, and never on the plant itself.
Repotting tips
You hardly need to repot the Snake Plant. You’ll only need to repot it when the plant really seems to be bursting out of its pot. Be careful not to damage the roots too much when repotting. Use a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current pot, allowing the roots plenty of room to grow.
We recommend placing a layer of hydro granules at the bottom of the pot when repotting. That way, it won’t matter if you overwater the plant, as the hydro granules provide drainage.
Fertilizer requirements
Once you receive the Sansevieria, it will not need any fertilizer for the next 2 months. This is because the plant can still obtain sufficient nutrition from the fresh potting soil. When the two months have passed, you will only need to apply fertilizer during spring and summer.
For the specific amount of plant food, have a look at the instructions on the packaging and never use more than recommended. This can cause damage to the roots. The plant doesn’t need any fertilizer during fall and winter.
Is the Snake Plant poisonous?
All outdoor and indoor plants on Plantler have a decorative purpose; they’re not fit for consumption – unless it is explicitly stated that they are (i.e. a fruit tree). The Sansevieria is poisonous when ingested. Keep the plant out of reach from small children and / or pets.
