Snake Plant

How to grow snake plant

Light

It grows fastest in bright, indirect light and tolerates a few hours of direct sun. It also survives in low light, where growth slows almost to a stop.

Watering

Let the mix dry out completely between waterings. Every two to three weeks is typical in summer and once a month or less in winter. Water the soil, not the center of the leaf rosette.

Soil and feeding

Use a gritty cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots help the soil dry faster. Feed once or twice in the growing season at most.

Pruning and upkeep

Remove damaged leaves at soil level with a clean knife. Repot only when the roots crowd or crack the pot, usually every three to five years.

Propagation

Divide the root ball in spring and replant each clump. Leaf cuttings also root in soil or water, but cuttings from yellow-edged varieties such as 'Laurentii' grow back plain green.

Common problems

Soft, mushy leaf bases

Root rot from too much water. Cut away rotted parts, let the plant dry for a few days and repot in dry, gritty mix.

Leaves bending or flopping

Often overwatering or very low light. Reduce watering and move to a brighter position.

Brown tips

Irregular watering or damage. Tips do not regrow, so prevent it by watering thoroughly but rarely.

Questions about snake plant

How often should I water a snake plant?

Only when the soil is dry all the way down. For most homes that is every two to four weeks. In winter a monthly watering is usually enough.

Does a snake plant need sunlight?

It needs some light to grow, but not direct sun. A spot near a window gives the best growth, and it tolerates dimmer rooms for long periods.

Plant details

• Good for beginners
• Grows in containers
• Tolerates low light
• Drought tolerant