Hey there! Have you met Sansevieria? You might know it as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Snake Plant. This incredible plant originally hails from Africa and found its way to Europe back in the 18th century.
The scientific name for this beauty is Dracaena Trifasciata. It’s got this striking, sculptural look and is super easy to care for. Honestly, I have snake plants in almost every room of my house because they add such a nice touch of greenery.
Table of Contents
- Potting
- How Much Light Does a Snake Plant Need?
- Watering
- Dusting
- Propagating
- Other Species of Snake Plants
Did you know that Sansevieria can help purify the air? Some studies suggest the plant can remove harmful chemicals and release oxygen, although opinions are mixed on how effective it is. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have one in nearly every room, right? 😊
It’s a fantastic starter plant, and its care is pretty straightforward. Let me share some tips on looking after your Sansevieria.
Potting
When you bring home a new Sansevieria, whether from a garden store or a generous friend, you’ll want to make sure it thrives with the right potting mix. Snake plants love well-draining soil. Avoid compact soil as it can hold too much moisture and cause root rot, which happens when the soil is too wet for too long.
These plants are similar to cacti in that they prefer drier conditions. A cactus/succulent soil mix (a blend of sand and soil) works great, and most garden stores carry it. Adding a scoop of Perlite can further improve the soil’s aeration. Just be sure to use sand made for gardening to avoid any compacting issues.
Using soil from outdoors isn’t advisable since it can introduce pests. Take it from me; I learned this the hard way!
I adore terracotta pots for my snake plants. These clay pots help the soil “breathe” by allowing moisture to escape, which can prevent root rot. Always make sure your pots have drainage holes to let excess water out!
When repotting, choose a pot that’s just slightly bigger than your plant’s root ball – about an extra inch or two all around should suffice. This provides room to grow without risking excessive moisture retention, which can lead to root rot.
Quick tip: Terracotta pots can sometimes release moisture onto the surface they’re on. To keep your floors or surfaces safe, place a plate or nonporous material under the pot.
How Much Light Does a Snake Plant Need?
Sansevieria is super flexible with lighting. While they prefer bright light (near a window), they can also handle lower light conditions like darker corners in your home. I’ve seen Snake Plants thrive in rooms with no natural light, just fluorescent bulbs!
Of course, they’ll grow faster in bright light, but they’ll still be happy (albeit a bit smaller) in lower light. Just remember: brighter light usually means a healthier plant.
Watering
When it comes to watering, less is more. Only water your snake plant when the soil is completely dry. I usually check the soil by sticking my finger in about three inches – if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
The climate where you live can impact how often you need to water. In drier climates, the soil will dry out faster, while in humid areas, it’ll stay moist longer. I avoid watering my plants on rainy days as this can keep them too soggy.
I typically water my snake plants every 2-3 weeks, and even less frequently in the winter. When you do water, focus on the top six inches of soil and avoid soaking the plant. It’s better to underwater than overwater.
Sansevieria doesn’t like getting its leaves wet, so pour water directly into the soil. If you use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals like fluoride and chlorine to evaporate – this makes the water healthier for your plant.
Dusting
Dusting your Sansevieria’s leaves is a nice way to keep it happy. Just use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down both sides of the leaves. This helps the plant absorb sunlight more effectively and promotes healthy growth.
Turn your plant when you water it to ensure even growth, especially if it’s near a window. Keeping your windows clean can also help more light get to your plant.
Propagating
Propagating a Sansevieria is fun! You can do it in water or soil. I like using water because you can actually see the new roots growing. Simply cut a leaf with a clean tool, place it in water, and watch tiny roots sprout. Change the water if it gets murky and keep the cutting in a well-lit spot.
Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil. If you choose to propagate in soil, make sure the soil stays slightly damp until new roots form. Seeing new growth is so rewarding!
Other Species of Snake Plants
Sansevieria comes in many varieties! Besides the classic sword-shaped leaves, I have a couple of unique types.
- Whale Fin: This one looks just like a whale’s fin breaching the water - very dramatic and beautiful!
- Cylindrical Snake Plant: Its leaves fan out and it grows quickly. I’ve had to divide this plant three times because it grows so fast!
Enjoy your journey with snake plants! -Janae