Scientifically calledDracaena trifasciata, its commonly known as the mother-in-law tongue.
People and experts in gardening love snake plants and consider them the superheroes ofindoor plants.
Beginner or not, we bet youll find this snake plant care guide helpful and insightful.
Still, a little care is required.
So, heres your cheat code to care for tall and pointy snake plants indoors.
Snake Plant Soil Needs
The secret to a thriving houseplant lies beneath its beautiful leaves.
Its all about building the right basis a suitable soil ground.
It will facilitate how the snake plant absorbs the water, the nutrients, and the oxygen.
Opt for well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral balance.
you’re free to easily check your soil with asoil test kit.
The idealpotting mixis light, airy, and doesnt retain water.
Water them every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
You should reduce the frequency to once a month in fall and winter.
The key is to avoid overwatering, as snake plants are prone to root rot.
Use well-draining soil and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
If youre uncertain about watering, check how soaked the soil is.
An easy way to tell is to use asoil moisture meter.
Pro Tip:These houseplants come from South Africa.
Hence, they can tolerate drought conditions.
So, its better to underwater than overwater them.
However, they do best in indirect light.
attempt to keep them 6 to 8 feet away from a window.
Pro tip:When you decide to move your snake plant outdoors, do it gradually.
First move it from shade to indirect light, and only then expose it to direct sunlight.
Never shock the plant with drastic light changes.
Pro Tip:Avoid keeping snake plants in environments below 55F (21C).
In case of repotting, you’re free to fertilize the plant next year.
Pro Tip:Its best to fertilize twice: in mid-spring and at the end of summer.
Dont fertilize in winter.
Trim yellow, dead, damaged, or floppy leaves with properpruning scissorsfor indoor plants.
Avoid over-pruning, but always opt for a neat and tidy look.
Remove up to 1/4 of the plants total leaf surface.
Pro Tip:Snake plants thrive in spring.
Hence, pruning at its blooming time or when repotting helps the leaves grow faster.
Image source:freepik
Overwintering Snake Plants
Protecting snake plants is part of the care guide.
Thats what the overwintering process is about.
As mentioned, snake plants dislike cold drafts with temperatures lower than 50F.
Pro Tip:Just because they are resistant plants doesnt mean overwintering isnt part of their care.
Be mindful about keeping them in suitable conditions all year long.
Its best to propagate during spring when plants are actively growing.
There are two ways of propagating snake plants leaf cuttings and division.
Split & Replant (Division Method)
Heres a step-by-step guide for snake plant propagation by division.
Step 1.Choose a sharp knife, and take a clean, tidy pot.
Step 2.Create the right soil mixture for snake plants.
Step 3.Remove your plant from the pot and shake off excess dirt.
Step 4.Use the knife to divide your plant into sections, ensuring each section has roots.
Step 5.Plant each section in a clean pot with suitable soil.
Step 6.Water the new pots and place them in indirect sunlight.
Heres a brief guide:
Step 1.Snip a robust leaf at its base using a clean, sharp tool.
Step 2.Place the cut end in a water-filled jar.
Step 3.Position the jar in a sunny spot and wait for the roots to grow up to one inch.
Step 4.Once roots reach one inch in length, plant the cutting in the proper soil mix.
Step 5.Water the new plant and find a spot with soft, indirect light.
However, there are a few key factors to consider.
These are the tips a good plant parent needs to know (and follow) for a thriving plant.
Before repotting:
Gather supplies like big pots, well-drained soil mix, and gloves.
Choose wide pots instead of deep ones.
Go for ones with drainage holes.
Use 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 succulent mix.
Consider adding compost and clay pebbles to ease aeration.
The ideal time for repotting is in the spring or early fall months.
Watch for signs like roots growing from holes, top-heavy plants, or stagnant growth.
Dried soil and tightly packed roots are also red flags.
Water a few days before repotting to ease the process.
Avoid touching the roots when removing the plant from its old pot.
Trim any damaged parts of the roots using scissors or pruning shears.
Add a layer of potting mix at the bottom of the new pot before placing the plant.
Place the plant in the center and fill the remaining space with the soil mix.
Firmly but gently pat down the soil to eliminate air pockets and secure the plant.
Image source:getbusygardening
After repotting:
Wait a few days before watering the plant.
Monitor the plant for signs of stress or over-watering.
Water only when the soil has dried out.
Place the repotted snake plant in an area with indirect sunlight.
Avoid fertilizing for the first few months.
Laurentii
Dracaena trifasciataLaurentii is a popular snake plant with golden-edged leaves.
Moonshine
Dracaena trifasciataMoonshine features silvery-green leaves with minimal variegation.
Bantels Sensation
Dracaena trifasciataBantels Sensation has vertical white striping and narrow leaves.
It has rounded tubular stems that end in sharp barbs.
Dracaena petheraCoppertoneis an unusually-colored procumbent rosette, reaching up to 8 inches in height.
It has wide, wavy-edged leaves exhibiting variegated dark green and copper colors.
Dracaena petheraSilver Bluereaches heights of up to 6 inches.
It has stiff blue-grey variegated foliage with red and white tinges.
Dracaena bacularisis a dense snake plant with narrow, upright, dark green variegated leaves.
Dracaena masonianais also called shark fin or whale fin.
Its a striking plant with dark green leaves featuring white blotches and purple margins.
Snake Plant Benefits
Snake plants are the one-size-fits-all punch in of indoor plants.
Here are some benefits of growing a snake plant indoors.
Free Air-Purifier
Snake plants have been scientifically proven byNASA researchto boost air purification.
Cleaners of Air Pollutants
Snake plants silentlyabsorb air pollutantsand harmful toxins and remove them from our breathable air.
Theyre a must-have for people suffering from allergies.
Spiritual & Mental Boosters
Houseplants are well-known mood lifters.
With their subtle yet impactful air-purifying abilities, Snake plants effortlessly infuse natural vibes into our homes.
Perfect Fit for Everyone
Not everyone knows how to care for houseplants, and thats where snake plants shine.
Theyre so beautiful yet low-maintenance that both beginners and experts love them.
Here are some of the most common snake plant problems in more detail.
Let the soil dry in between watering.
Overwatering is this plants worst enemy.
Overwatering or high humidity are often culprits.
Ensure proper ventilation and avoid excess moisture to prevent fungal growth.
Pests
Another common issue for this houseplant is pests.
The best way to avoid them is by regularly inspecting your plant.
Keep your snake plant clean, as pests love dusty leaves.
Quarantine newly bought plants before introducing them to the rest of the houseplants.
Useneem oilorinsecticidal soapto removespider mites,mealybugs, orthrips.
Isolate and treat severely affected plants.
Dull, Yellowing Leaves:Unhealthy leaves might indicate overwatering, pests, or root rot.
Falling leaves might indicate something isnt right in your plant caring routine.
Stunted Growth.Little or no growth could be due to poor light, inadequate nutrients, or rootbound conditions.
Snake plant flowers arent a common sight.
Although snake plants occasionally flower, its not uncommon for indoor specimens.
Hence, be patient and enjoy the foliage.
Ensure the plant is in ideal conditions of indirect light and infrequent watering.
Keep an eye on your plant with regular inspection for early detection of issues.
Remember, the beauty of a snake plant often lies in its striking leaves and well-balanced soil.
If you are a beginner, fear not.
The snake plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
She will absolutely love it!
Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) contain saponins, which can be toxic to humans and pets when ingested.
Saponins can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Its important to keep snake plants out of reach and be cautious if you have pets or small children.
What Does a Snake Plant Do for Your House?
Its an ideal houseplant for beginners because it requires low maintenance.
Where Should I Put My Snake Plant in My House?
Avoiding direct sunlight is best to have a happy and thriving snake plant.
