Learn how to grow Sansevieria (Snake Plant) in your indoor garden and get this striking plant to thrive. Sansevieria is easy to grow as a houseplant when you know what to do. Learn what the plant needs for lighting, watering, fertilizing, humidity, and more.
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Today, we have a plant care video on Sansevieria, commonly known as the snake plant. This video was requested by a subscriber, Carolyn Copa. As you can see, this plant is a real eye-catcher. It’s also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue. It’s a really easy-to-grow plant, which is one reason why I love it. It’s a great beginner plant and very striking.
The common name “snake plant” comes from its long, sword-like, upright leaves that are banded in various colors. This one has gray-silver splotching with a lime green border. Others have creamy colors or yellows. The plant looks reminiscent of a snake with its striping and mottling. In its native habitat, Sansevieria can grow 6 feet tall, but indoors it usually reaches 2 to 3 feet.
Sansevieria is very versatile in terms of decorating and fits into almost any decor scheme. It looks especially striking in contemporary modern decor. Under ideal conditions, it produces a fragrant, cream-colored flower at night on more mature plants. Though often referred to as a succulent, Sansevieria is actually a member of the Agave family. The plant is native to the dry, rocky habitats of tropical Africa and parts of Arabia and India. Its botanical name was recently changed from Sansevieria to Dracaena, but most people still call it Sansevieria or snake plant.
You’ll have luck growing this beautiful plant in your indoor garden if you keep the following growing tips in mind:
Lighting: Place this plant just about anywhere. It will tolerate very low light to bright, sunny rooms. The more light Sansevieria receives, the more vivid the leaf colors will be, and the more it will grow. Plants grown in dim locations tend to grow slowly and are less healthy. Ideal lighting is medium to bright light, but the plant also does well under full-spectrum lighting. To get medium-bright light, place it in front of an eastern window.
Watering: Sansevieria is accustomed to dry tropical climates and will quickly succumb to root or crown rot if overwatered. Overwatering is watering too frequently, not too much at once. Only water when the soil has dried out, sometimes several weeks apart. Use a moisture meter to determine dryness, and drench the plant when you do water, allowing water to run out the bottom of the pot. Avoid wetting the foliage and keep saucers clear of accumulated water to prevent rot and salt buildup. However, do not forget to water the plant for too long. If the foliage becomes shriveled and puckered, water more frequently.
Fertilizing: Sansevieria isn’t a heavy feeder. Fertilize twice a year in early spring and early summer with an all-purpose organic food. Liquid or powder fertilizers that mix with water work well.
Humidity: Snake plants come from dry areas and do not require high humidity. They thrive in 35 to 50% humidity, which covers most homes.
Temperature: Sansevieria does well in warm temperatures, ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand cooler temperatures and temperature swings, making it a good starter plant for indoor gardeners.
Repotting: Sansevieria has a small root system and does well in the same pot for many years. Repot only when necessary, when the plant outgrows the pot. Use a cactus mix or other well-draining soil with plenty of pumice, perlite, or a little sand. When repotting, move up only one pot size to prevent root rot.
Pruning: Pruning is rarely needed, but remove any yellow, withered, or damaged leaves with sharp pruners or scissors at the soil level.
Pests and Diseases: Pests are rarely a problem, but mealybugs can occasionally appear. Treat them by spraying with 91% isopropyl alcohol. The biggest issue for this plant is root rot, which can be prevented by following proper watering guidelines.
Now you know everything you need to grow this gorgeous, easy-to-grow plant. Add it to your indoor garden collection for its eye-catching appearance and enjoyable growth.
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FAQ for Sansevieria (Snake Plant) Care
1. What is Sansevieria?
Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy, easy-to-grow indoor plant with long, upright leaves that resemble a snake’s skin. Its botanical name has recently changed to Dracaena, but it is still commonly referred to as Sansevieria.
2. What are the light requirements for Sansevieria?
Sansevieria thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from very low light to bright, sunny rooms. Ideally, it should be placed in medium to bright light, such as in front of an eastern window. The more light it receives, the more vivid the leaf colors and growth.
3. How often should I water my Sansevieria?
Sansevieria prefers to be kept on the drier side. Water the plant only when the soil has completely dried out, which could be several weeks apart. Use a moisture meter to check dryness and water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain. Avoid letting the foliage get wet and keep saucers clear of water to prevent rot.
4. How should I fertilize Sansevieria?
Fertilize Sansevieria twice a year, in early spring and early summer, with an all-purpose organic fertilizer. Both liquid and powder fertilizers that mix with water are suitable.
5. What is the ideal humidity for Sansevieria?
Sansevieria prefers lower humidity levels, thriving in 35 to 50% humidity, which is typical for most homes.
6. What temperature does Sansevieria need?
Sansevieria grows well in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle cooler temperatures and temperature fluctuations.
7. How often should I repot Sansevieria?
Repot Sansevieria only when it outgrows its pot, as it has a small root system and can stay in the same pot for many years. Use a cactus mix or well-draining soil with pumice, perlite, or sand. When repotting, move to a pot only one size larger.
8. Do I need to prune Sansevieria?
Pruning is generally not required. However, you should remove any yellow, withered, or damaged leaves with sharp pruners or scissors at the soil level.
9. What are common pests or diseases affecting Sansevieria?
Pests are rarely an issue, but mealybugs can sometimes appear. Treat infestations with 91% isopropyl alcohol. The primary concern for Sansevieria is root rot, which can be prevented by following proper watering practices.
10. Where can I find more information on growing Sansevieria?
For more detailed guidance and tips on growing Sansevieria and other houseplants, visit HealthyHousePlants.com and check out our related videos and articles.
Feel free to leave comments or questions about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see.
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