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A drawing of a snake plant with long, pointy, green leaves with yellow edges.

Snake Plant

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii' (FKA Sansevieria)

KNOWN AS: Sansevieria, Mother-in-law's Tongue, Viper's Bowstring Hemp, Saint George's Sword, Tiger's Tail

CLIMATE (LOCATION): West Africa | Tropical Savannah

DESCRIPTION: All snake plants have long, pointy spear or sword shaped leaves. The Laurentii variant, however, is distinguished by the unique streaky static-like variegation and striking yellow edges.

Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Snake Plant Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are known for their adaptability to different light levels. They can tolerate low light conditions but thrive in moderate to bright indirect light. Optimal lighting for snake plants is typically found near east or west-facing windows. While snake plants can handle bright light, direct sunlight may be too intense and cause leaf burn. Shield your snake plant from harsh rays by placing it a few feet away from south-facing windows or using sheer curtains or blinds for filtering. One of the snake plant's remarkable qualities is its ability to survive in low light conditions. If your space lacks natural light, don't worry! Snake plants can adapt and thrive under LED grow lights, making them an excellent choice for offices or rooms with minimal windows.

Discover Our Grow Lights

BEST SELLER
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
Aspect™ Gen 2 LED Growlight
$200.00

Color:

White Black
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
Vita™ Grow Light
$85.00

Color:

White / Wide (60°) Black / Wide (60°)
A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
Highland™ LED Track Light System
$230.00 - $740.00

Color:

White / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees) Black / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees)
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
Grove™ LED Grow Light
$130.00

Color:

Black White

Watering

Quick Tip: Allow soil to completely dry out before watering.

Snake plants, which are also called Sansevieria, can go for a long time without water and don't mind being dry. But you shouldn't water them too much because they can get root rot if you do. Between waterings, let the top inch of soil dry out, and then water thoroughly until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Make sure to empty the saucer under the pot of any extra water so that the roots don't sit in water. During the winter months, when the plant is in its dormant phase, water even more sparingly, as the plant will require less moisture. In general, it's better to err on the side of not giving snake plants enough water than to give them too much.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 85º

Snake plants are tropical plants that prefer warm climates. For snake plants, the optimal temperature range is between 60°F and 85°F (15.5°C and 29.4°C). They can withstand cooler temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) may harm the plant even though they can survive cooler temperatures. It's best to keep your snake plant's temperature in a stable range to promote healthy growth and prevent any potential temperature-related stress.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 50%; Moderate Humidity

Snake plants are renowned for their resilience and capacity to flourish in settings with low relative humidity. For their development and general health, keeping an optimum humidity level can still be advantageous. It's crucial to remember that snake plants prefer a humidity level of between 40% and 50%. Use a humidifier to raise the humidity levels in the area where your snake plant is located. Because indoor heating can dry up the air during the winter, this can be especially helpful. To create a microclimate with more humidity, you can also group your snake plant with other plants. Regularly misting the leaves of your snake plant is another technique to improve the humidity in the area. This can be done with water that is room temperature, but it's vital to avoid sprinkling at night because it can promote fungal development. Remember to water your snake plant only when the soil has totally dried out. Underwatering can cause the leaves to curl and become brittle while overwatering can result in root rot and other fungal infections.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Snake plants, which are also called Sansevieria, are easy to spread by dividing. First, take the mother plant out of its pot and gently separate the individual shoots, making sure each one has some roots still attached. Then, put each new section in its own pot with fresh soil, making sure to plant it at the same depth as before. It is best to wait a few days before watering the newly potted sections. This gives any cut roots time to dry and heal before being exposed to water. Snake plants can also be grown from leaf cuttings, though this is a trickier way to do it. Just cut a healthy leaf diagonally and let the end that you cut dry for a few hours. Then, stick the end you cut into the ground and keep it moist until new growth appears.
Toxicity
Snake plants, scientifically known as Sansevieria, are toxic if ingested. The plant contains saponins, natural compounds which cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities. If someone, including a pet, ingests snake plant leaves or other parts of the plant, it may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset. It is recommended to avoid snake plants if you have young children or any pets.
Repotting
Snake plants, which are also called Sansevieria, are easy to move and don't need to be moved very often. When the plant is actively growing, the spring or summer is the best time to repot it. Choose a pot that is one size bigger and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the new pot's bottom with fresh soil that drains well. Carefully take the snake plant out of its pot and pull out any roots that are dead or damaged. Put the plant in the new pot and fill it back up with soil, being careful not to cover the plant's base. Give the plant a lot of water and put it where it can get bright light from behind. Don't feed the plant for a few weeks after repotting it to give it time to get used to its new home.
Pruning
Sansevieria, or snake plants, are low-maintenance plants that require only minor trimming. However, routine trimming can keep them looking good and in form. Focus on removing any damaged, wilting, or dead leaves while pruning snake plants. Cut the leaf as close to the base as you can without harming the surrounding foliage using clean, sharp pruning shears. To encourage more compact growth, you can also trim any leaves that are too long or lanky. Avoid removing too many leaves at once because they are essential to the plant's photosynthesis. Check the plant frequently for indications of pest infestation or disease, and remove any diseased leaves right once to stop the spread of the illness. You can maintain the health and aesthetic appeal of your indoor snake plant by trimming it with care and precision.
Fertilizing
Snake plants are easy to feed, and you can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to do it. During the growing season, which is usually spring and summer, you should fertilize snake plants about once every two to three months. Make sure the soil is moist, but not too wet, before you fertilize it. A liquid fertilizer that has been diluted can be put on the soil by itself or mixed with water and put on the soil. Follow the directions on the fertilizer package for how much to use and how to mix it with water. Be careful not to over-fertilize, which can burn the leaves or hurt the plant in other ways. Snake plants can also benefit from a light application of compost or well-rotted manure once a year to improve the health of the soil.
Soil
Snake plants like to grow in soil that drains well and has a lot of organic matter in it. A good soil mix for snake plants should include peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or vermiculite to make sure the soil drains well and gets enough air. It's important not to use soils that are too heavy or hold too much water, as this can cause root rot and other problems. Also, snake plants like to grow in soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.

Hanging Heights

Snake Plant Lighting Requirements: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Snake Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

12" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Snake Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : Not Recommended

60º Wide Beam Vita : Not Recommended

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Snake Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Snake Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Snake Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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