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Image Credit: Bilal photos/Getty ImagesSnake plants are among the most beloved houseplants, and it’s easy to see why. Perfect for beginner or busy plant owners, they’re low-maintenance and simple to look after if you know the right steps. Even if you’ve struggled to keep other plants alive, snake plants are tough to kill. Keep reading to discover the top snake plant care advice from experts to help your green friend flourish.
Position Snake Plants in Areas with Indirect Light
When bringing your snake plant home from the nursery, you may be wondering where the best place for it is. Should you place it in your bright living room, or is your home office near a shaded tree line a better choice? Kaylyn Hewitt, lead floral designer at Bouqs, says there are plenty of options.
She suggests, 'A cozy spot with indirect sunlight will do just fine, though snake plants can also thrive in low light. If you're unsure about a spot with questionable light, this is the plant for you. It adapts easily and can handle moderate conditions.'
Ensure the Room Isn't Too Hot or Dry
That said, avoid placing your snake plant in a space that gets too hot or faces south. 'It doesn't enjoy intense, direct sunlight—it can become yellow and sickly with too much exposure,' says Sara Bendrick, landscape contractor and Stihl spokesperson.
Paris Lalicata, plant expert at The Sill, recommends, 'The ideal environment would be stable, without drafts, and with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While snake plants can tolerate normal room humidity, being a tropical plant, they thrive with higher humidity, which can also encourage faster growth.'
Avoid Overwatering Your Snake Plant
Are you always on the go or constantly traveling? No need to stress about your snake plant. 'Snake plants are more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering,' says Hewitt. 'A good watering routine is once a week in warmer months, and once every two weeks during the colder months.'
Taking a less-is-more approach to watering is key. 'Snake plants are vulnerable to soft-rot, a disease that causes water-soaked lesions on the leaves that can spread quickly,' explains Lalicata. 'Keep the leaves dry and ensure your plant gets plenty of light so it can stay strong and fend off potential illnesses.'
But if you do end up overwatering, don’t worry! Mistakes happen, and this one is easy to fix. 'If you overwater your snake plant, lift the pot to allow the excess water to drain and let it air out for a while before resuming your reduced watering schedule,' says Bendrick.
Choose a Pot With Proper Drainage
To set your plant up for success, make sure to choose a pot with a substantial drainage hole. According to Lalicata, "This plant doesn’t thrive when it’s sitting in stagnant, waterlogged soil for long periods. Ensure you water it just enough so that water escapes through the pot's bottom, leaving the soil feeling like a wrung-out sponge."
Repotting Your Snake Plant Every Few Years
If your snake plant is outgrowing its pot, it’s probably time to repot. Snake plants tend to have shallow roots, so repotting may not be necessary for several years. Lalicata suggests, “Choose a standard, well-draining potting mix and increase the pot’s diameter by one or two inches to give the roots more room to grow.”
Thinking About a Humidifier?
Snake plants naturally thrive in about 40% humidity. If you live in a particularly dry climate, you might want to consider adding a humidifier near your plant. Alternatively, placing a shallow dish of water next to your snake plant can help increase humidity as the water evaporates, creating a better environment for it to grow.
