How to Grow Snake Plants? A Guide to the Correct Care Method

Snake plants (Sansevieria) come in many varieties, with considerable variation in plant shape and leaf color, and they adapt easily to their environment. They are suitable for decorating studies, living rooms, and offices, and can be enjoyed for a long time. So how should we grow snake plants?

How to Grow Snake Plants

First, choosing the soil

Snake plants need loose soil with good air permeability, so when mixing soil for them, be sure to use 2/3 leaf mold plus 1/3 garden soil. Remember that the soil must be loose and airy, otherwise moisture will not evaporate easily, which will cause the rhizomes to rot.

Second, sunlight requirements

Snake plants love light, so be sure to let them come into contact with sunlight often; it is best to place them somewhere they can be directly exposed to it. If conditions do not allow this, then place them somewhere close to the sunlight. Being kept in a dark place for a long time will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Third, temperature

Snake plants have fairly high temperature requirements. Their suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C, and in winter it should not drop below 10°C, so be sure to pay attention, especially in northern regions.

Fourth, watering

Snake plants also have fairly high water requirements. Generally speaking, if the soil is relatively loose, they need watering twice a week, while in winter, because of the climate, only once is enough.

Fifth, pruning

Compared with other cultivated green plants, snake plants grow relatively quickly, so once the pot is full, manual pruning is necessary. The main task is to cut away old leaves and overly dense areas to ensure they get sunlight and growing space.

Sixth, repotting

Snake plants are perennials, and generally they need to be repotted once every two years. When repotting, be sure to add nutrients to the new soil so as to guarantee their nutrient supply.

Seventh, planting method

Snake plants are root-propagating plants. Generally, you only need to plant a few plants, and after a year you can harvest a full pot. When planting, first place part of the soil at the bottom of the pot, then start planting from one side of the pot, planting evenly throughout the pot.

Eighth, fertilizing

Snake plants have low fertilizer requirements; simply fertilize twice a month during the growing season. Be sure to apply a dilute fertilizer solution so as to ensure lush growth.

Ninth, the threat of diseases and pests

The common diseases of snake plants are mainly leaf spot and anthracnose; in these cases you can spray 50% carbendazim for treatment. The common pest is damage from weevils; in this case you can spray a 1000-fold dilution of 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate to kill them.

Notes on Growing Snake Plants

For potted snake plants, you can use equal parts leaf mold and garden soil mixed with a small amount of decomposed base fertilizer as the growing medium. They grow well under conditions of sufficient light. Apart from avoiding direct scorching sun in midsummer, they should receive plenty of sunlight in the other seasons; if placed in a spot with too little indoor light for too long, the leaves will become dull and lack vitality.

In addition, if they have been kept indoors for a long time, they should not suddenly be moved directly into the sunlight; first move them to a brighter spot and let them go through an adaptation process before exposing them to sunlight, so as to avoid scorching the leaves.

Watering should be moderate, following the principle of rather dry than wet. Usually wipe dust off the leaf surface with clean water to keep the leaves clean and glossy.

In spring, when new plants sprout at the root crown, water a little more to keep the potting soil moist; in the high-temperature summer season, also keep the potting soil moist regularly; after late autumn, reduce the amount of watering and keep the potting soil relatively dry to enhance cold resistance.

They have low fertilizer requirements; apply a dilute liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season to ensure the leaves stay verdant and thick.

Snake plants are highly adaptable, preferring warmth and moisture, tolerant of drought, and fond of light while also tolerating shade. They are not demanding about soil, and sandy loam with good drainage is better. Their suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C, and their overwintering temperature is 10°C.