Snake plant care guide

The snake plant is the hardest houseplant to kill by neglect. It is easy to kill with kindness. Almost every dead snake plant drowned.

Light

Snake plants grow in low light, and that is why so many sit in dim corners. They grow faster and stay upright in bright, indirect light.

A plant in low light needs much less water. A plant moved from a dim corner to a sunny window needs a week or two to adjust, or the leaves can scorch.

Water

Water only when the soil is dry all the way down. Push a finger or a wooden skewer to the bottom of the pot. If it comes out clean and dry, water.

In most homes that means every two to four weeks in summer and every four to eight weeks in winter. Water around the leaves, not into the center of the rosette. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a cactus and succulent mix, or mix regular potting soil half and half with perlite. Terracotta pots help the soil dry faster.

Snake plants like a snug pot. Repot when roots crack or bulge the pot, usually every two to three years. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Dry indoor air is fine. Keep the plant away from cold windows in winter. Cold and wet together cause rot fast.

Feeding

Feed two or three times in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer at half strength. Skip it the rest of the year.

Pruning

There is little to prune. Cut a damaged leaf off at the soil line with a clean knife.

Propagation

Division is the fastest way. Slide the plant out of its pot and cut or pull the rhizome apart so each piece has leaves and roots. Pot each piece on its own.

Leaf cuttings also work, but slowly. Cut a leaf into 8 cm (3 in) pieces, let them dry for a day, and push the bottom end into damp soil. Roots and a new pup can take two to three months. Pups from cuttings of yellow-edged types often grow plain green.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Mushy leaves at the base	Root rot from too much water
Leaves falling over	Too much water or not enough light
Wrinkled, thin leaves	Too little water
Brown, dry tips	Uneven watering or damage
No new growth	Normal in winter or low light

Pests

Pests are rare. Mealybugs hide where the leaves meet the soil. Fungus gnats mean the soil stays wet too long. Read how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants.

Pet safety

Snake plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing the leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most pets leave the stiff leaves alone.

Varieties

• ‘Laurentii’ has yellow edges on tall leaves.
• ‘Hahnii’ is a short bird’s nest type.
• ‘Moonshine’ has pale silver-green leaves.
• ‘Black Gold’ has dark leaves with narrow gold edges.
• Cylindrical snake plant (Dracaena angolensis) has round, spear-like leaves.

In my house

I have lots of snake plants. In summer I carry them outside so they get more light, then bring them back in before the nights turn cold. Move them into the sun slowly, over a week or two, so the leaves do not scorch.