Snake Plant Guide: How To Care for a Snake Plant

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the most common and low-maintenance houseplants. Snake plants can grow anywhere from six inches to 12 feet tall in height. Their dark green leaves are sword-like in shape and can feature yellow borders and light green streaks.

Snake plant is a member of the Asparagacea family—as in the vegetable asparagus—and was first cultivated in China. Snake plants make excellent indoor plants in part for their air purification qualities: They absorb pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Although not deadly, snake plants contain toxins that can affect people and pets if consumed.

Snake plant is tolerant of many environments and growing conditions, and it’s able to grow in both bright sunlight and low-light rooms. Snake plants can thrive in a variety of pots and vases and are fairly drought-tolerant. When it comes to room temperature, snake plants like it warm—ideally between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Snake plant care may be relatively easy, but there are still few considerations to keep in mind.

1. 1. Position the plant in bright light. An ideal light situation for a snake plant is bright, steady, and mostly indirect. That said, a snake plant can adapt to its surroundings, whether that’s full sun or a darker room with little sun. To promote growth and make the most of any lighting situation, dust the leaves often with a damp cloth to assist photosynthesis.
2. 2. Use a sandy soil mix. Snake plants are fairly tolerant when it comes to soil, but sandy or loamy soils are ideal. For the best results, the potting soil should be loose, allowing water to drain, and slightly acidic. Alternatively, you can buy pre-mixed cactus potting soil at most garden centers.
3. 3. Choose a strong pot with good drainage. Snake plants may not grow very fast, but when their roots have reached a certain size, they’re strong enough to break through some pots. Choose a pot that’s sturdy enough to withstand strong roots. To keep up with the roots, repot your snake plant once a year, ideally in the spring, and use new soil with every repotting.
4. 4. Water snake plants sparingly. Snake plants don’t need to be watered regularly because they grow best when the soil and roots have had a chance to dry out. In the winter, the snake plant likely only needs to be watered once a month, though it’s not a bad idea to check the soil regularly. Like most succulents, root rot is the big concern, so less is more when it comes to water.
5. 5. Fertilize your snake plant once a year. During the growing season of spring and summer, snake plants need a mild cactus fertilizer.
6. 6. Keep an eye out for pests. Spider mites and mealybugs may be a problem for some succulents, but as long as you care for your snake plants properly, these pests rarely make an appearance. If you do have a run-in with pests, rub the leaves with a cotton ball or towel dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.