Easy Snake Plant Care For Beginners

Sansevieria, a more exotic botanical name, is also used to refer to snake plants. They are also sometimes called law’s viper’s bowstring hemp, or tiger’s tail orchids. Also known as Mother-in-law’s tongue, Snake Plant, Devil’s tongue, Jinn’s tongue, or Snake tongue, these plants are very resilient to pests and super easy to care for. These magnificent succulents are native to western and southern Africa, yet they can also be found in the wild in places with warmer climates, such as Florida and Hawaii. Now they are very commonly found as indoor plants. Wide leaves of snake plants frequently grow straight up, taper, and end in a spike. Even though they belong to the same family, the appearance of each kind of snake plant can vary greatly. It also has very significant benefits.

Sansevieria is a tough, low-maintenance plant genus that can withstand neglect and can last for years in your home. They can also live outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b and above. Known to originate from arid or tropical climates, there are over 70 species in the Sansevieria genus.

• Snake Plant Sunlight Requirements

The ideal amount of light required to grow a happy snake plant is bright, indirect light. However, just like most succulents, snake plants can withstand full sun and also survive and grow at a slower rate in low-light conditions as well.

• Watering Needs

Sansevieria is drought tolerant, just like all succulent plants. Watering every 2 – 3 weeks should be enough.

In fact, the only mistake you could make in snake plant care is overwatering, as the plant can easily suffer from root rot.

• Soil Requirements

When it comes to soil, Snake Plants are not demanding. Like all succulents, Snake Plants will thrive and grow in well-drained soil, even if it doesn’t have a lot of nutrients.

• Fertilizing

Snake plants don’t need fertilizer and usually thrive in poor soil, but if you want to supplement the number of nutrients they’re getting, a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer works just fine.

You can go for an all-purpose fertilizer or pick one for cacti & succulents.

• How to Propagate Snake Plant

Snake plants can easily be propagated by division. Check out Mari’s article for more info on how to propagate succulents

As mentioned above, there are a lot of Sansevieria varieties out there, but the most common and popular household varieties are Sansevieria Trifasciata and Sansevieria Cylindrica.

Check out our article on the most awesome types of snake plants, so you can choose the one that fits your personality and style best.