If you give it ideal conditions, this easygoing houseplant will reward you by blooming.
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Key Takeaways
One of theeasiest houseplantsis the snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue.
Snake plants belong to theDracaenagenus, withD.
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trifasciatabeing the most commonly cultivated houseplant species.
The defining feature of this plant is erect, spiky, sword-like leaves that resemble snakes.
It is a slow-growing plant.
Most snake plants have dark green leaves with lighter green or yellow borders or accented veins.
They vary in color in size, growing up to 6 feet tall.
They are only suitable to be grown outdoors year-round in a frost-free climate (USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11).
Everywhere else, they are grown as houseplants.
Plant Attributes
Snake Plant Care
Snake plant is tolerant of low light and irregular watering.
D.trifasciatais considered invasive in Florida.Growing it as a houseplant prevents its unwanted spreading.
Light
Snake plants do well in almost any light, from dimly lit rooms to windowsills.
Bright, indirect light is ideal, while direct sunlight is too strong.
Soil
Snake plants like slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
The soil should be loose, free-draining, and sandy or loamy to provide adequate drainage and prevent rot.
Cactus or succulent potting mixes work well.
Underwatering is better than overwatering for these plants.
They need temperatures between 70 and 90F to thrive.
Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50F and keep it away from drafts.
Fertilizer
Because snake plants dont grow much, they dont require much fertilizer.
Use a cactus fertilizer or a dilutedall-purpose houseplant fertilizeronce or twice during the growing season.
Do not fertilize during the winter.
Start early, as the propagation process takes several months.
There are two main methods of vegetative propagation: from cuttings and rhizomes.
Propagating From Cuttings
Growing new snake plants byrooting cuttingsis easy and cheap.
Instead of rooting the cutting in soil, you’re able to also root it in water.
Change the water every week until roots appear.
Potting And Repotting
Snake plants rarely need repottingusually only once every five years or so.
Repot snake plants in the spring.
Choose a pot about 2 inches wider, with a large drainage hole.
The material should be sturdy enough for the plants strong roots.
Clay works, but if it outgrows its container and becomes rootbound, it may break it.
You will only need to water it every couple of months.
Remove the insects with a spray of water, and treat the plant with neem oil.
Mostly resistant to diseases, snake plants are susceptible to root rot and fungal infections, such aspowdery mildew.
Treat fungal diseases with a fungicide labeled for houseplants.
The flowers of a snake plant are small, tubular, and look a little like a honeysuckle.
They are usually white or yellowish with a strong, sweet smell.
They also produce insect-attracting nectar.
Snake plants will not flower when they are new and young.
An aged, slightly stressed plant is your best bet for getting the plant to bloom.
However, yellow leaves also appear when the plant is old and nears the end of its lifespan.
Drooping Or Bending Leaves
Soft and mushy leaves are signs of overwatering.
If you are watering infrequently and the leaves are still soft, ensure the pot has proper drainage.
This happens when plants have been sitting in water or soil that drains poorly.
Even if there is root rot, the plant can be salvaged.
Gently trim off the affected roots and remove any potting mix.
Wipe the leaves with a damp microfiber cloth as needed.
Snake plants are long-lived plants with a lifespan of 10 years, often 20 to 25 years.
Do not plant them in direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.Dracaena trifasciata.
University of Florida.Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas.
Marquesen S.Snake Plant: A Forgiving, Low-maintenance Houseplant.
Published September 20, 2023.
University of Maryland Extension.Fungal Leaf Spots on Indoor Plants.
Published March 13, 2023.
