How To Care For A Snake Plant
Updated: Feb 11, 2021
In the beginning of March 2020 before I knew a pandemic was going to occur I purchased my first snake plant. 8 months later and she is still thriving. I became a go hard plant mom during quarantine. I purchased many plants and a few didn't make it. There was so much to do at home, but purchasing plants for my home was another pleasant distraction. To see their foliage and growth is so beautiful ( I sound like a plant mom don’t I). Sansevieria aka Mother In Law's Tongue is such an easy plant to care for. It’s true what they say about snake plants; they don’t need much of anything to survive.
These 3 Snake Plants tips will keep your plant alive
1. Be sure your planter pot has adequate drainage holes
Snake plants aren’t difficult plants to care for and they aren’t too finicky about the kind of soil you use for them either. Your regular indoor potting mix soil should work well for your plant. Here is why you need a pot with good drainage. If your pot is overwatered or water sits at the bottom of the pot your plant will more than likely end up with root rot. That’s something you or your don’t need.
2. Let’s find the light
Snake plants are known to grow in low light conditions. Just like mostly all plants they enjoy all the sunshine they can get. If you want your plant to grow fast give it some sun. I’m not saying leave it out in direct sunlight, but place it in a spot where it can appreciate a touch of vitamin D. The snake plant is a low light plant so it can and will conform to low light conditions if need be. It‘s possible that it won’t grow as fast but it will live.
3. Look out for pesky pest
Nothing is worse than finding the plant you are caring and nurturing for has pest. When you bring your latest plant home, seclude it from your other plants. If your new plant comes home with pests those pests won’t be able to visit and stay with your already existing plants because of the isolation you’ve provided. Making sure you don’t overwater your plant can help you avoid pests. When your plant is overwatered root rot will occur. Root rot then brings on those pesky pests. To get rid of them is a whole other job. The most common pest to look out for is the spider mite. Spider mites will spin their tiny webs and suck all the life out of your plants.
Fall and winter watering schedule
We’re entering the colder months now so watering this snake plant will be on occasions. I’m thinking maybe ever other month or every 6 weeks. The best way to check for moisture in the soil is the finger test. That's when you dip your index finger into the soil up to the joint that bends your finger. If your finger comes out dry you can water your plant. If your finger comes out with wet soil on it then you know not to water and give your plant another week before watering or however long it takes. Sunday afternoon is my plant watering day/time. I use this time to check on my plants mainly to see if anything is wrong and what they need. It’s become part of my self care routine. What day do you water your plants? and how often will you water them in the fall + winter?
