Snake plants are one of the most resilient and low-maintenance houseplants, making them perfect for beginners and experienced plant owners alike. With their striking upright leaves and air-purifying qualities, these plants are not only beautiful but also highly functional. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for a snake plant, from its benefits and varieties to watering, propagation, and more.
What is a Snake Plant?
A snake plant (Sansevieria), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant native to West Africa. It is characterized by its stiff, sword-like leaves that can grow in a variety of colors and patterns, from deep green to variegated yellow edges. Snake plants are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves, allowing them to thrive in dry conditions with minimal care.
10 Benefits of Snake Plants
Snake plants are an excellent addition to any home, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can thrive in various light conditions, making them perfect for busy plant owners. Beyond their striking appearance, snake plants can also improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins and releasing oxygen. These benefits, along with many others, make snake plants an ideal choice for any indoor space.
1. Air Purification
Snake plants are known for their ability to filter indoor air, removing toxins such as formaldehyde ( can be found in glues, paints, varnishes, floor finishes, and more), benzene (can be found in detergents, cleaning products, and more), and xylene (can be found in paint thinners, enamels, specialty paints, and more).
2. Oxygen Production
As part of the process of photosynthesis, snake plants release oxygen throughout the entire day, making them a great choice for bedrooms and living areas.
3. Low Maintenance
They require little watering, are tolerant of low light, don't need to be pruned, and don't need to be repotted as frequently as other houseplants, making them ideal for busy or forgetful plant owners.
4. Drought Tolerant
Since they store water in their leaves, they can survive for weeks without being watered. Watering frequency should be adjusted based on how much sunlight the plant receives.
5. Pest Resistant
Snake plants are naturally resistant to most common houseplant pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs. While they are not impervious, their resistance to these common pests makes infestations much easier to prevent.
6. Adaptability
They thrive in a variety of light conditions, from low light to bright light, and even direct sun. Always be sure to slowly acclimate your plant to different lighting conditions, as abrupt or sudden changes in care routines or exposure to elements can shock the plant and cause a decline in health.
7. Aesthetic Appeal
With their tall, structured leaves, they add a modern and elegant touch to any space. They also grow slowly and do not change often, creating a consistent and easily maintainable appearance.
8. Helps with Humidity
By releasing moisture into the air, snake plants can help improve indoor humidity levels. Grouping houseplants together in certain areas of your home can amplify this effect.
9. Improves Focus & Productivity
Studies suggest that having greenery indoors can boost concentration and productivity, while also decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression. To learn more, check out our blog on 20 Reasons Why Plants are Good for Your Health.
10. Great for Small Spaces
Snake plants grow upright, making them perfect for small apartments and offices. They also are slow growing in indoor environments, which means they will not outgrow your space or become unmanageable.
Snake Plant Varieties
There are several popular snake plant varieties, each with unique leaf patterns and growth habits. Some of the most common include:
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' – Features long, green leaves with yellow edges.
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Zeylanica' – Dark green leaves with wavy horizontal stripes.
Sansevieria cylindrica – Cylindrical, tube-like leaves that grow outward.
Sansevieria 'Moonshine' – Pale silver-green leaves with a modern, sleek look.
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Futura' – Deep green leaves with golden edges.
How To Care for a Snake Plant Indoors
If you are considering adding a snake plant to your indoor houseplant collection and are wondering how to care for snake plant indoors, here is some general information that will get you going in the right direction.
How Often to Water a Snake Plant
Snake plants prefer dry conditions and only need watering every 2-4 weeks, depending on the season. Water less frequently in the winter, and always let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. If the leaves begin to appear soft of wrinkly, consider increasing your watering. Leaves that appear mushy, pale in color, or start to bend and fall over are often a sign of overwatering.
Light Requirements for Snake Plants
Snake plants thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from low, indirect light to bright, direct sunlight, making them incredibly versatile. However, they grow best in moderate to bright indirect light, which helps maintain their vibrant color and encourages healthier growth. Be sure to slowly acclimate your plant if moving to an area with increased sun exposure to avoid causing burn damage.
Best Soil for Snake Plants
A well-draining potting mix is essential. Use a cactus or succulent mix, or make your own by combining potting soil with sand and perlite for better drainage. Snake plants do prefer to be root bound, and grow best in slightly constricted containers. When repotting, only upsize your container by one inch in diameter.
Do Snake Plants Require Humid Environments?
Snake plants do not require a humid environment and thrive in typical indoor humidity levels, making them easy to care for in most homes. In fact, they prefer drier conditions and can suffer if exposed to excessive moisture, which may lead to root rot.
Help Your Snake Plant Flower
Although rare, snake plants can produce fragrant, white-green flowers. To encourage blooming, expose your plant to bright, indirect light and allow it to experience mild stress by keeping it root-bound in its pot.
How to Propagate a Snake Plant
Snake plants can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings or division, making it simple to expand your collection or share with friends.
Leaf Cuttings: Select a healthy leaf and cut it into several sections, ensuring each piece is a few inches long. Place the cuttings in water or directly in soil, with the cut end facing down. If propagating in water, change the water if you notice it getting cloudy. Once roots develop, transfer the cuttings to soil. If propagating directly in soil, dust the end with a rooting hormone to increase the likelihood of rooting.
Division: Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root system. Using a clean, sharp knife or your hands, separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has a healthy root structure. Repot each new plant in fresh soil, water lightly, and place in indirect light to encourage growth. With time, your newly separated plants will begin to fill in their new containers.
For best results, propagate in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, as this will lead to quicker root development and a stronger plant.
Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?
Yes, snake plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. They contain saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. If you have pets, place your snake plant out of reach or consider pet-safe alternatives. If ingested, be sure to contact your local veterinarian.
Shop Snake Plants at Bath Garden Center
Looking to add a snake plant to your collection? Bath Garden Center offers a variety of healthy, vibrant snake plants, perfect for any indoor area. Visit our plant store in Fort Collins to explore our selection, or check out our website for more houseplant care tips!