How to care for: Snake plant (Sansevieria)

The Sansevieria is quite a famous indoor plants because of its low maintenance nature. If you're a beginner at owning plants, the Sansevieria is the one for you. Sansevieria plans are known to thrive when their owners tend to forget about them.

Medium light

Water every 2 weeks

Toxic

Air-purifying

Location

A Snake plant can grow on almost every location. From bright light to partial shade. They can be positioned on a location with direct sunlight, but they prefer bright medium light.

Watering

Before watering the Snake plant, check if the soil has dried out completely, which is usually only once or twice a month. Snake plants don't appreciate soggy soil. During the winter months, reduce the watering to once every six weeks. Make sure that the water can drain away well. Otherwise, water will remain in the bottom of the flowerpot and your Snake plant may suffer from root rot.

Plant nutrition

The Snake plant uses extra energy from spring onwards to make new leaves. As a result, the plant needs extra nutrients. You can provide these nutrients by plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once a month. From spring until autumn. After autumn and in winter it is better not to give extra nutrients. In the autumn, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Snake plant!

Repotting

Repotting the Snake plant is necessary every 2 years. Repotting the plant every 2 years gives it new nutrients and more room for root growth. The airier soil is also very good for the water flowing through. The best period to repot is spring.

Air-purifying

The Snake plant is very air-purifying plant. This is mainly due to the long leaves of Snake plant. The long leaf surface gives the plant extra stomata. The Snake plant uses these stomata to convert CO2 into oxygen during the day. And that is always good. For you and your home.

Is the Snake plant toxic?

The Snake plant leaves are mildly toxic to cats and dogs because they contain toxic alkyds. If chewed by pets, these leaves can cause diarrhea, drooling, mouth irritation, swelling in the face, etc.

Can the Sansevieria flower?

Yes, it can! When the Sansevieria starts to flower, it is unique. A flowering Sansevieria is a combination of watering, location and soil type.

Why do the leaves of my Sansevieria turn yellow?

Sansevieria leaves usually turn yellow if the plant receives too much light. Therefore, move the plant to a location with less (direct) sunlight.

Why isn't my Sansevieria growing?

If the Sansevieria gets too little water, it will stop growing. The plant needs water to grow. In this case, water a little more or a little more often.

How large will my Sansevieria get?

On average, Sansevierias do not grow taller than 150 cm. The plants do grow very slowly. Something to bear in mind!

Can you propagate a Sansevieria plant?

Yes, you certainly can. See our tips on how to propagate the Snake plant.