Snake Plant Care

Sansevieria trisfaciata has a lot of funny names: mother-in-law's tongue, St. George's sword, snake, tiger's tail, tiger's tongue and more; they all share one characteristic: they designate something strong and indestructible. And if we want to choose a couple of adjectives to describe this plant, no other would fit better, because this plant is a true survivor.

why have a Sansevieria?

If you know someone who doesn't seem to be able to keep a plant alive, or if they are an individual who doesn't have the time to devote to gardening but doesn't want to deprive themselves of the atmosphere and energy that houseplants offer, the snake plant is their best option. But its hardiness is not the only reason to have it, as it has elegant lines, beautiful colours and is very easy to reproduce.

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But this is not the only thing, as the snake plant stands out for its ability to function as a filter for toxic particles in the environment, as they absorb and degrade substances such as formaldehyde. This makes it a wonderful plant to have in the bedroom.

It is also considered by some to be good luck, perhaps because of its resilience and tenacity.

Sansevieria care guide

This South African plant is used to the most extreme environmental conditions, but this does not mean that it is completely immortal. In fact, it is easy to kill a snake plant by overwatering, so your task as the happy owner of this magnificent species is to ensure certain minimum conditions that will allow it to do its job, grow, reproduce and make you happy.

1. Watering:

Sansevieria is a succulent plant, which comes from rather arid environments. For this reason it accumulates moisture in its leaves, like all succulents, although in appearance the leaf of this plant does not look so fleshy. This is a great advantage for all those distracted or absent-minded owners, as it requires very little watering.

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Here we must be very careful, as it is very easy to damage the health of this plant by over-watering. It prefers drought, because if the roots become waterlogged, they will rot. You can water it every 2 or 3 weeks in summer and every month in winter, but this depends on the environmental conditions.

As with all succulents, it is best to check the substrate: if it is really dry, it is time to water. If you feel some moisture in the soil when you put your finger on it, it is better to refrain from watering.

2. Ideal substrate:

As with all succulents, it is important to prioritise the drainage of the pot. You can place a layer of pebbles at the bottom and use a substrate that facilitates the drainage of excess water, it can be rich in clay. As for fertiliser, you can fertilise it once a month in spring and summer, but do not overdo it, as it is very hardy, an excess of fertiliser could damage it.

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3. Lighting:

The snake plant will thrive in a space with plenty of light, as long as it is not direct, as the sun's rays burn its leaves. Light stimulates the intensity of the green of its leaves. But if you don't live in a space with large windows, don't worry because this plant is so strong and versatile that it can adapt to those low light environments.

The only difference is that it will take a little longer to grow. But the difference is not abysmal, as Sansevieria is a slow growing plant. Don't expect it to grow 3 metres in months, as it will only develop 3 or 4 leaves a year.

4. Perfect temperature:

The Snake Plant prefers warm, dry environments, so living indoors suits it perfectly. In winter you have to protect it from the cold, but don't think it will die if you leave it outside, as it is so tough and wonderful that it can withstand frosts of up to 3 degrees below zero.

5. Reproduction:

It is possible to discover tillers at the base of these plants, which you can carefully remove and plant in their own pot, but the simplest method of reproduction is through cuttings made from the leaves. If one of the leaves of your sansevieria has been damaged a little, because a pet decided to break it, it was broken when it was moved or similar, you can use it to reproduce your plant. Cut it into sections of about 3 centimetres and place them directly in the substrate, some people use rooting hormones, but without them it also works. After a few weeks you will see that the roots will start to come out.

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About the author
Ame Rodríguez

Dedicated to creating an army of cacti, succulents, poodles and cats to help me conquer the world. In the little free time I have left, I play, write and dance.