If your thumbs are completely numb when it comes to plants and you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, the Snake Plant is the one. In this article, we will provide you with a full guide on how to care for a Snake Plant. We’ll cover everything from watering to fertilizing to pests and diseases. Keep reading for our tips and tricks on keeping your snake plant healthy and happy!
Before we get into it here are a few facts to help introduce this hardy plant.
The Snake Plant is a species of succulent plant originating from West Africa. Snake plants are easy to care for and are tough and resilient plants that can withstand a wide range of conditions. The snake plant has become a very popular houseplant thanks to its easy upkeep. There are about 70 different species of Snake Plants but the most common is the Sansevieria trifasciata.
You can easily identify a Snake plant by its long, upright leaves that are green with yellow stripes. The leaves are stiff and sword-like and tapered at the ends. The plant is also referred to as St George’s sword or even mother in laws tongue.
A great benefit of the Snake plant is that it can also filter out harmful toxins from the air, hospitals even use them to help purify the air.
When it comes to caring for your snake plant, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Below, we will go over the basics for taking care of your snake plant so that it happily thrives.
Watering
Watering a snake plant is easy – you just need to make sure that the potting mix is damp but not wet. You can water your snake plant by either watering from the top or watering from the bottom. If you water from the top, be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause them to rot. Instead, water around the base of the plant. If you water from the bottom, make sure to pour water into the drainage hole so that it flows out the pot and avoid overwatering.
How often you water your snake plant will depend on several factors, including climate, pot size, and soil type. As a general rule, try to water your snake plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. The best way to water a snake plant is to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Light
Snake plants need bright, but indirect light. If they are exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves will scorch and may even turn black. A good place to position your snake plant is near a window that gets lots of natural light but make sure to rotate the pot so the plant can get evenly light throughout the day.
Soil
Snake plants do well in a soil mix that is light and sandy. You can either make your soil mix or buy a pre-made mix from your local garden center or even Amazon has a great selection. When making your own soil mix, be sure to include sand, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts.
Food
Your snake plant does not need to be fertilized often – only once every few months. When you do fertilize, use a balanced houseplant fertilizer that is diluted to half the strength recommended on the package. Fertilize during the spring and summer months when the plant is growing actively.
Propagating your Snake Plant
If you are looking to propagate your snake plant, there are a few different methods you can try. Below, we will go over the three most common methods.
Division
When propagating a snake plant by division, you will need to remove the plant from its pot and divide it into two or more separate plants. You can do this by using a sharp knife or scissors to cut the root ball into several pieces. Be sure to make each piece with at least one healthy leaf.
Layering
To propagate a snake plant via layering, you will need to bend a healthy stem down so that it is touching the soil. Cover the stem with soil and then water well. New roots will form and eventually, the stem can be cut from the mother plant and planted in its own pot.
Seed
Propagating a snake plant via seed is probably the easiest method, but it also takes the longest. Snake plant’s seeds can be difficult to germinate, but once they do, they will grow quickly. Sow the seeds in a potting mix and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm place until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
Common Snake Plant Pests & Diseases
When it comes to pests and diseases the best thing to do is to be proactive rather than reactive. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Snake plants are generally very tough and resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few things you can watch out for. Spider mites and mealybugs are two common pests that can attack snake plants. If you notice any tiny bugs on your plant, take a close look and see if you can identify them. If you think they might be pests, spray your plant with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Toxicity
The sap of the snake plant is not safe for pets and may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Care should be taken when handling the plant and it is recommended to keep pets away from it and wear gloves when handling the plant.
Conclusion
Snake plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home or office.
Now that you know all there is to caring for a snake plant, it should be easy to keep your snake plant healthy and looking great. Be sure to water and fertilize regularly, place in bright but indirect light, and watch out for common pests and diseases. And most importantly, enjoy your beautiful new addition to your home and all the benefits it can give you!
Leave a Reply