Snake plants, a.k.a Sanseveria (Dracaena trifasciata – scientific name) are some of the easiest houseplants to grow and care for in your backyard, balcony, or room. These easy-care plants originally grow in Africa.
In the Netherlands, they are known as women’s tongue, and in Belgium as the widow’s tongue. The plant family is called Agavaceae. Here are some informative tips to grow Snake plants.
Here you will find all the details about snake plant care. Keep reading for the optimum Sansevieria care tips, light, and growth conditions.
Sansevieria watering
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) uses very little water. The only way to kill a Sansevieria is to give the plant too much water. It is, therefore, better not to pour when in doubt. It is essential that all of the soil is dry before the Sansevieria gets fresh water. Otherwise, root rot occurs quickly.
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In winter, the Sansevieria can do without water for a good 6 to 8 weeks. During the growing season in spring and summer, it is advisable to water once every two weeks. During a hot spell, the Sansevieria can take an extra portion of water.
The amount of water depends, among other things, on the size of the pot and the light intensity. The larger the pot, the more water the bottom can hold. Besides, Sansevieria needs 2-3 times more water in front of a window in the south than a plant in front of a window in the north. If the soil still feels quite damp after days, give less water.
Spraying
The Sansevieria gets along perfectly with dry air. Spraying is therefore not necessary. However, it can be used to remove and avoid dust on the leaves.
Sansevieria light and warmth
The Sansevieria does not have high demands on light intensity. If the plant is placed closer to a window, the color of the leaf will fade a little. The Sansevieria Black Coral, therefore, stays much nicer if it stands further away from the window.
If the Sansevieria is further away from the frame, the water requirement should undoubtedly decrease, and the growth is delayed somewhat. We do not recommend a distance of more than 4 meters from the window.
You can find intelligent plant sensors with solar cells and WiFi connections for easy maintenance at our gardener store. These sensors show the light value, temperature, and humidity of the soil.
Minimum temperature requirement
- During the day: 59.00 °F (15 ℃)
- At night: 37.40 °F (3 ℃)
Repotting Sansevieria
The Sansevieria is also an easy-care houseplant when it comes to repotting. Repotting a snake plant can be done immediately after purchase, but even if the Sansevieria has outgrown the current pot after about 1-3 years. A few damaged roots won’t do much harm to a Sansevieria.
Use an ornamental pot that is at least 20% wider than the previous one. Use universal potting soil or cactus soil. Add expanded clay if there is a drainage hole.
Sansevieria fertilizing
A Sansevieria grows slowly and therefore needs little fertilizer. Only give a small amount of liquid fertilizer in spring or summer. About ¼ of the amount stated on the packaging is sufficient. Alternatively, use cactus fertilizer.
Snake Plant Care | How to care for Sansevieria?
Discolored leaves
The Sansevieria becomes darker when it is further away from the window and lighter when it is closer to the window. Both places are fine for the plant.
Cutting
A sansevieria cannot be cut. The growth would then stop. In general, Sansevierias do not grow taller than 150 cm. If the houseplant gets too big, the best way to remove the largest leaves is to cut them off at the bottom. Cutting on half the sheet is possible, but not always lovely. Brown spots can be cut away.
Breed
Propagation is possible by sticking or tearing. When torn, the color is retained. When sticking with brightly colored specimens, the plant will grow more significantly than a green sample.
Sansevieria blooming
The Sansevieria can flower as a houseplant. However, it is better to prevent this to save the plant’s energy. The flowers can give off a sweet smell.
Toxicity
Sansevierias are slightly poisonous. Make sure that children or animals do not eat from it. This can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Snake Plant diseases
The Sansevieria is seldom afflicted by the disease. A hard jet of water can easily remove any lice from the hard leaves.
FAQ – Snake Plants
Is Snake Plant Dangerous For Cats?
The question “Is snake plant flowers and leaves dangerous for cats?” is frequently asked by many pet owners and keepers. Snake plant, or Hyoscyamus Niger in botanical language, often grows in floodplains, swamps, marshes, and near creeks. A Snake plant, especially the variegated kind, is most often seen growing in houses, backyards, and parks.
The answer to this is yes; when consumed by cats, snake plants can be poisonous.
It contains some mild toxins in the form of alkaloids and saponin; this is why it can potentially be hazardous to your cat, thus, not safe for him. However, this said, the problem doesn’t exist because there aren’t any reported cases of snake plant poisoning that is harmful to your cat or humans.
These plants are indeed very toxic to animals, but they do not pose a significant threat to our health when you eat them. It should be noted, though, that if a cat has ingested a Snake plant and has stomach or intestinal irritation, this is considered a symptom indicating that the plant has probably caused or aggravated an existing condition or disease.
If this is the case, your cat should be evaluated immediately for a full course of medication for a possible secondary infection or more advanced conditions such as intestinal cancer. In most cases, though, Snake plant poisoning will only cause mild irritation or mild stomach upset for your cat.
Should I mist my snake plant?
Desert plants that thrive in high temperatures and high levels of humidity are known as snake plants. In light of the aforementioned, it is important to note that it is typically not advised to spray the leaves of a snake plant.
The leaves of the snake plant may get overwatered if they are sprayed with water, which can then lead to a variety of additional health problems.
Can snake plants live in no light?
Yes. It is possible for it to live without sunshine, but only for a limited amount of time. As was just discussed, in order to manufacture their food via the process of photosynthesis, all green plants need exposure to sunlight.
The other side of the coin is that snake plants can really continue to live for a very long time (even when they are not exposed to any sunlight at all), provided that they have access to grow lights.
How do I know if my snake plant is healthy?
If you want to know whether or not your sansevieria is healthy, look for leaves that are a dark green color. The presence of dark leaves on a snake plant is a sign that the plant is healthy and receiving enough nutrition.
Dying plants sometimes have leaves that have a yellowish tint on the outer edge of the leaves or leaves that are pale and floppy. If you see any of these symptoms, it may be time to get rid of the plant.
How do I increase my snake plant growth?
It is important to choose an appropriate container for your snake plant, supply it with the appropriate quantity of water, ensure that it receives a great deal of sunshine, fertilize it on a consistent basis, and be vigilant for any signs of insect infestation.
Your snake plant will be able to grow green leaves if it receives an adequate quantity of strong light and a modest bit of fertilizer.
When should you repot a snake plant?
Late winter or early spring is the time of year that is ideal for repotting your indoor plant. The fact that your plant is in a dormant state throughout the winter and that it is just before the busy growth season (Spring) makes this the ideal time to do the procedure.
