If you’ve ever wanted a plant that looks amazing, survives your forgetful watering habits, and actually cleans your air—say hello to the Snake Plant (aka Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata). Tough, architectural, and downright elegant, this plant is a favorite for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Snake Plant thriving:
🌞 Light: Flexible but Fabulous
Snake plants are incredibly adaptable. They can handle everything from bright, indirect light to low-light corners.
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Best spot: Near a bright window with filtered sunlight.
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Can tolerate: Low light, but growth will slow.
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Avoid: Harsh, direct afternoon sun—it can scorch the leaves.
Tip: If you notice your plant leaning toward the window, rotate it every few weeks for even growth.
💧 Water: Less Is More
The number-one mistake with snake plants? Overwatering.
Their thick, succulent-like leaves store water, meaning they’d rather be dry than soggy.
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Water only when soil is completely dry.
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In warmer months, this might be every 2–3 weeks; in winter, once a month or less.
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Always dump out excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
If your leaves are mushy or yellowing—it’s a cry for help (too much water!).
🌱 Soil: Drainage Is Everything
Snake plants hate wet feet. Use a well-draining mix that allows air to reach the roots.
We love using Grow Queen’s Chunky Aroid Mix, which keeps soil light and breathable while preventing rot.
Pro tip: Add perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to boost drainage if your mix feels too compact.
🪴 Repotting: When Roots Start to Creep
Snake plants like being slightly root-bound, but if you see roots pushing through the drainage holes or the pot cracking—time to upgrade.
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Repot every 2–3 years or when needed.
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Choose a pot only one size larger to avoid excess moisture in the soil.
When repotting, check roots carefully—trim any brown, mushy ones, and consider splitting large plants into sections to propagate new ones!
🌿 Feeding: A Little Boost Goes a Long Way
During spring and summer, feed your snake plant monthly with Grow Queen All-in-One Organic Plant Food.
It gives them a gentle nutrient boost to support fresh growth and lush, glossy leaves—without the harsh chemicals of synthetic fertilizers.
Skip feeding during winter while the plant rests.
🌬 Temperature & Humidity: Keep It Comfy
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Prefers temperatures between 60–85°F.
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Avoid cold drafts or letting temps dip below 50°F.
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Average home humidity is perfect—no misting required.
🌿 Common Problems (and Fixes)
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Mushy leaves: Overwatering—let the soil dry out completely.
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Wrinkled or curling leaves: Underwatering—give it a good soak.
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Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
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Droopy leaves: Wrong soil mix—too dense or soggy.
✂️ Propagation: Turn One Snake into Many
Snake plants are easy to propagate!
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Trim a healthy leaf and let the cut end dry for a day or two.
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Place in water (with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to keep it clean) or directly in soil.
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Be patient—roots take time, but soon you’ll have new baby plants.
🧘♀️ Final Thoughts
Snake plants are the definition of low-stress, high-reward. They’re resilient, beautiful, and a reminder that sometimes, less is more. Whether you’re rescuing one from soggy soil or starting fresh, these timeless plants will always bounce back with a little care—and the right soil and nutrients.
2 comments
I have 3 different snake plants and they’re all growing well! They aren’t gigantic, but their growth is steady. In the spring, I may try to propogate the largest one!
I have 3 different snake plants and they’re all growing well! They aren’t gigantic, but their growth is steady. In the spring, I may try to propogate the largest one!