Snake Plant Care Guide

Snake plants (formerly Sansevieria, now classified under Dracaena) are legendarily tough. They survive in closets, windowless bathrooms and the desks of people who forget plants exist. Their upright, architectural leaves store water for weeks. If you're looking for a plant you can't kill, this is it. Just don't drown it with kindness.

For a complete beginner overview, see Indoor Plants for Beginners: Easy Plants and Care Basics.

The Direct Answer: Quick Care

Factor	Requirement
Light	Low to bright indirect (any works)
Water	Every 2-4 weeks, let dry completely
Humidity	Not important
Temperature	60-85°F (15-29°C)
Soil	Well-draining, can use cactus mix
Fertilizer	Rarely, monthly in summer if desired

The rule: Water less than you think. Let soil dry completely between waterings. In winter, you might water only once a month.

Light Requirements

What Snake Plants Accept

Almost anything:

Low light (survives well, slow growth)
Medium light (grows well)
Bright indirect (grows fastest)
Even some direct sun (tolerates well)

In Low Light

What to expect:

Slower growth
May lose some variegation
Survives indefinitely
Won't produce new leaves quickly

In Bright Light

Benefits of more light:

Faster growth
More vibrant colors
Better variegation
May even produce flowers

See Indoor Plant Light Guide: Where to Place Houseplants.

Watering

The Golden Rule

Less is more:

Wait until soil is completely dry
Every 2-4 weeks in summer
Every 4-6 weeks in winter
When in doubt don't water

How to Water

When you do water:

Water thoroughly until it drains
Let drain completely
Empty saucer
Don't water again until bone dry

Signs of Overwatering

The only real danger:

Yellow, mushy leaves
Soft base
Rotting smell
Root rot

See Overwatered Plant: How to Save It.

Signs of Underwatering

Rare but possible:

Wrinkling leaves
Leaves curling
Very dry, shriveled appearance
Easily fixed with a good drink

Varieties

Sansevieria trifasciata

Classic varieties:

Laurentii: Yellow-edged green leaves
Zeylanica: Silver-green striping
Black Coral: Dark green, almost black

Cylindrica

Cylindrical leaves:

Round, spear-like leaves
Very architectural
Similar care
Interesting shape

Moonshine

Pale silver:

Pale silvery-green leaves
Wide, short leaves
Striking appearance
Same easy care

Hahnii (Bird's Nest)

Compact rosettes:

Low, rosette growth
Perfect for desks
Same tough nature
Stays small

Propagation

Leaf Cuttings

Simple method:

Cut a healthy leaf into 3-4 inch sections
Let cut ends dry overnight
Plant in moist, well-draining soil
Wait (this takes months)
New growth emerges from base

Division

Faster method:

Remove plant from pot
Separate rhizomes with leaves attached
Plant divisions in separate pots
Each section grows independently

Note on Variegation

Important detail:

Leaf cuttings may lose variegation
Division preserves variegation
New plants from cuttings are often solid green
If variegation matters, divide

Troubleshooting

Yellow Leaves

Usually overwatering:

Check soil moisture
Check for mushy base
Reduce watering frequency
May need to repot if root rot present

Brown Leaf Tips

Minor issues:

Inconsistent watering
Low humidity (rarely an issue)
Fluoride sensitivity
Usually cosmetic only

Leaves Falling Over

Possible causes:

Overwatering
Root rot
Pot too large
Not enough light over time

Pests

Rare but possible:

Mealybugs hide in leaf bases
Spider mites occasionally
Check when watering
Treat with alcohol or insecticidal soap

Soil and Repotting

Best Soil

Drainage is key:

Cactus/succulent mix works well
Add extra perlite to regular potting mix
Drainage is essential
Avoid moisture-retaining mixes

When to Repot

Infrequent need:

Every 2-3 years typically
When roots are circling pot
When plant is splitting pot
Spring is best

Pot Selection

Match to plant nature:

Must have drainage holes
Terracotta helps with drying
Don't overpot (stay close to current size)
Heavy pot for tall varieties (prevents tipping)

See How to Repot Houseplants: The Complete Guide.

Growing Tips

Placement Ideas

Versatile display:

Floor plant (tall varieties)
Desk or table (compact varieties)
Bathroom (tolerates low light)
Bedroom (often cited for air quality)

Grouping with Other Plants

Easy companion:

Different heights add interest
Mix varieties for texture
Doesn't compete for attention
Background or focal point

Cleaning Leaves

Simple maintenance:

Dust attracts pests
Wipe with damp cloth
Support leaf while wiping
Monthly is sufficient

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I really water my snake plant?

Every 2-4 weeks in summer less in winter. Always let soil dry completely between waterings. The #1 killer of snake plants is overwatering.

Can snake plants survive in a windowless room?

They can survive for a while with artificial light but they won't thrive. They need some light, even if it's minimal. Near a window is better long-term.

Are snake plants toxic?

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep away from pets that chew plants.

Why is my snake plant not growing?

Probably normal if it's in low light or during winter. These are slow growers. Increase light for faster growth. Also ensure it's not rootbound.

Can snake plants go outside in summer?

Yes they do well outdoors in shade to partial sun. Bring indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F. Acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions.