How to grow snake plant (Sansevieria)
All you need to know about growing snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue.
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Snake plant (Sansevieria) is a striking house plant with sword-like leaves. These pointed leaves have earned it the nickname mother-in-law's tongue. There are several interesting varieties available to buy. For those short on space, there's the compact, rosette forming 'Hahnii', which grows to only 25cm tall, while those with tall ceilings may want to try the variegated 'Laurentii', which can reach 1.2m.
The snake plant comes from Africa, where it thrives in extremely dry conditions. It can therefore survive a long period of neglect and needs little watering. It could be described as the perfect house plant – it's low maintenance and isn't fussy about its location. This makes it a great plant for beginners as it's virtually indestructible.
The leaf patterns vary depending on variety, but often have green bands that vary in depth of colour. The leaves also sometimes have white or cream edges. Snake plants can produce small white flowers, although this is rare for house plants in the UK.
Snake plants are mildly toxic to humans, cats and dogs if ingested.
How to grow snake plants
Ideally, grow your plant in a bright spot, out of direct sun. Water only when the compost has dried out. It will benefit from a liquid feed once a month, from April to September.
Snake plant: jump links
- Where to grow a snake plant
- How to care for a snake plant
- How to propagate a snake plant
- Snake plant problem-solving
- Types of snake plant to grow
Where to grow a snake plant
Ideally, place your snake plant in a bright spot, out of direct sunshine. It will cope in a dark corner but may lose some of the attractive variegation on the leaves.
How to plant a snake plant
You can keep your snake plant in its original pot after you've brought it home, unless its roots are bursting out of the bottom of the pot. Snake plants are slow growers so won't need repotting that often. If your plant has outgrown its pot, repot it in spring into a slightly larger one. Use house plant or cactus compost, or ordinary peat-free multi-purpose compost with some horticultural grit added. If your snake plant is tall, you might want to plant it in a heavy pot, to stop it toppling over.
Caring for a snake plant
Snake plants don't need much water – just water whenever the soil is dry. Make sure you let the water drain away fully – do not let the plant sit in water as this may cause the roots to rot. Snake plants need very little water in winter.
Feed once a month from April to September. Wipe the leaves occasionally, to prevent dust building up. Be careful not to damage the leaf tips – this will stop the plant growing. Snake plants can cope with draughts and dry air, and don't need misting.
How to propagate a snake plant
You can propagate snake plants by taking leaf cuttings, but the simplest method is by dividing. Using a knife, carefully cut away a leaf and a piece of root, and plant it up in a small pot of compost. Water in well and put the cutting in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight.
Growing snake plants: problem solving
Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering, especially in winter. Check the base of the leaves and the roots for rot. Allow the compost to dry out before watering again and always let the water drain away. Snake plants do not need much water, especially in the winter months.
Wrinkled leaves mean you may have underwatered your plant. Lightly water it over a few days and it should perk up.
If leaves are falling sideways, you may have under- or overwatered your plants. It may also not be getting enough light. Tall, older leaves do occasionally collapse.
You may spot mealybugs on the foliage. Look out for insects that look like white, fluffy blobs on the undersides of leaves. Wipe them off with a damp cloth or cotton bud that has been soaked in an insecticide containing fatty acids or plant oils.
Advice on buying snake plant
Here’s our guide to buying snake plant, or Sansevieria, including where to buy snake plants.- Snake plants are tolerant of low light levels but they may lose their variegation in deep shade. Avoid growing snake plant in humid conditions as it does best in a dry environment.
- Ensure the snake plant is healthy, with healthy leaves and leaf-tips, and no signs of pests.
Where to buy snake plants online
Varieties of snake plant to grow
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' is the most common type of snake plant, with grey-green leaves and a creamy-yellow border.
- Buy Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' from Thompson & Morgan
- Buy Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' from Crocus
Sansevieria cylindrica (African spear) has smooth, cylindrical, upright leaves with grey-green variegation. It reaches around 70cm tall.
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii' (bird's nest snake plant) is a compact plant that reaches around 20cm tall. Its rosette of leaves are said to resemble a bird's nest.
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