Learn how to care for your Snake Plant (Sansevieria) indoors. Get tips on watering, light, soil, pruning, and temperature. Low-maintenance and air-purifying!
If you're looking for an elegant, tough, and almost unkillable houseplant, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria) should be at the top of your list. Often called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this upright-leafed beauty is a favorite among beginners and plant collectors alike. It’s drought-tolerant, thrives in low light, and acts as a natural air purifier.
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your snake plant indoors.
🌞 Light Requirements
Snake plants are extremely tolerant when it comes to light.
- They thrive in low to medium indirect light
- Can also tolerate bright, filtered sunlight
- Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can cause leaf edges to brown
The more light the plant receives, the faster it grows — but it will survive just fine in corners and shaded spaces too.
💧 Watering Tips
Snake plants are succulents, which means they store water in their thick leaves and require less frequent watering.
- Water only when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel completely dry
- In summer: water every 10–14 days
- In winter: water every 2–3 weeks
Overwatering is the number one reason snake plants fail. It's better to underwater than to overwater.
🌱 Soil & Potting Mix
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot.
- Use a cactus or succulent mix
- Or combine regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand
- Ensure your pot has good drainage holes
Snake plants prefer slightly tight pots — don’t rush to repot unless the roots are pushing through.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Snake plants are quite adaptable but grow best under the following conditions:
- Ideal temperature range: 18°C to 28°C
- Tolerates temperature drops, but avoid below 10°C
- Thrives in average home humidity levels
Keep them away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or heaters for best growth.
✂️ Pruning & Cleaning
Pruning is optional but helpful for shape and health.
- Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base using sterilized scissors
- Wipe the leaves with a soft damp cloth every couple of weeks to remove dust
Clean leaves not only look better but also photosynthesize more efficiently.
🌿 Propagation
Snake plants are easy to propagate in a few different ways:
- Division – Separate a clump of the plant and pot it independently.
- Leaf Cuttings in Soil – Cut a healthy leaf into 3-inch sections and plant them upright in moist soil.
- Leaf Cuttings in Water – Place the cut ends in a jar of clean water until roots appear, then transfer to soil.
Propagation is slow but satisfying and makes for great gifting or home expansion.
🌸 Flowering
Though rare indoors, snake plants can produce small, white, sweet-smelling flowers under the right conditions — usually if they are root-bound and slightly stressed. While beautiful, the flowers are not common and shouldn’t be expected regularly.
🧿 Benefits of Snake Plant
- Air Purification: Removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal water and care
- Adaptability: Survives low light and neglect
- Aesthetic: Bold, upright leaves complement modern interiors
Whether placed in a living room corner or on an office shelf, snake plants bring structure, greenery, and clean air to any space.