The Snake plant ( Sansevieria ) is an evergreen, tropical houseplant native to Africa and Asia. Its common names include snake plant, elephant ear, and African violets. Its ingestion can cause nausea and diarrhea. The capability of this plant to absorb contaminants like benzene and formaldehyde makes having them inside your home advantageous.
Snake plants can be propagated by using seeds, leaf cuttings, or by dividing an existing plant. You can separate a snake plant easily. Separating the Snake plant means dividing the plant into sections.
- Slowly remove the whole plant from the container.
- Brush away the dirt from the root ball of the plant.
- Use a sharp blade or secateur to the rhizome. Make sure that each division has roots and leaves intact.
- You can plant this in a good potting mix and water it.
Growing Snake Plant
The Snake plant is a low-maintenance plant with a unique appearance. You can grow them easily if you follow these steps.
1. Choose the container
For Snack plants 8- 12 inches pot is sufficient. However, if you are growing dwarf varieties, a 5-6 inches pot will suffice. Choose containers with adequate drainage holes.
2. Location
Snake plants prefer partially bright locations. But they can tolerate full sun. So keeping them in a spot that receives indirect sunlight is best. The plant will bloom and bear highly fragrant flowers if it gets bright sunlight.
They can be kept in bedrooms and bathrooms as well.
3. Soil
Snake plants are easily prone to root rot. So the potting mix has to be well draining. You can also use a succulent potting mix. If you are using ordinary garden soil, add coarse sand to improve drainage.
4. Water
Never overwater the Snake plants. Allow the topsoil to dry before watering. Reduce watering in winter.
5. Fertilizer
Snake plants do not prefer fertilizing too often. If your snake plants receive sufficient sunlight and ventilation, you don't have to worry about adding fertilizers. You can add organic manure when the plants seem weak.
6. Re-potting
Snake plants grow really fast. Therefore, you should re-pot the plants every year or two. The best re-potting time is spring and summer.
7. Pest and Diseases
The Spider mites and Mealy bugs are the pests that usually infest the Snake plants and suck the sap making the plant fragile. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or handpick them to keep away these insects.
Next step
Gardener services
Landscaping services
Online nursery
Organic pesticides and fertilizers
Extra reading
Indoor Plants That Can be Grow in Water
Best Low Maintenance Houseplants
Indoor Plants for Humid Environment
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.