Want one of the easiest houseplants to care for? Meet the snake plant.
It’s simple and rewarding to grow.
You might wonder: how often to water it?
What soil should you use?
How much light does it need?
This guide gives you the basics in clear, quick steps.
Follow it and your snake plant (Sansevieria or Dracaena) will stay healthy for years.
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Why snake plant care is so forgiving (and what still matters)
Snake plants are tough succulents that store water in thick, upright leaves.
They handle many indoor spots and can survive some neglect.
But they still need the right soil, good drainage, and careful watering.
Without these, root rot can kill them fast.
For the best care, use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
Only water when the soil feels dry.
This keeps your snake plant happy and healthy.
Watering (How much & how often)
Want to water your snake plant the right way? Here’s how.
Water deeply but not often.
Let the top 2–3 inches of soil dry out between waterings.
During spring and summer, water every 2–4 weeks.
This depends on light and temperature.
In winter, water once a month or less.
Too much water causes root rot—the biggest cause of death.
Quick checklist:
Check the soil with your finger or a moisture meter before watering.
Pour water at the soil level.
Avoid watering the center of the plant.
Use a pot with drainage holes.
Always empty extra water from the saucer.
Soil & potting mix (best soil for snake plants)
The right soil can save your snake plant from root rot.
Use a fast-draining mix.
A cactus or succulent mix works well.
Or mix regular indoor soil with 25–50% perlite, sand, or grit.
Good drainage copies the plant’s natural dry home.
Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Avoid deep trays that hold water.
Quick tip:
When repotting, choose a pot only 1–2 inches bigger than the root ball.
Snake plants like to be a little crowded in their pots.
Light & temperature (do snake plants need sunlight?)
Do snake plants need light? Yes—but they’re easygoing about it.
They thrive in bright, indirect light.
They can also survive in low light.
But don’t leave them in harsh midday sun.
Too much sun can burn their leaves.
Keep indoor temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C).
Never let them drop below 50°F (10°C) to avoid cold damage.
Quick tip:
In low light, your snake plant will grow slower and need less water.
In bright, warm spots, it grows faster and drinks more often.
Fertilizer & feeding
Snake plants don’t need much food, but a little helps.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants.
Dilute it to half strength.
Feed once a month during spring to early fall.
Skip feeding in winter when the plant slows down.
Too much fertilizer can burn the leaf tips.
It can also make leaves weak and floppy.
Feed just enough to keep your snake plant happy and strong.
Pot size, repotting & propagation (repotting sansevieria)
Repot your snake plant only when it really needs it.
Do this every 2–4 years or when roots start to burst out of the pot.
A snug pot helps the plant bloom and stops rot.
When repotting, use fresh, fast-draining soil.
Trim away any soft, rotten roots.
If you’ve divided leaves or taken cuttings, let the plant sit a day to heal.
Snake plants are easy to grow from division or leaf cuttings.
Give it a try to multiply your collection!
Common problems & troubleshooting (brown tips, underwatered, not growing)
Snake plant not looking right? Here’s a quick fix guide.
Brown tips
Often caused by underwatering, dry air, or too much fertilizer.
Soft, mushy leaves
A sign of overwatering or root rot.
Cut back on water and check the roots.
Slow or no growth
Could be low light, cold temps, or a crowded pot.
Move it to a brighter spot and check the soil and room temperature.
Pests
Watch for mealybugs or scale.
Wipe the leaves and treat if needed.
Not sure what’s wrong?
Check the soil.
Dry or soggy soil usually tells the whole story.
Growth rate & lifespan
Snake plants grow slow—but stick around for decades.
Indoors, their growth rate is slow to moderate.
With the right care, they can live for many years.
Some even last for decades.
Give them the right water, light, and a little fertilizer now and then.
They’ll reward you by growing pups (offsets).
You can divide these to grow more plants.
Quick-care checklist (one-line reminders)
Want a quick care cheat sheet for your snake plant? Start here.
Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Use cactus soil or any fast-draining mix.
Give it bright, indirect light.
It can handle low light too.
Keep room temperature between 60–75°F (15–24°C).
Feed lightly during spring and summer.
Repot only when the plant outgrows the pot.
For more details, check the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide:
RHS: How to grow sansevierias.
FAQs
How often should I water my snake plant?
Water when the soil is completely dry — commonly every 2–4 weeks in growing season and less in winter. Adjust for light, temperature, and pot size.
What is the best soil mix for snake plants?
Use cactus/succulent mix or potting soil blended with perlite/pumice/sand for excellent drainage.
Do snake plants need direct sunlight?
No — bright, indirect light is ideal. They tolerate low light but avoid intense, direct midday sun.
How big should the pot be for a snake plant?
Slightly snug — choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball to help prevent overwatering and encourage steady growth.
How fast do snake plants grow?
Slow to moderate indoors. With good care they produce offsets over time; growth speeds up with more light and regular feeding.
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