Sansevieria (Snake Plants) are among the toughest plants you’ll ever come across. These prickly beauties can withstand practically anything, whether indoors, in the garden, or on your balcony. They are simple to cultivate, but there are a few things you should be aware of. Continue reading for Snake Plant care as a houseplant .

History 

These are fantastic indoor plants that are very easy to care for and provide numerous benefits. They are originally from Nigeria. These herbaceous perennials require a sunny, warm climate. They can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. These are stemless plants with tall, erect, sword-like, pointed, evergreen leaves that are arranged in a rosette.

Choose the correct Snake plant 

When looking for snake plants, look for ones with dark green foliage; leaves that are too pale suggest that the plant is already in trouble. Check to determine if your plant has to be repotted, and then select a terra cotta or porous material pot and a potting mix with good drainage.

Appearance and Varieties 

It appears to be a clump of stiff, pointed leaves with a circular base. Mature plants are dark-green in color, with varying hues of yellow or grey striped, speckled, bordered, or topped. It comes in numerous types, but it can be cross breed. Depending on the breed and conditions, snake plants can grow from 12 inches to 3 feet tall.

Sunlight

When compared to other indoor plants online, snake plants are easier to care for. Snake plants may thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Growing snake plants indoors, on the other hand, is great. They require a temperature range of 40-85 degrees Celsius that is neither too hot nor too cold.

Watering  

Sansevieria is a low-care plant. They do not need to be watered on a daily basis. They are succulents that hold water in their leaves. Watering should be done along the plant’s perimeter, not in the core. Excess from the plant saucer must be eliminated because it causes the rhizome or underground modified stem to decay. Water should be kept at room temperature, and watering should be done with care to avoid overwatering. The soil in the pot should be dry, with sufficient water drainage.

Fertilizer for Snake Plants

Fertilizer might encourage your snake plants to blossom and expand more quickly. During the spring and summer, you can fertilize them up to once a month. Use a balanced fertilizer for the greatest results. We recommend purchasing an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 mixture and diluting it to half strength before applying to your plants.

Repot  A Snake plant

When the Sansevieria has grown too large for the pot, it can be repotted. All it requires is a larger pot with sufficient drainage, such as clay pots. Fill the pot with 34% potting soil and the rest with sand mixed together; if you have cactus soil, use that instead of sand. Repot the plant in the larger pot after removing it from the smaller pot. Make sure to keep the repotted plant well-watered.

Propagating 

Repotting is an excellent opportunity to begin fresh snake plants. Division is the simplest method of propagation. To divide the root ball, gently pull the plant roots apart. Plant the individual rooted rosettes, and you’ll have new plants to care for or share with friends.

Problems 

Root Rot

The most prevalent issue with Snake Plants is root rot, which is caused by overwatering, especially during the winter months. The roots perish as a result of a lack of oxygen or an expansion of a soil fungus. Soggy soils promote the growth and reproduction of fungus such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium, which spread into the roots and infect plants. As they die, healthy roots turn dark and mushy, unable to absorb nutrients required for growth.

Fungus

Southern Blight, a fungal disease, can also damage snake plants. In this state, the leaf has moist white spots with thread-like development. These spots eventually become brown, causing the plant to die. To kill the fungus on affected plants, fungicide might be used. These are mostly houseplants. Fungicides are not suggested; it is preferable to dispose of infected plants.  Reduced watering and proper drainage are the most effective ways to control fungus in snake plants.

Insects

Insects can also harm Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria. They could be insects or spiders. During an early infestation, you can pick the insects and throw them away, or you can remove them with a brush. However, if the insects persist and expand in number, it is preferable to discard the plant. The bug infestation has the potential to spread to surrounding indoor plants.

Health benefits 

Sansevieria is the best natural air cleaner, especially for snake plants, which absorb particulate matter and Volatile Organic Compounds that become trapped within our homes and continue to circulate. They absorb CO2 better than any other indoor plant. They are effective at removing a wide range of toxins and air pollutants, including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and toluene. Most plants create carbon dioxide at night when photosynthesis is not present, but snake plants or sansevieria are unique in that they continue to produce oxygen even when photosynthesis is not present.

Their stunning towering foliage, color variations, and greenish-white flowers are among our favorites. We hope this advice has helped you figure out how to care for a snake plant once you get it home, whether you have a green thumb or not! Sansevieria are among the easiest plants to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginning gardeners or as a first houseplant.