Talking about snake plant care is a tricky thing. This plant is easy to adapt and grow, but sometimes it acts uncontrollably like a pest.
However, gardeners generally never find it a big deal to grow them. It cannot be separated from its simple appearance but is quite elegant as a decoration plant.
Plus, various studies also mention that this former sansevieria has many health benefits. So, if you are a fan of this plant, let’s learn how to take care of a snake plant well. Check it out!
Contents
Getting to Know the Snake Plant
Before discussing snake plant care further, you need to know the ins and outs of this plant. This succulent has various names, including viper’s bowstring hemp, St. George’s sword, and many more.
In botany, the snake plant originally had the name Sansevieria trifasciata. However, in 2017, researchers found that this plant also has a similarity to the Dracaena species.
After reclassifying, this plant has a new name, Dracaena trifasciata, from the Asparagaceae family. However, its physical resemblance makes most still consider it a part of sansevieria.
The snake plant is a perennial plant with stiff leaves like swords and a green line with a yellow border. This plant has white flowers but very rarely blooms.
Other information, this plant contains toxins, but at small levels.
Therefore, one of the requirements in snake plant care is to keep it away from children, cats, dogs, and several other types of animals.
Snake Plant Care
Snake plant care will not be a big deal, even for beginners. This plant is adaptable and, in many cases, makes it hard to kill.
Like other succulents, snake plants are also resistant to dry weather.
Even if you do not have much time for snake plant care, they will grow well as long as they get enough light.
However, consider knowing how to look for it to keep the plant healthy.
Setting the Environment
The snake plant is a running-type grower that grows fast on land. Then, the best environment for this plant is zones 9-11.
When mature, the plant can reach 15 centimeters to 2.4 meters in height.
This plant comes from West Africa but spreads to other areas because of its adaptability. Because it can grow quickly, it will fill the surrounding land.
Growing this plant in a pot might be the best way. That way, it will not creep over the house, consume soil nutrients, and even make weathered walls.
How to Plant and Pott
As it is adaptable enough, giving any soil for snake plant is acceptable. However, these plants generally like sandy growing media conditions.
This plant will grow well with a well-absorbed potting mix. You can get this concoction at various plant shops. Here are the steps:
Use a clay pot with drainage holes for easy water circulation. The use of elastic is unfavorable because it cannot absorb the liquid.
Add the potting mix for cacti and succulents to the pot. Ensure that the roots are under the soil to avoid lacking nutrients.
After planting it well, the next step is to take good care of it. Do not forget to water and dry to make the snake plant has enough nutrients.
Snake Plant Watering
The snake plant is a succulent plant that does not need too much water. Watering is the best once every two weeks, no more.
With this long interval, the soil will dry out completely, preventing root rot. In addition, adjust the amount of water so as not to cause puddles.
During the rainy season or winter, water the plant once a month. No need to overdo it because too much water will harm the snake plant.
Snake Plants Light
The presence of sunlight is the key to snake plant care. This grower prefers direct light to a lot of water.
This plant can survive in the hottest sunlight without worrying about dehydration.
Therefore, for indoor planting, you must make sure the location is close to the sun and occasionally have to dry it.
Snake Plant Care and Repotting
Unless it gets a lot of sunlight, being in a pot will make the snake plant a slow grower. Therefore, you do not need to do repotting too often.
When dividing or repotting, the best time is spring.
The potting method is the same as the explanation above, which uses a particular cactus potting mix. After that, take good care as usual.
Pruning Snake Plant
Like other plants, pruning is also critical in snake plant care. The goal is to remove damaged or old parts of the leaves to promote better plant growth.
The best time to do this is when the plant is growing, which takes place in spring or summer.
The trick is to cut the part that has touched the ground or has withered. So, pay attention to several points below.
Pruning will stress the plant. However, doing so during the growth period will minimize the level of depression in the snake plant.
To control plant growth, cut off the leaves that are too tall. Damaged leaves can inhibit plant growth so you must remove them.
Use sharp, sterile cutting tools to minimize stress on the plant and the possibility of bacterial infection.
By pruning regularly, you can help your plants to be healthier and fresher. Removing the damaged part will also minimize the appearance of disease in the snake plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Snake plant care means that you have to put it in a warm environment. Dracaena trifasciata will die if the temperature is less than 50 of Fahrenheit degree (approximately 10 Celsius).
The best temperature for a snake plant is 50-90 of Fahrenheit degree (approximately 21-31 Celsius). Freezing temperatures will kill these plants.
Also, do not forget to keep the humidity from getting too high. Too much moisture will stress it out and make it die slowly.
Fertilizer
You can provide fertilizer with a light concentration during the growing season. However, do not give it in winter because it can increase the humidity.
Propagating
Some people plant snake plants because they want to multiply. If you are one of them, then study the propagation method well.
In snake plant care, you can propagate in several ways: splitting the roots, taking shoots, and cuttings.
The first way, try to lift the plant’s root ball from the ground. You will see that the root consists of some segments.
Cut the plant segments carefully so as not to damage them, then plant them again. Treat the snake plant like a new plant.
In addition to splitting the roots, you can take shoots that have just grown on mature plants. Cut with a knife, then plant in new media.
While the last way is easy as you only need to cut the healthy leaves, then put them in front of a container of clean water.
The cut part should be submerged in water, while the top should be under direct sunlight. When the shoots appear, move them to the pot.
Common Problem in Snake Plant Care
Despite their hardiness, snake plants also often experience problems. The following are some conditions that may arise and how to overcome them.
Rotten Root
Excessive watering, rain, and high humidity can all cause root rot. The signs are the appearance of foul-smelling on the soil and leaves look unhealthy.
If this case happens, try lifting the root ball out of the soil and see if it rots. After that, clean the damaged parts, and replant the healthy part, using a new pot and planting media.
Color Changing Leaves
In healthy conditions, the snake plant will have green leaves with silver or yellow stripes. But if you suddenly notice a change, then something might be wrong.
Discoloration can occur due to pest attack, root rot, or overwatering. Try to re-analyze the environmental conditions and fix the parts that are not right.
Falling Leaves
If the leaves fall prematurely, it is a sign that the snake plant is lacking nutrients. Maybe the water content is too low while the sun is just a little.
The fix is to ensure that the drainage system returns smoothly and the plants are not too damp. Do not forget to give fertilizer and dry in the sun.
Curly Leaves
The snake plant has an enemy named thrips, namely pests that attack the leaves and make them curl. This bug is so small that you may need a magnifying glass.
If it is still not too late, cut off the part affected by the thrips infestation, then spray the plant with neem oil or particular pest soap.
Being aware of pests is also a part of snake plant care.
Some of the organisms that often attack are mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, scales, gnats, and many more. Be careful with them.
Conclusion
Snake plant care is not a big deal and does not require effort because this plant is very adaptable and easy to grow.
However, please be careful with pests and the wrong environment. High humidity, overwatering, and lack of sunlight will ruin your snake plant care moments.