How to Care for a Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant (also known as mother-in-law's tongue), is easy to care for and nearly indestructible.  A snake plant is, without question, my number one pick for a beginner house plant care taker. Purchasing a snake plant is one of the easiest ways to transform your home into a green paradise. It is a low maintenance plant, and it has sleek, sword-like leaves that emanate a pretty and exotic look.  Unlike other plants, the snake plant produces oxygen at night by converting carbon dioxide with their broad, long leaves into fresh, breathable air, making them a great addition to your bedroom for better sleep. The snake plant's minimal care requirements make them thrive effortlessly. Snake plants come in many varieties like the Sanseveria trifasciata “black gold” and Sanseveria trifasciata “moonshine”.

Light: The snake plant loves bright indirect light; they will thrive if you place them near a window. But with that being said, they can also tolerate low to moderate light (so they can survive in a low, indirect lit corner of your home.  Wipe off the leaves often to remove dust and promote photosynthesis (this allows the leaves to absorb maximum light (and keep your plant healthy and happy).

Watering: The snake plant stores water in its' leaves, requiring only a small amount of water to thrive. Watering your snake plants regularly will cause the plant to rot. Only water every 2-3 weeks and less frequently during the winter months.  Ensure that you have allowed the soil to dry completely before watering again.

Humidity: Although the Snake plant is a tough and difficult-to-kill plant, it requires moderate humidity to thrive. Very high humidity will promote mold growth on the plant, and very low humidity will cause the plant to turn brown and curl.

Unhappy Houseplant signs: Yellowing leaves (a snake plant's leaves are usually a vibrant green) and mushy or soft stems (stems should usually feel quite firm and strong).