Plant Families

Sansevierias

Yellow edged snake plant.

Sansevierias, commonly known as snake plants, are arguably the most indestructible plants around. They can handle any condition, whether it's a dark room or a sunny, hot rooftop. There are about 70 different known species, and with how easy they are to grow, you may find yourself wanting to collect them all! 

GENERAL CARE

LIGHT
Place in low to bright indirect light. Direct light is okay, as long as you introduce the plant slowly. 

WATER
Water every 2-3 weeks, or when soil dries completely. Snake plants are highly drought tolerant and do prefer drier soil, but this doesn't mean you never have to water them. Increase watering frequency in the summer, and slow it down in the winter. 

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Avoid plant food in the fall and winter when the plant goes dormant. If you've recently repotted, wait ~6 weeks before feeding.

TOXICITY
These plants are toxic, so keep out of reach of pets and small children. 

    Care instructions are usually consistent for all sansevierias, but we always recommend researching your specific plant variety to make sure you get it right the first time.

       

      A snake plant inside of a greenhouse.

      COMMON ISSUES

      Oftentimes, snake plants meet their demise from overwatering and root rot. These plants will not tolerate wet feet or soggy soil. It's best to plant in a pot with a proper drainage hole and a well-draining potting mix. Pot lacks a hole? Look up the pot type and determine if it's safe to drill one in on your own. If not, add a layer of lava rocks to the bottom of your pot to ensure roots are never swimming. 

      A cluster of rotten roots.

      To prevent root rot from taking out your plant, be very mindful of your watering habits. The first sign of root rot in a snake plant is a soft stem base or discolored foliage. If you notice any of these warning signs, immediately remove the plant from the soil and remove all signs of rot. Even if you're left with no roots, the plant may stand a chance. As we already mentioned, sansevierias are very resilient, so as long as you catch it early, it will survive the infection.  

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