Sansevieria plants, commonly known as snake plants, are a popular and resilient choice for indoor gardening. Their distinctive, upright, sword-shaped leaves add a unique architectural element to any space. These plants are widely appreciated for their adaptability, making them a favored option for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Why Choose Sansevieria
Sansevieria plants are highly favored for their low-maintenance nature. They are exceptionally resilient and adaptable, making them an ideal choice for new plant owners or those with busy schedules. Their ability to thrive with minimal attention sets them apart from many other houseplants.
Beyond their ease of care, Sansevieria plants offer significant aesthetic appeal with diverse leaf shapes and variegation patterns. They are also recognized for their air-purifying capabilities, a quality highlighted by a 1989 NASA study. This research indicated that snake plants effectively filter common indoor air pollutants.
Sansevieria can absorb and remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Some varieties, like the Golden Snake Plant, were found to remove over 50% of air pollutants in 24 hours in the NASA study. They contribute to a healthier indoor environment by releasing oxygen, particularly at night, which can improve air quality and potentially lessen the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander.
Caring for Sansevieria
Light
Sansevieria plants adapt to various light conditions, but thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing them near an east or north-facing window provides about 5 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily for optimal growth. While they tolerate lower light, growth may slow.
Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch leaves. If the plant is in a very bright window, shield it or move it slightly to prevent leaf burn. Sansevieria can survive under fluorescent lighting.
Watering
Infrequent watering is important for Sansevieria, as these succulent plants store water in their thick leaves. Overwatering is the most common issue, causing root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about 2-3 inches deep; if it feels dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water in the saucer. During cooler months, growth slows, requiring less water—sometimes as infrequently as once every 4-6 weeks.
Soil Requirements
Sansevieria plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix is recommended, as these mixes drain quickly. Standard potting mixes can be amended with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are beneficial because their porous nature allows for better moisture evaporation. A gritty soil texture with low water-holding capacity mimics their natural arid habitat, promoting a healthy root system.
Temperature and Humidity
Sansevieria plants prefer average room temperatures, ranging between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect them from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as prolonged exposure can lead to tissue damage and mushy leaves.
These plants tolerate typical household humidity levels and do not require high humidity. They prefer drier conditions; misting is unnecessary.
Fertilizing
Sansevieria plants are not heavy feeders and require minimal fertilization. Over-fertilizing can damage their root system, leading to brown leaf tips or yellowing leaves. During their active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Dilute the fertilizer to half strength before application to prevent nutrient burn. Fertilization can be done once a month during the growing season, or less frequently depending on light exposure. Cease fertilization entirely during fall and winter when growth slows.
Popular Sansevieria Species and Varieties
The genus Sansevieria encompasses diverse species and cultivars, each with unique visual characteristics. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is a classic variety, featuring tall, upright green leaves with yellow margins.
Sansevieria cylindrica, the African Spear Plant, has stiff, cylindrical leaves that can grow long. These leaves are dark green and can have a striped pattern. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’ displays silvery-green leaves with faint horizontal bands and darker green edges.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Coral’ has dark green, almost black, sword-shaped leaves with wavy, horizontal silver-gray lines. These leaves can reach up to 3 feet tall. For a more compact plant, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, the bird’s nest type, forms a rosette of shorter, broader leaves.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Futura Superba’ is another compact variety, characterized by wide, sword-shaped leaves with green, striped centers and yellow edges. These diverse forms allow selection of a Sansevieria that suits aesthetic preferences and space constraints.
Propagating Sansevieria
Propagating Sansevieria plants is a straightforward process. Two common methods are leaf cuttings and division.
Leaf cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. Cut a healthy leaf segment (2-4 inches long) and allow it to callus for a few days to a week to prevent rot. For water propagation, place the cut end in water, ensuring only the bottom inch or two is submerged. Roots typically form within several weeks, followed by small plantlets (“pups”). When propagating variegated varieties like ‘Laurentii’ via leaf cuttings, new plantlets may lose their yellow variegation and revert to solid green.
Alternatively, root leaf cuttings directly in well-draining soil. After callusing, insert the cut end into a moist succulent or cactus mix. Consistent moisture encourages root development. This method may take longer for visible growth than water propagation but can produce stronger root systems.
Division is another propagation method, suitable when repotting a mature Sansevieria. Separate the rhizomes or “pups” (new plantlets emerging from the base) from the main plant. Gently remove the plant from its pot and identify distinct sections with their own roots. These sections can be pulled apart or cut with a clean, sharp knife. Each separated section can be planted directly into its own pot with well-draining soil.
Troubleshooting Common Sansevieria Issues
Sansevieria plants are hardy, but show distress if care requirements are not met. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, the leading cause of problems for these drought-tolerant plants. When soil remains too wet, roots can rot, leading to yellowing foliage. Extreme underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow or shrivel.
Mushy or rotting bases indicate severe overwatering and root rot. If this occurs, unpot the plant, trim away rotted sections, and repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Brown tips on leaves can stem from inconsistent watering, low humidity, or excessive direct sunlight. Fluoride in tap water can contribute to brown tips; allowing tap water to sit for 24 hours before use can help.
Lack of growth points to insufficient light, as Sansevieria grow slower in dimmer conditions. Over-fertilization can also contribute to brown tips or plant stress, as these plants do not require frequent feeding. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can affect Sansevieria, especially if stressed. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth helps deter pests, while insecticidal soap or neem oil can address infestations.