The Basics Of Growing A Snake Plant

If you’re on the hunt for a leafy friend that essentially thrives on neglect, then it’s time that you became better acquainted with a snake plant.  

You’ve probably seen them all over Instagram, in the homes of influencers and every day people alike – in fact, with such a distinctive look, it’s hard not to notice them. Perhaps one of the most popular reasons people include snake plants in their décor is that they’re low maintenance, and require very little attention to grow. They’ve long been regarded as resilient, hardy plants and can survive in relatively dry environments, both indoors and out.

How To Keep A Snake Plant Happy 

Although kept as an increasingly common houseplant, the Sansevieria Trifasciata is originally native to Asia and Africa. A snake plant can be easily recognised by its evergreen and uniquely sword-shaped leaves that grow directly upright, and almost resemble artificial foliage.

Surprisingly, there are several different varieties of snake plant on offer today, with some of the more common including: 

Bird’s Nest Snake Plant – Also referred to as the Hahnii, this plant is relatively small, growing to only fifteen centimetres tall. The leaves form clusters that closely resemble a cup, or similar in appearance to a bird’s nest.

Cylinder Snake Plant – The Sansevieria Cylindrica has round leaves that can grow several feet in length. The leaves from this plant generally tend to reach outward to resemble a crown, and are quite different in appearance to other varieties of snake plants. 

Laurentii Snake Plant – Arguably the most popular, easily recognised and commonly purchased varieties of snake plant is the Laurentii Sansevieria. Known for its vertical, tall leaves with a green centre and yellow margins, it’s almost impossible to mistake this plant for another. 

Also known as Mother In Law’s Tongue, the snake plant is actually a succulent that can grow anywhere from fifteen centimetres right up to several feet. Similar to other household succulents, snake plants also actively help to filter indoor air. What’s unique about this particular species is that it’s one of the very few plants that can actually convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen at night. 

However, while all snake plants are considered to be relatively safe, they’re also mildly toxic if consumed, as their leaves contain a poison that can cause swelling and numbness on the tongue if eaten in large doses. Therefore, it’s wise to keep this plant away from children and animals that are prone to nibble.

With several different varieties of snake plant on offer, what do you need to know when it comes to keeping one happy in your home or office?

Don’t Overwater – Too much water is this plant’s weakness. Place a snake plant in a well-drained pot to avoid overwatering, as it can cause rotting. Only water the soil when it’s completely dry, and leave the watering can alone in the winter months. 

Get The Right Light – Indoors, outdoors, full sun or almost complete shade – the magic of a snake plant is that it can do well in just about any location. However, the amount of food and water that they require will be dictated by how much sun the plant gets. 

Upgrade Pots When Required – When your plant’s roots show or your snake plant actually cracks it’s current pot, it’s time to upsize it to a bigger container. While your snake plant may need a few upgrades, aim to use a high quality cacti soil each time. 

Watch Out For Pests – Scales, gnats, spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies are common pests attracted to the snake plant. Overwatering, high humidity, or poor air circulation are the most common root causes of pest infestation in the snake plant, so pay attention to these factors. 

Don’t Forget To Feed Them – In restrictive pots, your plants will require food to “top up” the nutrients that they need to grow. Try using plant food and probiotics to stimulate those nutrients over a chemical based fertiliser, and avoid going overboard in the cooler months. 

Where To Source Indoor Plant Food 

While there is a wide range of solutions available on the market for outdoor plants and gardens, our indoor varieties can suffer due to poor soil health that stems from living in a confined space. As a unique liquid soil conditioner, Indoor Plant Booster is a plant food that’s perfect to keep your indoor and potted plants in tip top shape, including those that reside in pots, hanging baskets, and even those nestled on the verandah. 

If you’re ready to give Indoor Plant Booster a try and introduce it to the flora that you share your home with, be sure to water your plants thoroughly beforehand to assist with absorption. For best results, simply pour the recommended amount directly onto the soil, ideally around the base of the plant. 

At Bioweed, we specialise in organic solutions to ensure that your garden reaches its full potential the natural way. Our range of products such as Indoor Plant Booster are all chemical free, and are providing Australians with safer products to use both in their gardens and in their homes. Based on the Sunshine Coast, our range has been embraced by people from all walks of life, and are backed with twenty years of research and industry knowledge.