Snake Plant Care Instructions
Thank you for choosing Joey’s Houseplants! Your support is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the new Snake Plant!
There is a chance your plant may show signs of stress after shipping. This is completely normal. Unbox it promptly and place it in an area with the appropriate light. Your Snake Plant should begin to settle in within 7–10 days, although it may take up to fourteen days to fully adjust to its new home.
Quick Care Summary
Snake Plants are among the easiest houseplants to care for. They require minimal attention and tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. The most common mistake is watering them too frequently. Snake Plants store a significant amount of water in their thick leaves and rarely need to be watered. Water your plant approximately once every two months.
Light
Snake plants tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. However, low light does not mean no light. Make sure your plant still receives natural or artificial light each day (minimum 6 hours).
- South-facing window: This typically provides the strongest light. Keep the plant several feet back or filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf burn.
- East-facing window: This provides gentle morning light and is usually a great location. A Snake Plant can often tolerate a small amount of direct morning sun.
- West-facing window: This provides good light, but hot afternoon sun may burn the leaves. Place the plant back from the window or filter the light.
- North-facing window: This provides lower light, which a Snake Plant can tolerate. Growth may be slower, and the soil may stay wet longer.
Always be cautious during the summer months when sunlight is more intense.
Water
The next time you will need to water this plant is in 60 days. Do not water it before.
The most important rule is to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. Snake Plants are much more likely to suffer from too much water than too little.
Think of watering as going from one extreme to the other:
- Let the soil become 100% dry.
- Once it is completely dry, soak the soil until it is 100% wet.
Do not follow a strict watering schedule. Depending on the light, temperature, season, pot, and soil, a Snake Plant may take several weeks to dry. Always check the soil first, and never allow the pot to sit in standing water.
Soil
Use a fast-draining cactus, succulent, or houseplant soil. Rosy Soil and FoxFarm Happy Frog can work well when mixed with extra perlite or pumice for drainage. Different soils hold different amounts of water, so changing the soil may also change how quickly it dries. Always check the soil before watering.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is optional. Your plant can remain healthy with proper light and watering, but fertilizer may encourage faster growth.
If desired, use Jack’s Classic Houseplant Special approximately once a month during spring and summer while the plant is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter, and introduce it gradually:
- First application: Half the recommended amount
- Second application: Three-quarters of the recommended amount
- Third application and beyond: Full recommended amount
Only fertilize when your plant will be in bright, indirect light for over two weeks. Never use more than the package recommends. Your plant will also be perfectly fine without fertilizer.
Repotting
Snake Plants prefer to be slightly snug in their pots. When repotting, choose a pot with a drainage hole that is only 1–2 inches wider than the root ball. Avoid placing a small plant in an oversized pot, because the extra soil will stay wet longer and increase the risk of root rot.
It is recommended to simply drop the grow pot into the finished pot, as this plant will not need to be repotted anytime soon.
Humidity & Temperature
Average household humidity is sufficient, so a humidifier is usually unnecessary. Keep the plant above 55°F and away from cold drafts, air-conditioning vents, and heating vents. Your Snake Plant may be placed outside during warm weather, but introduce it to stronger outdoor light gradually and bring it inside before temperatures become cool.
Pet Safety
Snake Plants are not pet safe if ingested. Keep the plant away from pets that may chew on the leaves.
Accessories
Plant Stand
Assemble the stand by connecting the two pieces at their center points, then place it on a stable, level surface. Pull the ends apart to open the stand as wide as possible. Carefully place the plant in the center, holding it securely so it does not fall while the stand is still open. Gently push the ends inward until they fit snugly around the pot and hold it securely in place.
Water Meter
Insert the probe into the soil until the tip reaches approximately two inches above the bottom of the pot. Be careful not to force the probe through any roots. Check several areas of the soil for an accurate reading. Wipe the probe clean after each use, and do not leave it in the soil permanently.
Saucer
Using a saucer is optional and depends on where and how you water your plant. If you water the plant in place, position the saucer underneath the pot to catch excess water as it drains. Check the saucer after watering and empty any collected water to prevent overflow or damage to the surface below.
Plant Risers
Plant risers can be placed inside the finished decorative pot, with the plastic grow pot positioned securely on top. This prevents the grow pot from sitting in drained water. You can then insert the drainage plugs to seal the finished pot’s drainage holes and help contain excess water. Check inside the pot after watering and remove any standing water as needed.
Plant risers can also be placed underneath the finished pot to elevate it slightly off the floor, improve airflow, and help protect the surface below.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about your plant, please reach out. Thank you for supporting Joey’s Houseplants. Enjoy your new Snake Plant!