Snake plants might seem unbreakable, but a few common mistakes can quickly take them from thriving to barely surviving. Even the toughest plants have their limits, and for snake plants, the right care can make all the difference.
Here are the 10 most critical mistakes to avoid if you want your snake plant to truly thrive. These pitfalls are easy to fix once you know what to watch out for.
1. Overwatering
The number one killer of snake plants is overwatering. These succulents are drought-tolerant and prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, a potentially fatal condition for your plant.
To avoid this mistake, water your snake plant only when the soil is completely dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), this might mean watering every 2-3 weeks.
In winter, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less, depending on your home’s humidity and temperature.Always check the soil moisture before watering by sticking your finger about 2 inches deep or using a moisture meter.
2. Insufficient Light
While snake plants can tolerate low light conditions, they thrive in moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. Insufficient light can result in slow growth, dull colors, and floppy leaves.
To ensure your snake plant gets enough light, place it in a spot where it receives indirect sunlight for at least a few hours each day. If natural light is limited in your home, consider using artificial grow lights as a supplement.
However, avoid exposing your plant to harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
3. Using the Wrong Soil
Regular potting soil can retain too much moisture for snake plants, leading to soggy roots and potential rot. These plants require well-draining soil to mimic their natural growing conditions.
Opt for a well-draining potting mix designed for succulents or cacti. Alternatively, you can create your mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite, sand, or pumice to increase drainage.
This will ensure excess water can easily flow through the soil, preventing water retention around the roots.
4. Ignoring Pests
While snake plants are generally resistant to pests, they’re not immune. Pests affecting these plants include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Regularly inspect your snake plant for signs of pests, such as small webs, cottony white masses, or unusual spots on the leaves. If you detect any pests, take action immediately.
Wash them off with water or use an appropriate insecticidal soap. Neem oil can be an effective natural solution for persistent infestations.
5. Overcrowding the Pot
Snake plants grow relatively slowly, but they can eventually become pot-bound. An overcrowded pot can restrict growth and lead to poor plant health.
Repot your snake plant every 2-3 years or when you see roots from the drainage holes. When repotting, choose a container slightly larger than the previous one.
Too much space can lead to excess soil moisture, harming the plant. Snake plants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so don’t rush to upgrade to a much larger pot.
6. Neglecting Temperature & Humidity
While snake plants are adaptable, extreme temperatures and low humidity can stress them. These plants prefer temperatures between 60-80°F and can tolerate average household humidity levels.
Avoid placing your snake plant near drafty windows or heat sources, which can cause temperature fluctuations. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. However, be cautious not to mist the leaves directly, which can lead to fungal issues.
7. Overfeeding
It’s easy to get carried away with fertilizing to boost growth, but snake plants don’t require much feeding. Overfeeding can lead to nutrient burn and damage of the plant’s roots.
Fertilize your snake plant sparingly, typically once during the growing season (spring to summer), with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. During the fall and winter, you can skip fertilizing altogether when the plant’s growth slows down.
8. Improper Propagation
Snake plants are relatively easy to propagate, but incorrect methods can lead to failure. Common mistakes include using too small cuttings or propagating during the plant’s dormant season.
When propagating, choose healthy leaves and cut them into 2-3 inches long sections. Allow the cut ends to callus over for a day or two before planting in well-draining soil.
Spring and summer are the best times for propagation, as the plant is actively growing during these seasons.
9. Misting the Leaves
Unlike some tropical plants, snake plants don’t require high humidity and don’t benefit from leaf misting.
Misting can lead to water accumulating in the leaf crevices, potentially causing fungal issues. Instead of misting, focus on providing proper watering at the soil level. If you’re concerned about humidity, use a pebble tray filled with water placed near (but not touching) the plant’s pot.
This can increase local humidity without risking water damage to the leaves.
10. Neglecting Seasonal Care Changes
Many plant parents make the mistake of maintaining the same care routine year-round. Snake plants have different needs depending on the season.
Your snake plant will require more water and light during the growing season (spring and summer). In contrast, fall and winter call for reduced watering and fertilizing as the plant enters a period of slower growth.
Adjust your care routine accordingly to support your plant’s natural growth cycle and prevent issues like overwatering during dormant periods.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.