Snake Plant Care

Water it moderately and regularly, on average, once a week. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry before watering again, and never leave standing water in the saucer. Be careful not to give it too much moisture, which causes the roots to rot.

In winter, let it rest: reduce watering considerably and let the soil dry much more deeply. 

Use lukewarm water that will not cause thermal shock. Apply a diluted green plant or cactus fertilizer every 3 weeks.

There is no need for regular pruning, however, you can trim the plant for aesthetic purposes. Remove damaged and yellow leaves on the plant by cutting them at the base with a clean, sharp knife.

In the spring and summer, fertilizing is done once a month with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. An excess of nitrogen is likely to damage the root system. Top-dressing is not necessary if the plant grows at low temperatures.

A plant needs a lot of bright light to develop properly. If the plant is placed on the south window sill, it will require shading on hot summer days. The plant can tolerate low lighting conditions, but it will affect the growth rate and brightness of the foliage.

Any soil is suitable for planting, but a good drainage layer is required to prevent root rotting. Still, potting mix for succulent plants will be the best choice.

To pot the Snake plant follow these steps:

1. Choose a pot (with a hole in the bottom), neither too small nor too large, to allow the rhizomes and roots on the surface to take their place.
2. Prepare a mixture of 2/3 soil and 1/3 sand. Lay out a bed of clay or gravel balls or a few pieces of sandstone to promote drainage.
3. Cover with a little mixture of 2/3 of potting soil and 1/3 of sand, being careful not to bury the neck. The collar must remain level with the ground.
4. Fill it with the rest of the soil and tamp well.
5. Water moderately, leaving no water in the container.

Note that they like to grow up in cramped conditions. Transplant it in the spring, about every 3 to 4 years, in a slightly larger pot, at the height of 2 to 3 cm. from the soil, being careful not to damage the surface roots.

The most common way to reproduce Dracaena trifasciata at home is to divide the bush (lateral layering), divide the rhizome, or take leaf cuttings.

Snake plant is not very picky about the temperature, but it feels most comfortable at 60-68°F (16-20°C) at night, and 70-83°F (21-28°C) during the day. It can withstand higher temperatures as well. When staying in cool conditions for a long time (for example, in winter in the passages of office buildings), watering should be significantly reduced.

The root system of a snake plant takes a long time to develop and doesn’t lie deep.
So the planting container should be wide but not too deep as it might cause root rot due to excessive moisture in the substrate.

Feng shui experts frequently refer to the plant as a lucky plant to have in your home.