How to Care for a Snake Plant
With its unique shape and coloring, the easy-to-grow and hard-to-kill snake plant is the perfect starter house plant. Learn how to care for a snake plant in this video by The Home Depot:
You’ll need the following to get started:
- Snake plant
- Potting soil
- Planter with drain holes
- Saucer for planter
- Trowel or scoop
- Garden gloves
- Watering cans
- Houseplant fertilizer
- Insecticidal soap (optional)
1. Select your plant: Choose on with slightly moist soil, unbroken leaves and rich green color. You’ll also need to select a planter that’s slightly larger than your plant, so there’s room to grow. A wide planter is ideal, as it helps visually balance this top-heavy houseplant. Naturally drying terra cotta planters with saucers are ideal for snake plants.
2. Pot plant: Fill the planter 2/3 full of well-draining soil, then dig out a spot for the new plant. Snake plants prefer sandy, well-draining soil, as they can be prone to root rot if overwatered. After removing the snake plant from the container and loosening the roots, gently press the plant down into the hole, then add soil around the sides and top it off within an inch of the planter’s rim. If rootbound, use garden snips or a trowel to reduce the growth and loosen roots. A snake plant is moderately toxic, so place it beyond the reach of dogs, cats and small children.
3. Occasionally water plant: Your snake plant should do well as long as it gets plenty of indirect bright light. It’s also very low maintenance and only requires water when the soil is dry to the touch. Ideally, use room temperature water when watering a snake plant. After watering, let it soak in for about an hour, then remove any excess water from the saucer.
4. Fertilize and protect plant: Once or twice a year, feed your snake plant with a high-quality houseplant fertilizer, always following the product’s directions. It’s unlikely, but if you do find pests on the leaves, spray them with insecticidal soap, again always following the product’s directions. With minimal effort, your snake plant will thrive for years to come.
