Snake Plant Care

Reptile plants need little care, and snake plants are no exception. Pruning is easy and requires no special skills. Just pull out the tallest stalk or marred leaf and remove it close to the base. Then, divide the plant and replant it in new soil. If you notice leaf dropping, simply pull the leaf off the plant's root and discard it. New leaves will grow quickly in their place. Snake plants are able to absorb sunlight better.

While snake plants do not require much water overall, you should be sure that you don't overwater them. Watering the plant should dry the leaves before they shrivel. In winter, water the plant less often. However, you should still make sure that the soil is dry before you water it. Soggy soil can cause root rot, so be sure to provide enough drainage. Snake plants are best grown in well-draining houseplant soil.

Water your snake plant when it's dry two inches below the soil. Water it once or twice a week or once every two weeks, depending on the season. During the winter, you can reduce your watering frequency to twice a month. Ensure you don't overwater your plant as this can cause root rot and fungal bacteria. If your snake plant has a humidifier, it's best to place it somewhere away from it so that its roots stay dry.

During the growing season, snake plants should receive an organic liquid fertilizer. The NPK for this fertilizer is 10-10-10. A specially formulated fertilizer is also available. Snake plants don't need to be fertilized in winter. However, they do benefit from a liquid feed once or twice a month. And don't forget to prune them! Despite being a tough and hardy plant, snake plants can still be easily damaged.

Overwatering is another common problem with snake plants. Watering too much will cause their leaves to drop and they will get drenched. Don't forget to repot your snake plants when they show signs of root rot. You can also remove mushy leaves by cutting them off and replanting them. Water sitting on the leaves can lead to fungal brown rust spots on the leaves. You can also remove these by applying a spray of dish soap or vinegar to them.

A soilless mix or regular soil is best for snake plants. The soil should be well-drained and allow water to pass through at a steady rate. If the terracotta pot breaks, repot it to a larger container. When the rhizomes spread and the pot cracks, you should move the snake plant to a larger container. However, if you notice a rotten pot, do not transplant it, as this can lead to diseases.

The snake plant family can be expanded without the purchase of expensive plants. If you're looking for a new addition to your collection, you can propagate the snake plant family by taking cuttings. Cut off a branch with several rooted side shoots and plant it in a fresh pot of soil. If you're patient, you can buy a nice tall plant. But snake plant care isn't easy! You'll have to be patient and be prepared to wait a long time.