How Fast Does Snake Plant Grow?
During the growing period, which is spring through summer, the snake plant grows rapidly. During the dormancy period (Winter), however, it shows no new growth. You shouldn’t be surprised if that is the case. The growth rate of the snake plant will vary, but here is what you can expect.
The snake plant is slow-growing. On average, it grows two or three new leaves in a growing season. However, the plant remains dormant in the fall and winter. Snake plants grow at varying rates depending on their species and other factors like the amount of sunlight, humidity, temperature, etc.
Providing the perfect growing conditions, snake plants increase rapidly in size and generate good foliage. The plant will need some attention and nurturing, though.
Despite being a good choice for beginners because of this plant’s ease of cultivation and the habit of forgetting to water and care for it, if you want this plant to grow you must be on the lookout for it.
This guide describes how to grow the snake plant bushy and the factors that affect its growth.
Size of Snake Plant
There are numerous factors that determine the size of a snake plant, but the plant species is the most important factor.
A species like S.trifaciata laurentii can reach heights of 5 feet, with an average length of 2-3 feet, whereas S.trifaciata hanhii can reach as little as a foot.
9 Factors that affect the growth rate of the snake plant
It is important to analyze a few factors to understand why the snake plant does not grow new leaves. Let us examine the factors.
Adaptability
Like any houseplant, the Snake plant must be adjusted to its environment.
Adaptation is a process for plants, just as it is for human beings. Perhaps the snake plants had a different growing condition earlier, and now the conditions are different.
It will be difficult for a person to adjust to tropical conditions if they lived in the mountains.
You should also allow some time for the snake plant to become accustomed to its new surroundings if you have just purchased the plant.
Because of the packaging, traveling, and repotting, the plants might have experienced shock after purchase. Hence, it is suggested to leave the plants as is.
You can determine whether the plant needs water by examining the soil. If it is dry, then water the plant.
Some users also add fertilizer right after purchasing the plant, but we recommend not doing so right away since the plant most likely has just been fertilized.
You should wait a week or two before adding fertilizer to the plant.
Type of Potting soil
Because soil provides plants with all of their minerals and nutrients, the soil is the most important factor that helps them grow.
A snake plant’s growth depends on the type of soil we use.
The soil may get overwatered easily if the potting soil is not well-draining, and we will have to deal with overwatering issues.
Soil type is crucial.
Ideally, for the snake plant, the following potting soil mix should be used:
- Take a well-draining potting soil
- Take cactus soil in the same ratio
- Add some compost to the mixture
Compost should make up roughly 25% of the soil, and the potting soil should be a 1:1 ratio with the cactus soil.
It will provide the snake plant with the minerals and nutrients it needs, as well as provide excellent drainage because the snake plant is a succulent.
Composted soil is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients.
Overfertilization of the snake plant
Houseplants need fertilizer to achieve healthy and bushy growth, and snake plants also need fertilizer for proper growth. The snake plant has two fundamental problems, which are overfertilization and overwatering.
It is not unusual for houseplant owners to neglect these two conditions as a result of momentary neglect. Don’t worry! Some hobbyists fertilize their snake plants once per year and then do it again the following year.
The snake plant can be fertilized up to two or three times during the growing season, and we reduce the feed by 50% in the fall.
Snake plants do not require fertilizer during the wintertime of the year, when they are dormant.
It is recommended to fertilize the snake plant when it is very young with a 10:10:10 or a 20:20:20 fertilization dosage.
When snake plants have been over fertilized, they will show earthy colored tips and wither. As a result, the leaves may also droop and drop. Make sure the feed is always handled with caution.
It is vital that you fertilize the plant mildly all through the growing season, in case the circumstance is neglected further.
Put the plant under running water and flush out the excess fertilizer. Repeat the process 3-4 times to eliminate the overabundance of fertilizer.
Occasionally the circumstances can worsen, and at that point, the plant can be replanted in an alternative container.
You should avoid fertilizing your snake plant for a month after flushing it out of the excess fertilizer. Provide adequate water and it will return to health.
Season for growth
There is a growing season for snake plants, and only then do they grow.
Snake plants grow from spring to summer, when properly watered and fertilized, the plant will grow.
In general, snake plants can reach a length of three feet. However, this varies among the various types of snake plants.
During the winter, the snake plant goes through a period of dormancy and does not show any signs of growth. Therefore, do not fertilize snake plants during the winter.
You should not worry if your snake plant does not show any new growth during the winter. They are taking a break.
Watering regime
A major problem with the snake plant is that the watering must be done attentively by feeling the soil. If the soil is dry, only then should the snake plant be watered.
In the event of overwatering, these plants suffer, and in the case of neglect in an overwatered situation, the plant might even die.
How can we get the watering right?
We can get the watering right by following a few steps. There are three steps;
- Make sure the snake plant is planted in potting soil that dries quickly.
- The snake plant’s soil should always be felt before watering.
- Moisture should not be present in the soil.
Leave the plant for a few days if the soil is moist.
It is important to dig deeper and feel the soil. Don’t rely on the topsoil.
Make a watering schedule to ensure the right watering.
The plant can be made more manageable if we attach a note to it.
Another suggestion is to keep reminders.
The excess water in the tray should be disposed of.
Snake plants should never stand in still water.
Snake plants can survive without water for three weeks in general, and during the winter they might not require water for a month and a half.
How wonderful it is to be able to enjoy your winter holidays without worrying about your beautiful plants.
Hence, excess water will only harm the snake plant because it will take in salt and minerals. Snake plants absorb water in their leaves.
Pruning
The snake plant needs pruning, as do all other houseplants, to grow bushier. Pruning helps the plant shed its unneeded leaves and allows it to grow as desired.
There may be some leaves that are brown or yellow on the snake plant. Rhizomes might be going in a haywire direction.
It is not uncommon for snake plants to grow in a stunted state if they are not pruned frequently. If you have not pruned your snake plant, it might be the cause behind its stunted growth.
There might be some difficulty in chopping a plant that shows no signs of trouble, but it is necessary for all houseplants. A little pruning will help the snake plant grow bushier and healthier.
Things to consider for pruning
Several factors need to be considered before pruning. Let’s find out what they are.
- Snake plants should only be pruned during the growing season.
- Pruning during winter could shock the plant, as it would be dormant.
- Before we begin the pruning, we should disinfect the scissors or pruners.
- A disinfectant removes disease-causing organisms and pests.
- Leaves that are yellow or brown will not help the snake plant and will only cause it stress. So, trim all the leaves.
- Keep the snake plant in bright indirect light once the pruning is complete.
Temperature and Humidity
Despite being known for its ability to tolerate drought conditions and grow in both low and bright light conditions, both conditions can have consequences.
The water will be absorbed quickly, and the soil will dry sooner if the snake plant is grown under bright light. It may also suffer leaf burn.
In the same way, if the snake plant is grown in low light, its foliage might not be as bushy and not as lush.
As a result, the snake plant loves bright indirect light, making room temperature ideal.
Winter is not in the snake plant’s game, and it dislikes cold drafts.
Winter is the perfect time to move the snake plant out of the window sill, away from the cold drafts. During the winter, a southern window is not recommended.
During the winter, snake plants do not complain about low humidity.
Although snake plants prefer a moderate amount of humidity during growing season, a humidifier is beneficial to them in winter.
When the weather is freezing, keep the snake plants away from the radiators, and keep them in places such as the bathroom for extra humidity.
Pests
Snake plants are susceptible to attack by spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
It is recommended to inspect the snake plant carefully whenever the brown tips appear and look for bugs.
Snake plants produce earthy colored tips if they have been invaded.
Our plant needs to be separated from the others.
Disconnecting will help prevent tainted plants from spreading to other plants.
To fix the circumstance, we have two alternatives.
- Go all-natural
- Use of pesticides
We can blend neem oil with water and wash it onto the snake plant as a natural way, if we opt to go all-natural.
After laying the eggs on the snake plant, repeat this process for approximately 14 days in order to kill them.
The arrangement of neem oil is suitable for blending in warm water.
Pesticides that are readily available for use can likewise be selected.
However, if we choose this alternative, please follow the instructions.
If you add more pesticide to the plant, the sum is endorsed because this can cause much more damage to the plant.
In the current state of stress, the plant will build up earthy colored tips. Once they are soothed, the plant will return to being healthy.
As a result, the snake plant might not show any signs of new growth because pests are starving the newest leaves.
The size of the pot
In order for the plant to grow successfully, the pot should be of the right size.
A pot that is too small will cause the snake plant to become root-bound, which halts its growth after a certain point.
The plant’s roots need space to grow. For this reason, we transfer the pot when the roots are completely developed.
A two-gallon pot is needed for a plant whose height is one foot, a three-gallon pot is required for a plant whose height is two feet, and so on.
Thus, watch for the plant’s roots to ensure they have fully developed. Once the roots have developed fully, it’s time to repot the plant.
Final Words
Snake plants are easy to care for. They do not complain of anything. By following the above conditions and steps, we will be able to get bushier snake plants and grow fast and healthier. If you encounter any issues with the above conditions and steps, feel free to contact us at any time!