Things You Have to Know on Snake Plant
Placement
The Sansevieria plant grows well in bright or indirect light environments, and it is thriving in just about any kind of light.
Snake Plants or Sansevieria, are hardy plants that can tolerate imperfect environmental conditions more than almost any other houseplant. Sansevierias may be reclassified as part of the Dracaena genus which makes them one of the easiest plants to care for in the world.
These plants are slow growers that thrive in bright light, sporting an array of mutable variegations and growth patterns throughout the genus. It is their ability to survive in conditions of very low light that has gained them their popularity. In fact, they can even survive entirely on fluorescent light. Put away your Sansevieria so that it doesn’t directly obstruct any air vents. Also, try to pick a spot that will receive some indirect light.
A guide to measuring light in your home or office can help you if you are unsure of lighting conditions in your space. Sansevierias are called Mother in Law’s Tongues because they are hard and will hurt you unexpectedly.
Routine Maintenance
If you’re ever uncertain, let the plant go dry! The biggest mistake gardeners make with this type of plant is overwatering.
Make sure to assess your plant’s watering needs as soon as it is delivered. Always check for moisture levels in the soil a few days prior to watering it to make sure it’s not wet right beneath the surface. You should also consider aerating the soil of your plants before watering them for the first time. We compact the soil in order to prevent it from shifting during shipping, so aerating them will allow the soil to breathe and release moisture.
A Sansevieria prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made with these plants. During the growing season, you typically only have to water your plant approximately once (at most) every 10 days. From October to May, you usually only need to water it once a month. You should, however, allow your Sansevieria’s soil to dry thoroughly between waterings, regardless of where you put it. Root rot is a danger to Sansevieria, so it is very important to not water the plant if moisture can be detected in the soil.
Make sure your plant receives even growth by rotating it periodically and dusting the leaves regularly. Photosynthesize efficiently. Make sure to check the underside of leaves while you dust them and keep a lookout for pests.
It is important to remember that each plant is unique and may have varying requirements, especially based on the location it will be. You will enjoy a long and happy relationship with your Sansevieria if you pay attention to its condition and its watering needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if I am overwatering my Sansevieria?
Water only when the soil is dry all through the pot. Plants that are overwatered develop brown stalks. Refrain from watering and prune your plant.
How can I tell if I am underwatering my Sansevieria?
Underwatering a Sansevieria plant is not impossible, but can result in dried crispy tips on the plant’s leaves. If this is the case, you can prune the plant and increase the frequency of watering.
Can my Sansevieria tolerate really low light?
This can, however will likely stunt the plant’s growth. Additionally, there is the risk of overwatering, so always take extra care when placing your plants in low light conditions.
How often should I fertilize my plant?
A house plant will thrive when fertilized annually from spring through fall. Use a houseplant fertilizer once a month, following the package instructions for dilution and distribution. In the first 6 months after receiving your plant, it will not require any fertilizer in the soil, as Greenery NYC uses a slow release fertilizer in the mix.
How often does my plant need to be repotted?
If your desktop plant is a smaller variety, we recommend repotting once every 12-18 months. Usually, you want to choose a medium sized potting vessel 1″- 2″ larger than the plant’s center in order to give it room to grow. It is best not to choose a pot too large as this will drown the roots. Otherwise, repot into the same vessel and trim away some roots and foliage beforehand. Spring or summer is considered ideal for repotting as the plant is at its strongest.
Large floor plants should be repotted every 18-24 months. Typically you want to choose a pot that is 2”-4” larger in diameter than the previous to accommodate root growth. Do not choose a pot too large since this could drown the roots. The ideal time to repot is during spring or summer when the plant is at their strongest. If your preference is to maintain the current size of your plant, repot into the same container while adding new soil and trimming some roots and foliage.
Standard Planter Instructions
You can choose between standard planters with drainage holes or without. Within these two categories there are a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. Water quantity and frequency may be affected by the presence of drainage holes in the planted vessel and its size.
We have installed built-in drainage systems on plants purchased in pots without drain holes. A layer of Aeration Stones (a porous, absorbent material made of recycled clay) is placed beneath the soil to re-establish any excess water that runs into the soil. In order to avoid overwatering these containers, we recommend adding water a little at a time (bit by bit), until you reach the desired moisture level in the soil.
Plants that have drainage in the pots should be watered until excess water leaks out and falls into the catch tray.
Self Watering Container Instructions
After the self-watering containers are first placed, it is important to water them deeply and thoroughly because the roots of the plants must grow into the reservoir in order to drink from it. Water the standard planter instructions for at least four weeks before testing the reservoir. For slower growing plants, top water for at least ten weeks during the dormant season.
It is recommended that you add water to the reservoir after the top-up period. If the red indicator moves towards the MAX and MIN line over the initial several days, this indicates that the plant is ready for regular reservoir servicing. The indicator will not go down until the plant is drinking from the reservoir, so be sure to continue top watering for a few more weeks.
The reservoir needs time to dry out after you have filled it up with water. This is similar to how humans need a breath of air between gulps of water, almost all plants need a dry time period between fillings. The reservoir should always be allowed to empty completely, and then be refilled with water until the indicator reaches the MAX line.
Unless you use a reservoir system, NEVER water from the top of the plant with the reservoir system. This can drown the plant. The Self Watering Container’s top layer of soil will eventually become very dry and hard, and may almost pull away from the pot. The plant may be drinking directly from its roots in the reservoir, which is not a cause for concern, but you may opt to add fresh soil to the gaps between the soil and the planter to give the plant a nutritional boost. The plant may be top watered annually, or twice a year, to flush out the foot system. Do so only when the reservoir runs out, and the plant is ready for additional water.
Step 1: Top water for four to ten weeks.
Step 2: Fill the reservoir with water until the MAX line appears on the red indicator.
Step 3: Keep track of the indicator for the next day or two. If the indicator is going down of its own accord, the roots have penetrated the reservoir. From this point on, water ONLY into the reservoir.