Are You Wondering What Soil Types Are Ideal for Snake Plants? Here’s A Superb Tips for You! (2021)

It is very easy to take care of snake plants. With their strappy leaves and architectural shape…

…these plants remain fresh for weeks on end, even when neglected.

Furthermore, they can withstand low light conditions, droughts, and insects.

According to NASA research, snake plants can even help keep the air inside your home clean…

…removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Simply put, they are the most ideal  houseplants.

But wait, let me tell you something…

In order to grow, plants need soil. There are many types of soil mixes available on the market…

…making choosing the perfect one for your snake plant a very difficult process.

Snake plants can grow well in a nutrient-rich and well-drained  potting mix.

We need to use a well-draining medium for these plants since they prefer dry soil.

A mix of  potting soil, cactus and succulent mix, and a handful of perlite should do the trick.

You should not use garden soil for snake plants since they are too heavy.

The soil mix chosen for a particular plant will differ.

Depending on the type of plant, some soil will be moist while others will be  dry.

It is important that you choose the right mix for your snake plant so that it will thrive in your environment.

In this article, we will learn everything we need to know about soil mixes for snake plants in a very layman’s way.

Let’s jump right in!


What Type of Soil Should I Use for a Snake Plant?

Before choosing a snake plant soil mix, we need to examine the characteristics of soil…

…and key factors we need to keep in mind.

Therefore, we should first examine some of the basic properties of soil that snake plants require.

  • Well-drained
  • Aeration
  • Nutrient-rich

As we choose the soil for our snake plant, drainage should be our foremost consideration.

A snake plant is categorized as part of the “Dracaena” family of succulents. 

The plants are native to dry regions where they do not get much water, and the soil remains dry at all  times.

Therefore, we can conclude that the snake plant prefers dry, well-draining soil.

Your snake plant will suffer if the soil remains soggy and wet. 

Keep reading…

Aeration of the soil is the second most important aspect to bear in mind. To grow well, plants must have room for their roots to breathe. The roots of a plant may suffer if the soil is compacted. Consequently, the plant will grow more slowly.

Last but not least, nutrient levels in the soil should be considered. Plants require some form of nutrient to survive. 

Plants’ growth is affected if they do not have access to the minerals and nutrients they need. These nutrients can be considered plant vitamins and minerals. 

Snake plants require a balance of vitamins and minerals to thrive, just as our bodies do.

All of this gives us a good idea of the basic science behind your snake plant’s soil. 

Go on..


The Best Soil Mix for Snake Plants

Although snake plants are hardy and versatile, that doesn’t mean you can put them in any pot or soil type…

…and expect them to thrive. It is important to provide your snake plant with the right soil mix.

We must choose a soil mix that is well-drained and nutrient-rich.

Wait a minute!

Despite the fact that I told you these basic principles, that doesn’t mean you can use any nutrient-rich soil to grow your snake plant. 

Yes, you won’t lose your snake plant if the soil mix is imperfect. But, to make sure our snake plants thrive…

…we will need to prepare them a well-balanced soil mix.


What is the Best Way to Make Snake Plant Soil?

My experimentation over the years has resulted in these two amazing mixes.

You may  be able to get away with a completely different soil mix as well, but these two worked  well for me.


Recipe No.1

  • Approximately 3/4 of the organic potting soil
  • 1/4 of a succulent soil mix 
  • Compost, a handful of it

Recipe No. 2

  • Potting soil, 1/4 part
  • Peat moss, 1/4 part
  • Perlite/coarse sand, 1/2 part

My favorite soil mix is the first one. The process is simple and straightforward, as well.

1/4 part succulent soil will be combined with 3/4 part potting soil in this soil mix.

This will efficiently drain the soil and maintain its aeration.

The soil will also be organically rich by adding a handful of compost.

If you overfertilize your snake plants, they will retain moisture for a longer time, and this can damage their health.

The second soil mix is also suitable for use. Although I did not have succulent soil on hand…

…I was still able to make it work.

We will mix one part of garden soil and one part of peat moss with perlite or coarse sand for this soil mix.

As a result, the soil will be organically rich, but it will also be well-drained, which is what snake plants prefer.


Is Cactus Soil Suitable for Snake Plants?

Snake plants can be grown in cactus and succulent soil.

However, you must first add organic matter to the soil before you plant.

Organic matter is essential for snake plants, but most cactus soil lacks it.

However, you can still work  around it by mixing the following:

  • Cactus soil, 2 parts
  • Peat moss, 1 part
  • Compost in a handful

You can enrich the soil with some peat moss and compost to make it more organically rich.

In addition to retaining some moisture, the soil plays a vital role in growing plants.


Is It Possible to grow Snake Plants in Sand?

It isn’t possible to grow snake plants only in sand.

As sand is extremely well-drained, it is a part of most succulent and cactus mixes. 

However, it doesn’t contain any nutrients or water.

You won’t be able to grow your snake plant properly because it will lack essential nutrients.

You’ll need to mix some potting soil, compost, and peat moss together when preparing a snake plant soil mix.


A Snake Plant’s Ideal Pot Size

Snake plants can be grown in pots ranging from 4 inches to 18 inches, depending on their size and  growth.

Plants do not have a perfect size. It depends on the size of the plant and the pot in which it is placed.

Snake plants can last for up to two years before they need to be repotted.

While repotting your snake plant, you should move it to a 1-2″ larger pot.

You should pot your snake plant in a 7-8-inch pot if it’s currently in a 6-inch pot.

Nonetheless, never choose a 10′ pot as that will be too large for your snake plant and will hinder its growth.


Best Time to Repot Your Snake Plant

A snake plant prefers a small pot. In any case, root bound plants do not like to grow in soil that is rich in nutrients. 

When the snake plants become root-bound, you need to repot them into a larger pot.

Repotting is only necessary when the plants outgrow their current pot. 

However, how can you tell that your snake plant is now root bound? There’s nothing complicated about it! 

There will be some visual clues that you need to identify on your plant. Some of these include:

  • The leaves are drooping
  • The soil dries quickly
  • Growth stagnated
  • A spiral of roots surrounds the bottom
  • Brown or yellow leaves
  • Roots growing out of drainage holes

When you find that any of these signs have emerged, then it is clear that you need to repot your snake plant right away.

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