Kirsten now lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2019, she earned her master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University.
She has led or helped with studies on trees like the bald cypress, swamp maple, and water tupelo, as well as Juncus, Spartina, and Phragmites, which are important marsh grasses.
Kiersten is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and often helps restore important Gulf Coast ecosystems by volunteering at community gardens and other groups.
The bird’s nest snake plant, also known by its scientific name Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, is one of the most popular and unique indoor plants. With its rosette growth habit and curly foliage, it’s easy to see why this plant is so beloved by indoor gardeners. In this complete care guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing the bird’s nest snake plant in your home.
An Overview of the Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
Native to tropical West Africa, the bird’s nest snake plant is a dwarf cultivar of the common snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata). It features dark green, curled leaves that emerge from the soil in a rosette shape. The leaves unroll and grow upward, forming a nest-like clump that resembles a bird’s nest, giving rise to its common name.
Mature bird’s nest snake plants reach about 6-12 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide. Their curled, tubular leaves are about 2-3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long when fully extended New leaves emerge from the center of the rosette. With the right care, this slow-growing succulent can live for many years It’s one of the most popular houseplants thanks to its unique appearance and easy care requirements.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Bird’s Nest Snake Plants
While resilient, bird’s nest snake plants thrive best in the following conditions:
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Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, with no direct sun which can scorch the curled leaves. These plants tolerate low light, but growth will be slower.
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Temperature: Average room temperatures between 65-80°F are suitable. Avoid colder temperatures.
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Water: Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Water less in winter. Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
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Humidity Average humidity is fine They tolerate drier air but prefer 40-50% humidity if possible
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Soil Use a general houseplant potting mix or cactus/succulent soil Well draining soil is essential
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Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
How to Plant Bird’s Nest Snake Plants
Planting your new bird’s nest snake plant properly will help ensure its health. Follow these tips:
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Select a container with drainage holes that’s 2-4 inches wider than the root ball. Terra cotta pots work well.
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Use a standard potting soil amended with perlite, sand, or gravel to improve drainage. A cactus or succulent mix also works well.
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Carefully remove the plant from its nursery pot and loosen any tightly wound roots.
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Partially fill the container with soil. Place the plant in the pot and add more soil around the roots.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Let excess water drain away before placing the plant in its new home.
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Select a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct southern sun exposure.
Common Problems and Solutions for Bird’s Nest Snake Plants
While relatively easy care houseplants, bird’s nest snake plants can encounter a few issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
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Overwatering: The most common problem is overwatering, causing soggy soil and root rot. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
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Underwatering: Leaves may turn brown and crispy when underwatered. Increase water frequency.
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Low humidity: Dry, crispy leaf tips often indicate low humidity. Try increasing humidity around the plant.
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Sunburn: Direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots or streaks. Move to a shadier spot.
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Fertilizer burn: Using too much fertilizer can burn the tips of the leaves. Flush the soil and reduce fertilizer amounts.
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Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats may occur. Isolate and treat plants to control pests.
Tips for Encouraging New Growth in Bird’s Nest Snake Plants
To keep your bird’s nest snake plant looking full and encourage new growth, follow these tips:
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Provide consistent bright, indirect light to energize growth. Low light slows growth rate.
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Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Drought stress inhibits new growth.
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In spring and summer, fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Fertilizer fuels growth.
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Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years if rootbound. New soil supplies nutrients for growth.
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Remove dried leaves and spent flower stalks to focus the plant’s energy on new leaves.
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Maintain ideal temperatures between 65-80°F year-round. Heat stresses plants.
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Increase humidity around the plant by using a pebble tray or humidifier. Low humidity slows growth.
Unique Traits of the Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
Beyond its eye-catching curled leaves, the bird’s nest snake plant has some other notable features:
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As a dwarf cultivar, it remains quite small, perfect for desks and tabletops.
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New leaves emerge from the center of the rosette in a continuous spiral.
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The leaves have a tough, leathery texture and arch gracefully upward.
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Tiny white flowers may bloom in summer if very happy, but are rare indoors.
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It’s one of the slowest growing snake plant varieties, making it undemanding.
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Compared to other snake plants, it requires a bit more water and humidity.
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The curled leaves give it a fun, whimsical appearance unlike any other succulent.
Displaying Bird’s Nest Snake Plants in the Home
There are many creative ways to showcase the bird’s nest snake plant’s fabulous spiraled foliage:
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Place in a colorful glazed ceramic or glossy container to contrast its dark leaves.
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Mix with other low-light tolerant plants like ferns, pilea, or pothos.
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Grow in a hanging basket so the spiraled leaves can trail over the sides.
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Group three together in a decorative planter for a fuller look.
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Put one on a plant stand near a window where light streams in.
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Use as a centerpiece on a dining room table or low side table.
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Arrange on a windowsill to take advantage of bright, indirect light.
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Put small ones on bookshelves, side tables, desks, or countertops.
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Give as gifts, especially cute ones in decorative ceramic pots.
The Charming Bird’s Nest Snake Plant Brings Style to Any Space
With its iconic spiraled foliage and whimsical appearance, the bird’s nest snake plant deserves a spot in any indoor plant collection. As long as you provide the right care by avoiding overwatering, giving bright indirect light, and occasional fertilizing, this dwarf snake plant will thrive for years. Its compact size makes it perfect for desktops and tabletops, bringing an extra pop of style wherever its curled leaves unfurl. Give the bird’s nest snake plant a try if you’re looking for a uniquely charming houseplant that’s sure to spark up your indoor garden!
How to fertilize Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
It’s likely that your plant will need a bigger pot by the time it’s used up all the nutrients in its soil.
Repot your Birds Nest Snake Plant when it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. This will give the plant new nutrients.
Birds Nest Snake Plant is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Birds Nest Snake Plant thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. You can use our water calculator to get personalized watering advice based on your area, or you can download Greg to get more detailed advice for all of your plants.
Birds Nest Snake Plant can tolerate being far from a window and light source. It needs to be less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to get enough light to live. Just pick your area to see how the current weather there affects the placement in your home
Birds Nest Snake Plant is not safe to consume. You, a family member, or a pet that has eaten any amount of plant matter should call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 or see your vet. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Birds Nest Snake Plant enjoys lots of humidity. Water your plant thoroughly and regularly to keep it moist. Plants absorb most of the water through their roots, not their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.
The Birds Nest Snake Plant doesn’t like it when the soil is too wet, so pick potting soil that drains well and doesn’t hold too much water. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!.
Birds Nest Snake Plant grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!.
Birds Nest Snake Plants often go dormant in the winter, and you may notice that their growth slows down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Birds Nest Snake Plant is native to Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.
Yes, you may see your Birds Nest Snake Plant bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
The Birds Nest Snake Plant forms clumps, which means that new plants will grow from the ground around the parent plant.
USDA Hardiness Zone Birds Nest Snake Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Birds Nest Snake Plant seeds can be used to grow new plants! Once your plant blooms, you can collect any seeds it made and plant them in potting soil.
To fix a houseplant that looks sad, first look for signs of distress in its leaves, like yellowing, browning, or drooping ones. This could mean that the plant is getting too much water or not enough nutrients.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Check to see how much light the plant is getting. Too much or too little light can hurt the plant.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with Birds Nest Snake Plant. These plants don’t like it when the soil is too wet, so if you see that your plant is getting squishy or see-through, it’s probably because you watered it too much.
Your plant should be cut off just past where the rot stops. Give it a few days to heal before planting it again in new, dry soil. Download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!.
Care Summary for Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
Greg recommends:
0.5 cups every 12 days
< 6ft from a window
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
Get personalized care for every one of your plants!
Sansevieria Trifasciata Hahnii “Bird’s Nest Snake Plant” Care | A Plant A Week
FAQ
How do you take care of a bird’s nest snake plant?
How much light does a bird’s nest snake plant need?
How big does a bird’s nest snake plant get?
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Hardiness
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10 – 12 What’s My Zone?
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Height
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6″ – 8″ (15cm – 20cm)
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Spread
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6″ – 8″ (15cm – 20cm)
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Maintenance
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Low
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Water Needs
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Low
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