Knowing where a plant came from is an important part of deciding if it will do well in your home and how much care it will need. Plants that are native to desert regions will require substantial amount of sunlight and loose, fast-draining soil. Plants from the floor of a rainforest will need some protection from strong sunlight and generous humidity.
The snake plants or mother-in-law’s tongue Dracaena species were once thought to be a separate genus called Sansevieria, but they have been moved after molecular analysis. They are native to rocky, dry habitats in tropical Africa. Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) and its cultivars and Dracaena angolensis (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica) are the plants that people grow in their homes the most. They are both stiff, upright plants. Each leaf has a sharp point that you should be careful not to break. If the point is broken, the leaf blade may stop growing. Snake plant has a well deserved reputation as a very durable plant in varied conditions.
Snake plants prefer plentiful sunlight, but will put up with some light shade and continue to grow. They should be protected from the hottest, southern sun in summer. They can live in low light, but they won’t grow or flower without some sunlight.
Too much water is the most frequent cause of failure. Water the soil in the pots just enough to keep it moist, and check back in 15 minutes to empty the plants’ run-off dish of any extra water.
When the plant is in active growth, allow the soil to just dry between waterings. Succulents can handle being dry for a long time, but their shallow roots will rot quickly if they get too much water, which will make the plant fall over. From October to February, when there isn’t much light, water only as often as needed to keep the leaves from puckering, but no more than twice a week.
These are tropical plants and a warm household, between 65 and 80°F. , is ideal. Do not keep below 55°F.
As long as some of the soil on the soil’s surface is changed every year, snake plants can stay in the same pot for several years. Repot once the plant is close to bursting its pot. The proper, quick-draining, soil, however, is essential. Potting soil with one third sand or perlite and up to one third peat added works well.
As the snake plant grows, baby plants may form around the base of the main plant. You can separate these from the main plant when they are a few inches tall and have roots. This should be done when you repot the plants, and remember that each one needs to fit snugly in its new pot.
Snake plants with dead, damaged or extended, floppy foliage that they can no longer support may be pruned. Cut off no more than a quarter of the plant’s leaf surface by cutting each leaf just above the soil with a clean knife. Keep the cut surface dry while it callouses to avoid infection. The withered leaf stub will remain on the plant. You can slowly bring a plant back to life by cutting off more of the old leaves as new, healthy ones grow. When the plant is in a new growth phase in the spring, pruning works best. The plant will heal faster and grow new leaves, giving it a fresh look. If you prune later in the year, wait patiently for the results and give the plant its winter rest.
You can also cut the plant down if it has grown a healthy new crown of young leaves. When you re-pot the plant in the spring, remove the older, sick parts of the plant along with their roots. Only leave the healthy, new center of the plant with its roots. Use a pot with a drain hole and the right soil, and make sure to shrink the pot so the smaller plant has a good place to live.
Make sure you fix the things that caused the unhealthy leaf growth so that new, healthy leaves grow.
A liquid fertilizer, fed at half strength, once per month, during the growing period only, is generally advised.
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are incredibly popular houseplants known for their hardy nature and low maintenance needs. One of the most common questions about caring for these plants is whether they like direct sunlight. The short answer is no – snake plants generally do not like prolonged exposure to direct sun. However, their lighting needs are a bit more nuanced than that. Here’s a detailed look at how to provide the right amount of light for your snake plant to thrive.
How Snake Plants Use Sunlight
Snake plants use a type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). With CAM, the plant takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night rather than during the day. This adaptation allows snake plants to conserve water by keeping their stomata (pores) closed during the hottest, brightest parts of the day.
While snake plants don’t use sunlight in the same way as other plants, they still depend on adequate light exposure to grow properly. Light fuels the process of photosynthesis, which produces the energy snake plants need to develop new leaves and maintain their colorful variegation.
Direct vs. Indirect Sunlight
Direct sunlight refers to unfiltered light coming directly from the sun’s rays. Indirect sunlight is light that has been diffused, softened, or reflected by clouds, a shade, or a sheer curtain.
Most houseplants, including snake plants, prefer bright indirect light rather than direct sun. Direct sun can overheat and dry out plant leaves very quickly. Exposure to hot afternoon sun streaming through a south or west facing window is especially likely to scorch sensitive leaves.
Signs Your Snake Plant Is Getting Too Much Direct Sun
If your snake plant is placed in overly bright light, you may notice:
- Sunscald or bleached spots on the leaves
- Brown crispy leaf tips and edges
- Fading of leaf variegation
- Leaves curling inward
These symptoms indicate it’s time to move your plant farther away from the window or use sheer curtains to help filter the intense sunlight.
Do Snake Plants Like Any Direct Sun at All?
While you generally want to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure, a little early morning or late afternoon sun won’t hurt your snake plant. Many experts recommend providing snake plants with a couple hours of direct morning or evening sunlight per day.
Just make sure to slowly transition your plant to increased light levels, A sudden change can shock the plant and cause leaf scorching
Finding the Sweet Spot: Ideal Light Conditions for Snake Plants
Here are some guidelines for providing your snake plant with just the right amount of sunlight:
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East facing window: Perfect – provides gentle morning sun.
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West facing window Place the plant 5-10 feet back from the window to avoid hot afternoon sun,
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South facing window Use sheer curtains and keep the plant 5-10 feet away from the window
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North facing window: Typically too dark, will need supplementary artificial lighting.
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10-15 feet from a window: Usually provides adequate ambient brightness.
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Outdoors: Put in a shaded spot protected from hottest midday sun. Bring indoors if temperature drops below 50°F.
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Artificial lighting: Use broad spectrum or grow lights to provide 12-14 hours of daily light.
Other Lighting Tips for Snake Plants
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Turn the plant periodically so all sides get even light exposure. This prevents leaning toward the light (phototropism).
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Dust the leaves occasionally to maximize light absorption.
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Increase light levels slightly during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
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Decrease light levels in fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.
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Monitor for signs of too much light, especially if moving the plant to a brighter location. Adjust as needed.
How Low Light Can Snake Plants Tolerate?
One of the snake plant’s claims to fame is being able to tolerate very low light conditions. That said, the minimum amount of light it needs is around 50-100 foot-candles. For reference, a dimly lit living room might provide 10-30 foot-candles.
While snake plants can survive in low light, their growth will slow considerably and their leaf variegation may fade. If you don’t have a brightly lit spot, provide supplemental lighting to keep your plant healthy.
Signs Your Snake Plant Isn’t Getting Enough Light
Clues that your snake plant would benefit from more sunlight include:
- Slow growth and small new leaves
- Spindly, tall leaves
- Fading of leaf variegation
- Leaves drooping or feeling soft and limp
Lack of adequate light saps the plant’s energy, preventing it from forming robust new growth. Try moving the snake plant to a brighter location if possible.
Using Artificial Light for Snake Plants
Grow lights are a great option for providing extra illumination if your snake plant’s location is too dark. Look for broad spectrum LED or fluorescent bulbs that provide light in the red to blue wavelength range. Position the light 6-12 inches above the plant and set the timer for 12-14 hours per day.
Outdoors Lighting Considerations
If you want to place your snake plant outdoors for the summer, make sure it’s in a spot that gets mostly bright indirect light with just a couple hours of gentle morning or evening direct sun. Keep it sheltered from heavy rain and provide shade during the hottest part of the day.
When temperatures start dropping in fall, it’s time to bring your snake plant back indoors. The optimal temperature range is around 65-80°F.
The Takeaway
While snake plants are quite versatile in terms of lighting conditions, they do best when provided with bright indirect sunlight. Direct sun should be limited, especially hot afternoon sun streaming through south or west facing windows. Seek out an east facing window or a location approximately 10 feet from a window to give your snake plant the right balance of light and shade for lush growth.
LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Guides
Snake plants, like this Dracaena trifasciata, can thrive in areas of limited light but prefer moderate sunlight
Knowing where a plant came from is an important part of deciding if it will do well in your home and how much care it will need. Plants that are native to desert regions will require substantial amount of sunlight and loose, fast-draining soil. Plants from the floor of a rainforest will need some protection from strong sunlight and generous humidity.
The snake plants or mother-in-law’s tongue Dracaena species were once thought to be a separate genus called Sansevieria, but they have been moved after molecular analysis. They are native to rocky, dry habitats in tropical Africa. Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) and its cultivars and Dracaena angolensis (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica) are the plants that people grow in their homes the most. They are both stiff, upright plants. Each leaf has a sharp point that you should be careful not to break. If the point is broken, the leaf blade may stop growing. Snake plant has a well deserved reputation as a very durable plant in varied conditions.
Snake plants prefer plentiful sunlight, but will put up with some light shade and continue to grow. They should be protected from the hottest, southern sun in summer. They can live in low light, but they won’t grow or flower without some sunlight.
Too much water is the most frequent cause of failure. Water the soil in the pots just enough to keep it moist, and check back in 15 minutes to empty the plants’ run-off dish of any extra water.
When the plant is in active growth, allow the soil to just dry between waterings. Succulents can handle being dry for a long time, but their shallow roots will rot quickly if they get too much water, which will make the plant fall over. From October to February, when there isn’t much light, water only as often as needed to keep the leaves from puckering, but no more than twice a week.
Average household humidity is adequate.
These are tropical plants and a warm household, between 65 and 80°F. , is ideal. Do not keep below 55°F.
As long as some of the soil on the soil’s surface is changed every year, snake plants can stay in the same pot for several years. Repot once the plant is close to bursting its pot. The proper, quick-draining, soil, however, is essential. Potting soil with one third sand or perlite and up to one third peat added works well.
As the snake plant grows, baby plants may form around the base of the main plant. You can separate these from the main plant when they are a few inches tall and have roots. This should be done when you repot the plants, and remember that each one needs to fit snugly in its new pot.
Snake plants with dead, damaged or extended, floppy foliage that they can no longer support may be pruned. Cut off no more than a quarter of the plant’s leaf surface by cutting each leaf just above the soil with a clean knife. Keep the cut surface dry while it callouses to avoid infection. The withered leaf stub will remain on the plant. You can slowly bring a plant back to life by cutting off more of the old leaves as new, healthy ones grow. When the plant is in a new growth phase in the spring, pruning works best. The plant will heal faster and grow new leaves, giving it a fresh look. If you prune later in the year, wait patiently for the results and give the plant its winter rest.
You can also cut the plant down if it has grown a healthy new crown of young leaves. When you re-pot the plant in the spring, remove the older, sick parts of the plant along with their roots. Only leave the healthy, new center of the plant with its roots. Use a pot with a drain hole and the right soil, and make sure to shrink the pot so the smaller plant has a good place to live.
Make sure you fix the things that caused the unhealthy leaf growth so that new, healthy leaves grow.
A liquid fertilizer, fed at half strength, once per month, during the growing period only, is generally advised.
- If you move a snake plant from a shady spot to direct sunlight, it will burn.
- Most of the time, the problem is too much water, especially in the winter, which causes leaves to rot and die.
- Snake plants often have problems with leaves that fold and floppy. This means that the plant has been over-watered or isn’t getting enough sun while it is growing. Most of the time, that’s because the plant is kept growing in the winter, when it should be resting.
- Cold winter drafts can also kill plants quickly and cause them to rot.
- The tips of each leaf are sharp, so be careful not to break them. If you do, the leaf blade may stop growing.
Snake plants can survive the less than ideal lighting of an office space, but will not grow without moderate sunlight
Ask a Plant Expert
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Is It Possible For Snake Plants To Survive Direct Sunlight?
FAQ
Can snake plants get too much sun?
How often do you water snake plants?
Can I put my snake plant in direct sunlight?
Where to place a snake plant in a home?
Do snake plants like direct sunlight?
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight. However, they also grow well (albeit more slowly) in shady corners and other low-light areas of the home. Tip: Avoid moving your plant from a low-light area to direct sunlight too quickly, as this can shock the plant.
How much sunlight does a snake plant need?
Snake plants grow best with 8 to 10 hours of indirect sunlight or a few hours of early-morning direct sunlight. Too much direct sun causes can burn the plant and damage its leaves. Snake plants tolerate some shade, but lack of light can stunt growth and dilute the plant’s color.
Can snake plants grow under artificial light?
In fact, they are ideal for growing indoors under artificial light. When growing snake plants under artificial light, it is essential to use a light source that provides the right spectrum of light and amount for an appropriate amount of time each day. It’s crucial to position the artificial light source correctly.
Is your snake plant getting too much sunlight?
Indirect sunlight filtered by a curtain is best for snake plants. Just ensure to move it away to slightly darker places when the sunlight isn’t extremely harsh. Not just too little, but even too much light can affect the health of your snake plant. Below mentioned are some signs your snake plant is receiving too much light.