Sansevieria (also known as Mother-in-Law Tongue or Snake Plant) is an amazing plant. The sansevieria originally came from Africa and made its way to Europe in the 18th century.
The scientific name for this particular sansevieria is Dracaena Trifasciata. It has striking sculptural beauty and the care is very simple. I have snake plants in almost every room of my house, and they make the space look very interesting.
Researchers have found that the sansevieria takes harmful chemicals out of the environment and releases oxygen, which makes it good for cleaning the air. People are still not sure how well it cleans the air, but I still have one in almost every room
You can’t go wrong with this unique plant as a first plant, and it’s also very easy to take care of. In this post, I’ll give you some tips on how to take care of your sansevieria.
You need to know what to do with your new sansevieria whether you get it from a garden store or a friend gives you a piece of theirs. First, snake plants LOVE well draining soil. Avoid compact soil because this kind of soil will hold more moisture and could lead to root rot.
Root rot is when the soil gets waterlogged. If the plant stays wet for too long, the roots can rot and eventually, your plant will die. This is the quickest way to kill a sansevieria.
These plants are very similar to cacti when it comes to their care. They don’t like to be sitting in water for too long. One of the main things that will keep your plant from root rot is well draining soil.
It’s a mix of sand and soil that you can buy already made for cacti and succulents. Most garden stores carry it. Because there is sand in the soil, it stays airy and lets water flow through it.
Adding a scoop of Perlite is a wonderful addition if you’d like to maximize the soil’s aeration. Perlite is naturally derived and comes from volcanic eruptions. Make sure the sand you add to your soil mix is made for gardeners and growers if you do it yourself.
Other sands (like play sand) are actually more compact and not the best for drainage in your plants. It may go without saying, but never use soil that has been outside. This will make your plant susceptible to pests or other organisms found outdoors.
I did this once and quickly learned my lesson. This time I brought in extra bugs that were bad for my plant.
For pots, I love terracotta pots. These are the reddish clay ones that you can find almost anywhere. The terracotta allows the dirt to “breathe” so the moisture isn’t trapped inside. Terra cotta pots help with avoiding root rot as well.
Because the clay wick’s water comes from the soil, the plant will dry out much faster in a terracotta pot. There are some plants in lovely earthenware pots that aren’t terracotta that I have as well. The bottom of all of them has a drainage hole.
Every pot should have a drainage hole so water can get out. If water sits at the bottom of your pot for too long, root rot will kill your plants. Sometimes, I will find a gorgeous clay pot but there is no hole on the bottom!.
This is easily fixed by drilling a hole using a specific drill bit. If you’ve never drilled a hole in a pot before, that’s okay. Just watch a quick YouTube video.
I only move my sansevieria plants when they need a little more space to move around or when I buy a new plant and need to take it out of the plastic pot it came in. I choose pots that give my new plant about 2 inches of space to grow all the way around the pot.
This gives the plant room to grow but it’s still a bit snug. If you plant your sansevieria in a pot that is too big, the soil will stay wet for longer, which can cause root rot.
If you use a terracotta pot, keep in mind that the water will probably end up on the surface that the pot is on because the pot lets the water breathe.
Put a plate or something else that doesn’t absorb water under the pot if it’s on a wood floor or surface. This will keep the pot from damaging the surface.
With their striking upright leaves and nearly indestructible reputation, snake plants are extremely popular houseplants. But does this tough-as-nails succulent require drainage holes in its pot? The short answer is yes – proper drainage is critical for snake plants to prevent potentially deadly root rot.
Read on to learn why drainage matters for sansevieria along with tips to optimize drainage and soil conditions to keep your snake plant thriving.
Why Drainage Holes Are Essential
In their native African habitats, snake plants grow in the desert among rocky soils that drain rapidly. As a succulent, sansevieria stores water in its thick, waxy leaves and prefers its soil to dry out between waterings.
Sitting in wet soil for too long is extremely detrimental to snake plants. Without drainage holes, moisture gets trapped at the bottom of the pot. The roots are submerged for too long, unable to get oxygen. This leads to suffocation, decay, and eventual death of the plant from root rot.
Optimize Drainage to Prevent Root Rot
Here are some tips for ensuring your snake plant gets the drainage it needs to prevent root rot:
Use a Pot with Holes
Always select a container with adequate holes in the bottom to allow excess moisture to escape. A porous terra cotta pot is an excellent choice as it naturally helps wick away moisture.
Add Gravel or Pebbles
Place a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles, gravel, or broken terracotta shards in the bottom of the pot before adding soil. This creates a reservoir for excess water to collect so the roots stay drier.
Choose a Free-Draining Soil Mix
Avoid dense water-retentive potting soils. Instead use a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix. You can make your own by combining 2 parts potting soil with 1 part perlite or coarse sand.
Water Sparingly
Let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly. Pour slowly and avoid getting water on the leaves. Never leave standing water in the saucer.
Check for Root Rot
If you suspect root rot, carefully remove the plant and inspect the roots. Cut away any that are brown, mushy, or foul-smelling. Repot in fresh, dry soil.
Increase Sun Exposure
Excess moisture + low light is a recipe for disaster with snake plants. Ensure it gets adequate bright, indirect light to help dry out the soil faster.
Use a Clay Saucer
Place a clay saucer under the pot to wick moisture away from the base. Discard any standing water that collects after watering.
Allow Soil to Dry Before Watering Again
Feel the top several inches of soil before adding more water. If it’s still damp, hold off a few more days until it dries out.
Provide Warm Temperatures
Cooler temps slow evaporation, so maintain temps above 65°F. Avoid drafty areas that can shock the plant and make it prone to rot.
Pick the Right Pot for Healthy Roots
Choosing the right container for your snake plant is key to preventing wet feet. Here are some ideal options:
- Terracotta pots – porous clay naturally wicks away moisture
- Ceramic or plastic with drainage holes – add pebbles at the bottom
- Self-watering pots – regulate moisture so roots don’t sit in water
- Nursery pots inside decorative pots – roots stay drier
Make sure whichever style pot you choose has adequate drainage holes to let water flow out. This ensures excess moisture can easily escape compared to a sealed decorative pot.
Monitor Watering to Avoid Root Rot
Snake plants are incredibly resilient, but prone to root rot if overwatered. Follow these tips to keep your watering practices in check:
- Water only when the top several inches of soil are dry
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess
- During active growth, water every 2-3 weeks
- In winter, cut back to water only every 4-6 weeks
- Always pour water gently around the base – avoid the leaves
- If in doubt, wait an extra few days before watering again
Getting to know your plant’s needs takes time. When in doubt, let the soil get a bit drier rather than keeping it too wet.
Act Quickly If You Spot Root Rot
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, root rot still occurs. Catch it early and act quickly to save your plant:
- Look for leaves yellowing, browning, or getting mushy
- Check for roots that are brown, slimy, or falling apart
- If rot is present, remove the plant and cut away all damaged roots
- Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix that drains well
- Hold off watering for at least 1-2 weeks to allow the roots to heal
- Disinfect your pruning shears to avoid spreading disease
With attentive care and excellent drainage, your snake plant can thrive for decades as a low-maintenance houseplant. Be sure to give it a pot with adequate holes, well-draining soil, and proper watering technique. Pay close attention to signs of rot and you can rescue your plant if needed. Proper drainage makes all the difference!
How Much Light Does a Snake Plant Need?
The wonderful thing about sansevieria is that it can handle diverse lighting situations. The plant does better in bright light, like near a window, but it can also grow in a darker area of your home.
The plant can handle low light, and it will do well in a room with low light. When my son goes to school, there is a room with no windows that has a very pretty sansevieria. The only light comes from fluorescent bulbs that are on during the day.
It’s amazing to see this plant thrive in what appears to be poor lighting conditions. It really is a very flexible plant. I have sansiervieras all over my house, and each one is in a different light situation. The ones near the windows will grow faster for sure, but the ones that don’t get much light are still fine (almost as big).
When it comes to lighting, remember that just because something can live in low light doesn’t mean it will do well in it. They will definitely grow better in bright light.
I feel better about my snake plant when I forget about it. Only water it when the soil is dry. To make sure the soil is dry, I like to stick my finger about 3 to 4 inches into it. If there is a little moisture in the soil, then I will check it again in a week.
How your plant holds moisture will depend on where you live. Where you live will determine how quickly it dries out. If it’s dry where you live, it will hold water longer. Never water my succulents or other plants that like it dry out when it rains. This is a very important tip that I have learned.
Watering on rainy days keeps my plants soggy and they take longer to dry out. Or, if there is rain in the forecast, I will wait to water until the rain is over. I water my sansevierias every 2-3 weeks. In winter, I taper off watering and water about every 4 weeks.
When watering, my rule of thumb is to just water the first 6 inches of soil. I don’t soak my plants with water because of the threat of root rot. I’d rather under water than over water them.
People who have Sansevierias should be careful not to get water on the leaves when they water. Instead, pour the water on the soil. When new growth is coming in on sansevieria, little leaves form rosettes.
These rosettes do not like getting wet or especially don’t like water pooling in them. Water in the rosettes can be detrimental to your plant, so try to avoid that at all costs. Sansevierias like room temperature water.
If you water your plants with city or tap water, you can leave it out in the open for 24 hours to get rid of some of the chemicals. After 24 hours, the water is cleaner and healthier for our plant.
It will be better for your sansevieria in the long run if you leave the water out. Fluoride and chlorine can build up in it. Using filtered water or collected rain water is a great option too!.
Dusting the leaves is a wonderful habit that your sansevieria will thank you for. I grab a slightly damp cloth (not too wet!) and wipe the leaves down on both sides. This will help the sun hit the plant and not block photosynthesis from taking place.
I turn my plant every time I water it. Turning your plant will promote even growth (especially if your plant is near a window). Keep your windows clean, both inside and out. This can make a big difference in how much light gets to your plant. Squeaky clean windows will let in more light!.
Propagating a sansevieria is a fun and wonderful process to watch. You can propagate in water or in soil. I personally love propagating in water because you can see the new root growth happening before your eyes.
If you’d like to propagate your sansevieria, simply cut off a leaf using a freshly washed tool. Scissors are great because you can cut the bottom of the leaf straight or in a “V” shape. This “V” gives your plant more real estate to grow new roots.
Grab a glass vase or jar and stick your newly cut leaf in it. I like to sill my water about 4 inches above the bottom of my freshly cut leaf. Keep your plant in the water and watch little roots start to sprout!.
Change the water and rinse the vessel anytime the water gets cloudy. I place my new cutting in front of a window so they can soak up lots of light. You can leave the leaf in the water once the roots start to grow—I’ve done that for months—and it will still be fine.
When the roots have sufficient growth (1-2 inches is great), you can pot it in soil! Super easy!
If you want to use the soil method to make more plants, just cut your plant in half like we did above and put the new plant in a pot with damp soil. You can’t see the roots growing with the water method, so you need to make sure the soil doesn’t dry out too much.
As the roots spread out and grow, they will need to stay in touch with the soil. If you are trying to make more plants, don’t let the plant dry out too much. I’ll check on my freshly propagated leaves and give them more attention than usual.
If the soil has become bone dry, then I will give them a good soak in water. It is very satisfying when your new plant takes root and even begins growing new leaves!.
Finally, one of the best things about sansevieria is that it has many species. This plant belongs to a large and beautiful plant family. The classic and most popular plant is the sword-shaped leaf that you see EVERYWHERE (like in this post).
Don’t be afraid to try new species because their care is very similar. Here are two different sansevieria I have in my home. It’s amazing how unique each one is!.
Advantages of growing plants in a pot with NO drainage hole
FAQ
Does a snake plant need drainage holes?
Is it okay to put plants in pots without holes?
Should I put rocks in the bottom of a snake plant?
How do I know if my snake plant has proper drainage?
There is one good way to tell whether have proper drainage. When you water your snake plant, you should begin to see water dripping out from the drainage holes on the bottom. If you don’t, there’s a blockage somewhere and water will sit in the soil for longer than is necessary.
How do you care for a snake plant?
As a houseplant, snake plants prefer a loose, well-drained potting soil mix. They do well in sandier soil which makes all-purpose cactus potting soil a good choice. Avoid soil mixes that contain a high percentage of peat, which can retain too much water. Water your snake plant when the soil has completely dried out, being sure to water deeply.
Do snake plants need soil?
Even snake plants require soil for their roots to get the nutrients and water they need. Very tightly bound roots can also lead to girdling (the roots strangle themselves), rot and other disease issues and can prevent the plant from “breathing” properly (plant roots need air too!).
Do snake plants need a lot of water?
Most succulents need less watering than your typical houseplant and the snake plant is no exception, normally thriving in hot, dry areas of the West African tropics. This means they can be easy to overwater, becoming susceptible to root rot if they receive too much moisture.
