Snake plants are one of the most popular houseplants, for good reason. Its incredibly drought-tolerant, able to go weeks without water in low and medium lighting conditions. They can grow in low light, which is why you see so many of them in office buildings, but they do best in bright light, where they make new leaves and their variegation gets stronger.
There are dozens of different types and cultivars of snake plants. Their leaves are stiff and sword-shaped, with bands of green, yellow, and cream color. This plant is very hard to kill, which makes it a good choice for people who are new to taking care of plants or don’t want to do weekly watering.
With their upright, sword-shaped leaves and nearly indestructible nature, it’s no wonder snake plants are such popular houseplants. But despite their ubiquitous presence in homes and offices, much mystery and misinformation still surrounds how fast snake plants actually grow. Let’s peel back the layers and get to the bottom of snake plant growth speeds.
The Simple Answer
The straight truth is that snake plants are slooooow growers. In fact, they are among the slowest growing houseplants you can grow.
On average, a happy and healthy snake plant may produce just 1-2 new leaves per year. And the leaves themselves elongate at a glacial pace, perhaps a few inches annually.
So in a nutshell, expect very leisurely growth from your snake plant. It can take years for a small plant to reach maturity. But their slow growth is also what makes them such unfussy, low maintenance houseplants.
Growth Variability Between Snake Plant Varieties
While all snake plants are slow growers, growth rates can vary slightly between different snake plant varieties.
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The most common snake plant the Sansevieria trifasciata is probably the slowest. Just 1 new leaf per year is typical.
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Slightly faster growth may be seen in Sansevieria cylindrica with its cylindrical spear-like leaves.
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The Sansevieria masoniana, also known as whale fin sansevieria, grows just a tad quicker.
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The Sansevieria suffruticosa, or African spear plant, can be one of the faster snake plant growers, producing a few new shoots per year.
So while growth habits are still uniformly slow across the board, some varieties edge out others by a smidgen.
Factors That Impact Snake Plant Growth Rates
What primarily determines how quickly your snake plant grows are its care and growing conditions. Here are the key factors:
Light
Snake plants need bright, indirect light to grow their fastest. Low light encourages them to grow at an even more glacial pace.
Pot Size
A pot-bound snake plant stops growing. Re-potting into a larger container triggers new growth.
Water
Too much watering inhibits growth, while consistent water when soil is partly dry encourages steady, slow growth.
Temperature
Warmer average temperatures (60-80°F) lead to slightly faster growth over cool temps.
Fertilizer
Applying fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength during the growing period can provide a mild growth boost.
Plant Age
Mature snake plants tend to grow slower than younger plants. Dividing and propagating snake plants restarts their growth cycle.
Maximizing Snake Plant Growth Potential
While we can’t expect to transform our snake plants into fast growers, implementing optimal care makes sure they grow at their maximum inherent slow rate:
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight from a southern or western window.
- Water only when soil is partly dry; avoid overwatering.
- Re-pot in a larger container every 2-3 years as needed.
- Keep average home temperatures around 70°F year-round.
- Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
- Divide crowded snake plants to rejuvenate their growth.
Even with ideal conditions, resist the urge to rush your snake plant. Allow this stately, architectural houseplant time to reach its full glory through steady, unhurried growth. The long wait for maturity is part of its enduring appeal!
When to Worry About Lack of Growth
While we expect snake plants to grow slowly, consistent lack of new growth can signal problems:
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No new leaves for 2+ years likely indicates inadequate light. Move to a brighter location.
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Complete growth halt even after re-potting can mean overwatering issues. Allow soil to dry out.
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Sudden dramatic slowing of growth may signal root damage from overwatering. Check roots and re-pot if needed.
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Lack of growth along with yellowing leaves points to a nutrient deficiency. Fertilize more regularly.
For patient indoor gardeners, the snake plant’s measured growth pace is a benefit, not a detractor. Let your expectations match its slow nature, and you can enjoy this hardy houseplant for years without feeling the need to rush it along.
Get Your Repotting Gear
If you give your snake plant enough sunlight and let its roots get crowded, it might bloom indoors. However, snake plants that are kept as houseplants rarely flower.
They can produce delicate, creamy-white, tubular flowers when growing conditions are ideal. Night-blooming flowers are fragrant and similar in appearance to lilies.
Be sure to choose a cultivar that blooms, because not all snake plant varieties will flower.
Common Problems With Snake Plant
Snake plants are one of the easiest plants to maintain and can last for many years. Most problems are caused by overwatering, which can lead to fungal infections and root rot.
how to get a snake plant to grow quicker and look full
FAQ
How can I make my snake plant grow faster?
How fast do snake plants multiply?
How tall do snake plants grow indoors?
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Genus Name
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Sansevieria
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Plant Type
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Houseplant
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Height
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1 to 3 feet
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Width
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6 to 36 inches
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Foliage Color
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Gray/Silver
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Are snake plants slow growers?
How fast do snake plants grow?
The growth rate of snake plants varies on the plant species and other factors like the intensity of light, humidity, temperature, etc. If the perfect growing conditions are provided, the snake plants show rapid growth and gain good foliage. But we will need to give the plant a bit of care and nurture.
Why do snake plants grow so fast?
The longer daylight hours, increased temperature, and heightened humidity all serve as signals that it’s time for snake plants to focus on growth. During these warm months, snake plant owners can expect to see their plant friends sprouting new leaves. Young or baby snake plants grow particularly quickly in this period.
How do you get a snake plant to grow fast?
In this article, we’ll share our most reliable tips for getting a Snake Plant to grow tall and grow fast. You’ll need to provide plenty of light and water to fuel your Snake Plant’s growth, and you should repot your Sansevieria regularly to give the roots room to expand. A balanced monthly dose of fertilizer is also helpful.
How big does a snake plant get?
The size of a snake plant varies on various factors, but the plant species is the most crucial factor that will determine the size of your plant. Some species like S. trifaciata laurentii can grow up to 5 feet in length, while the average length being 2-3 feet. On the other hand, S.trifaciata hanhii never grows over a foot in length.
Do snake plants grow faster indoors or outdoors?
Generally, indoor snake plants tend to grow slower than their outdoor counterparts. Indoor plants can often face challenges in terms of lack of sunlight and cooler indoor temperatures. Direct sun exposure outdoors can encourage faster growth, but remember that too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves. 6 Tips to Boost Your Snake Plant’s Growth