The Best Soil for Snake Plants: A Guide to Repotting and Caring for Your Sansevieria

Snake plants, also known as sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are popular and easy to care for houseplants. Their sword-like leaves add an architectural, tropical look to any space. While snake plants are quite hardy, providing them with the proper growing medium is key to keeping them healthy and helping them thrive. In this article, we’ll explore the best potting mixes and soils for sansevieria along with tips for repotting and general snake plant care.

What Type of Soil Do Snake Plants Prefer?

Snake plants prefer a well-draining, porous soil mix that allows oxygen to penetrate the roots while also retaining some moisture. The rhizomatous roots of sansevieria plants have a tendency to rot if kept too wet, so a soil that dries out moderately between waterings is ideal. Here are some characteristics to look for in potting mix for snake plants:

• Well-draining – The soil should drain freely and not become soggy or compacted. Good aeration is key.

• Lightweight – Avoid heavy, dense soils that will stay overly wet. Light, porous mixes are better.

• Lean and low in peat – Excessive peat can hold too much moisture. Aim for a lean mineral-based mix.

• pH between 6.1-7.8 – Snake plants tolerate a wide range but prefer a neutral to mildly acidic pH.

• Low fertilizer – Snake plants are light feeders and can suffer from excess salts. Go easy on fertilizer

Recommended Snake Plant Soil Mixes

Here are some pre-made potting mixes that work well for sansevieria:

• Cactus and succulent mixes – Designed to be fast-draining, these are a great choice. Mix in a small amount of organic matter like compost or worm castings to provide nutrients. Popular brands include Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix and Espoma Cactus Mix.

• Coarse orchid mixes – Orchid barks and perlite also make excellent snake plant soils. Look for airy, chunky blends. Supplement with compost.

• Bonsai soils – Bonsai mixes tend to be lightweight, porous, and well-draining Just avoid dense, water-retentive types. Akadama is a popular bonsai soil component

• Coconut coir – Coir is an ideal base for DIY sansevieria soil. Mix with perlite, bark, lava rock, or pumice.

How to Mix Your Own Snake Plant Soil

You can easily make a customized sansevieria soil by blending these ingredients:

• 2 parts potting soil – Use a basic organic potting mix without moisture-control additives.

• 1 part perlite or pumice – Adds air pockets and improves drainage.

• 1 part orchid bark or charcoal – Absorbs moisture and provides aeration.

• Compost or worm castings (optional) – Mix in up to 20% to provide nutrients.

A simple DIY sansevieria mix is equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. Mix thoroughly and moisten before potting plants. This blend will drain well while still retaining some water and nutrients. Adjust ingredient proportions to fine-tune the soil to your specific conditions.

When to Repot a Snake Plant

Snake plants prefer being slightly root-bound and can go years before needing repotting. Only repot when:

• Roots are crowded and twisting around the pot.

• Plant is top-heavy or tipping over.

• Soil stays soggy after watering.

• You need to divide the plant.

The best times to repot sansevieria are in early spring before active growth resumes or in autumn after the summer growing season. Avoid repotting during periods of active growth in summer.

How to Repot a Snake Plant

Follow these tips for successfully repotting your sansevieria:

• Choose a container 1 to 2 inches larger than the current pot with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots work well.

• Fill the new container about 1/3 full with fresh snake plant soil mix.

• Gently remove the plant from its old pot and loosen any circled roots.

• Place the plant in the new container and fill around it with more soil, firming gently.

• Allow 1 to 2 inches between the soil and the pot rim for watering.

• Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Let excess drain out.

• Place in bright, indirect light while it adjusts to new pot.

Watering Snake Plants

Even though sansevieria prefer dry conditions, they still need occasional deep watering to thrive:

• Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

• When you do water, soak the soil completely until excess drains from the pot.

• Water less often in winter, as growth slows.

• If leaves wrinkle or yellow, increase watering frequency.

• Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity.

Let the plant’s soil be your guide. Probe with a finger to check soil moisture a few inches down before watering. Test different watering schedules to determine your specific snake plant’s needs.

Fertilizing Sansevieria

While snake plants are light feeders, fertilizer applied at lower concentrations can encourage healthy growth:

• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to 1/4 or 1/2 strength.

• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the active growing period of spring through summer.

• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage sensitive roots.

• In winter, fertilize just once a month or stop completely.

• Always water plants thoroughly before applying fertilizer.

Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of slow-release granular fertilizer into the potting soil, enough to provide nutrients for 6-9 months. When in doubt, err on the side of less fertilizer with snake plants.

Snake Plant Light Requirements

Sansevieria tolerate a wide range of light conditions:

• They grow best with bright, indirect light year-round. An east facing window is ideal.

• Low light is ok, but may result in slower growth.

• Direct hot sun can scorch the leaves – provide shade if needed.

• Supplement with a grow light in darker locations. Snake plants grow under fluorescent lighting.

• Variegated varieties need a bit more light to maintain the striped leaf pattern.

Rotate snake plants occasionally so all sides get evenly lit. Direct morning sun or sheer curtains can filter intense light. Monitor for any fading or yellowing of leaves.

Common Snake Plant Problems

Here are some common issues to watch for with sansevieria:

• Overwatering – Wet soil leads to root rot. Allow soil to dry between watering and use well-draining mix.

• Underwatering – Dry, shriveled leaves indicate under-watering. Increase frequency.

• Leaf scorch – Brown leaf tips happen when exposed to excess sun or salts. Move out of direct sun.

• Leggy growth – Stretched, floppy leaves mean insufficient light. Provide brighter location.

• Pests – Mealybugs are attracted to snake plants. Isolate and treat with insecticidal soap.

• Fungal diseases – Crown rot can occur in overly damp conditions. Improve soil drainage.

Catch problems early by regularly checking for signs of damage and adjusting care as needed. Remove any rotted or dead leaves/roots.

Propagating Snake Plants

Sansevieria are easy to propagate by division or cuttings:

• Division – Carefully divide the rhizomes and repot divisions into smaller containers.

• Leaf cuttings – Cut a leaf into 2-3 inch sections and place cut end into soil.

• Rhizome cuttings – Cut a section of rhizome with a leaf or two attached and root in water or soil.

• Pups – Separate pups or offshoots from the mother plant after they develop their own roots.

Maintain warmth and humidity as cuttings root. Pot up successfully rooted propagules individually. Dividing overcrowded plants keeps them growing vigorously.

Designing With Snake Plants

Here are some ways to creatively use snake plants in your home:

• Stand larger varieties in plain ceramic pots as bold architectural accents.

• Mix heights and leaf shapes for visual interest.

• Pair smaller compact types in colorful glazed planters for pops of color.

• Let tall, upright sansevieria provide vertical contrast to lower furnishings.

• Use groups of snake plants to add texture to mantels, countertops or shelves.

• Put snake plants on plant stands to add height and dimension.

With the right soil and care, snake plants can thrive for years, providing their uniquely tropical yet easy-going vibe. Follow these tips to successfully repot and maintain your sansevieria. Mixing your own well-draining soil gives you control over getting the moisture and aeration balance just right. Repot only when essential and water carefully to avoid soggy soil. Set in a bright spot and enjoy their striking foliage. With minimal but attentive care, snake plants can grace any indoor space with a little living sculpture.