Snake Plant Care 101: The Beginner-Friendly Guide to Thriving Sansevieria

Snake Plant Care 101: The Beginner-Friendly Guide to Thriving Sansevieria

Snake Plant Care 101: How to Keep Your Sansevieria Thriving

If you’re new to houseplants, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is the perfect place to start. Tough, stylish, and nearly impossible to kill, these plants add instant structure and good energy to any space. At Iris & Palm Co., the Snake Plant is our featured plant this month — and for good reason. This plant is a true MVP for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.

Whether you’re growing a classic Laurentii, a bold Black Coral, or a cute Bird’s Nest variety, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to help your Snake Plant thrive.


🌱 Light Requirements

Snake Plants are adaptable, but they love bright, indirect light.
However—they’ll also tolerate:
✔ Low light
✔ Artificial light
✔ Partial shade

Just avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.

Best spot:
A few feet away from a sunny window or in a room with moderate ambient light.


💧 Watering: Less Is More

One of the biggest mistakes people make is overwatering.

Snake Plants prefer to dry out completely before their next drink.

✔ Summer Watering

Every 2–3 weeks (or when soil is fully dry)

✔ Winter Watering

Every 4–5 weeks
They slow down their growth and need far less water.

Pro Tip: Stick a finger 1–2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, you’re good to water.


🪴 Soil & Potting

Snake Plants love well-draining soil — anything that prevents soggy roots.

✔ Best soil:

A mix designed for indoor plants, cactus, or succulents.

If you're using Iris & Palm Co.’s blends in the future, you'll want:

  • A fast-draining mix
  • Light texture with air pockets
  • Minimal moisture retention

📌 When to Repot

Snake Plants enjoy being root-bound, so you only need to repot every 2–3 years or when:

  • Roots are circling the bottom
  • The pot cracks
  • Growth slows dramatically
  • Water runs straight through the pot

Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the current one.


🌿 Common Problems (and Fixes)

⚠️ Yellowing Leaves

Usually overwatering → let soil fully dry, check drainage.

⚠️ Soft, Mushy Leaves

Root rot → remove damaged roots and repot in dry soil.

⚠️ Wrinkled Leaves

Underwatering → time for a drink.

⚠️ Leaves Leaning or Falling Over

Needs more light or is getting too tall → divide or repot.


Why We Love Snake Plants

Aside from being beginner-friendly, Snake Plants offer:

  • Air-purifying properties
  • Architectural beauty
  • A variety of colors and patterns
  • Low maintenance lifestyles
  • Pet-tolerant options (though mildly toxic if eaten)

This plant truly brings simplicity and style to any home.


🛒 Explore Our Snake Plant Collection

Discover curated varieties of Snake Plants available at Iris & Palm Co. Each one is selected with care so you can confidently grow your plant parent journey.

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