1. Getting started with your Snake plant
Where to place your Snake Plant
Place it anywhere but in total darkness
Snake plants can tolerate almost all light conditions (except complete darkness). The more it gets, the quicker and taller it will grow
Place it away from any AC vents
The dry air can cause the leaves in snake plants to crack
Potting your Snake
Leave it in its nursery pot
Your plant is comfy in its nursery pot. It's best to let it acclimate to the lighting, temperature, and humidity in its new home for at least 2 weeks before repotting it
Pro tip: if you purchased a planter with your plant, you can simply place the nursery pot in that planter
2. Continually caring for your Snake Plants
Watering your Snake Plants
Water when the soil is completely dry
Like cacti, snake plants like their soil to dry out completely between waterings. We like to use a chopstick to check. Gently insert the chopstick all the way down to the bottom; if the chopstick comes out:
1) Clean: your soil is dry and needs a watering
2) Dirty: you'll know the soil is still moist and doesn't need a watering
Rule of thumb: expect to water your plant every 2-3 weeks, and more often with more light. Having said that, soil moisture should be your primary indicator for when you should water your plant, as the time may vary
When watering, gently pour until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom and discard any excess water. Remember, never use cold water as this will shock your plant's roots
Be careful to aim the water at the soil; not the leaves
If water becomes trapped in the leaves, problems could arise
Finding your Snake Plant's favourite temperature
Like most houseplants, Snake Plants are happiest between 18°C - 30°C
Repotting your Snake Plants
When cared for well, Snake Plants can grow quite large and will need to be repotted every year or so to accommodate that growth
When it's time, remember that like cactuses, Snake Plants like soil with a lot of aeration (because they don't retain as much water/moisture). When your plant is ready for repotting, use a well-drained potting mix that includes ingredients such as perlite or lava rocks.
Transfer your Snake Plant into a pot that's a about 1-2 inches in diameters larger than its current one to give it ample room to grow
Cleaning/pruning your Snake Plants
Big leaves mean more dust. When you see this, gently wipe off each leaf top with a cloth to reveal a healthy shine. This will help your plant soak in more light and breathe through the little pores on its leaves (stomata)
Some common problems with Snake Plants
1. Leaves curling or falling over
Usually caused by overwatering. Let your Snake Plant dry out (can take upto 3 weeks) before watering again
2. Dry Brown Tips
Usually caused over underwatering. Follow the watering guide above, and if the soil is dry, tip for a drink!
3. Soggy Or Mushy Leaves
Also usually caused by underwatering; simply let the plant dry out before watering again.
4. Cracks In Leaves
Low humidity or accidental physical damage can cause cracks in the leaves. Placing it in an area with high humidity can help
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