Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plant, and ribbon plant, are grown in warmer climates and need very little light to grow. Although they have few leaves compared to other plants, they are one of the most popular houseplants because of their attractive leaf pattern and ease of care.
Different Kinds of Snake Plants
There are many sizes and colors of snake plants (sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue). The hardy, the evergreen plant can get as tall as 6 feet and has smooth, pointed leaves that are often described as sword-like. The flowers can be red, purple, or white and they bloom in the summer months.
Snake plants typically grow horizontally—often clumping together to create a sort of carpet of green—which is why they’re also referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue. No matter what kind you choose, snake plants are easy to maintain To make it easier, here’s a rundown of some of the most popular types
How Long do Snake Plants Grow?
There are many different varieties of snake plants, with spreading varieties that tend to form small clusters and taller varieties that can reach up to six feet tall. As far as whether or not it will ever flower: yes, but not until several years after it’s been planted. So if you’re looking for a quick-growing foliage plant, stick with an aloe—they bloom quickly and die back soon after.
Maintaining Proper Soil Conditions
Snakes love to hide in moist, dark places, which means they can have a difficult time staying hydrated. If you notice your leaves are drooping or curling, they might be too dry. The same goes for overwatering: it’s best to let your snake plant’s soil completely dry out between waterings.
Overwatering is actually a common cause of root rot and can kill your plant if not addressed quickly For a plant, on average, it takes around two months to fully recover from root rot. Although watering is important, keeping Snakes away from draughts (like under tables) will also help them maintain their shape and color over time.
I have a snake plant and it’s not growing! What should I do?
When you are new to a plant, there is always a period of time when it may appear that nothing is happening. Most of these types of plants require an adjustment period. If your plant has been sitting in its pot for quite some time and hasn’t grown very much, first check that it isn’t getting too much light.
Snake Plants like to be in moderate light conditions, such as an east-facing window or under fluorescent lights. Depending on what type of pot you have your Snake Plant in, water it every couple of weeks or so with room temperature water—never cold! Be sure not to overwater; let your soil dry out slightly between watering sessions and never leave it in standing water.
When Should I Water My Snake Plant?
Snake plants are one of those exotic houseplants that need to be watered sparingly. A rule of thumb is that if your plant’s leaves are curling and shriveling, then it’s time to water it. Don’t forget that if you over-water or under-water your snake plant, you might kill it completely! Start with a potting mix that has a lot of peat moss in it: It retains moisture well, yet drains quickly when overwatered.
How can I Increase the Growth Speed of my Snake Plant?
Snake plants are very easy to care for and can grow pretty much anywhere, but they will only reach their maximum potential if certain conditions are met. The first thing you’ll want to do is find a nice, bright spot in your home and make sure it’s not too hot or too cold—ideally 65–75 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to maintain proper humidity levels, place a small tray of water near your plant to keep the soil damp at all times.
Conclusion
When you have a set of growing conditions that are good for your plant, it’s easy to see how it can get out of control. These make excellent indoor plants because they have slow growth habits and don’t typically become invasive. But if you aren’t prepared, they can take over and really start to overtake your space.
Snake plants come in many different varieties, so knowing what you are getting into beforehand will help prevent a big problem from happening in your home or office.