This genus fails far more often from kindness than neglect — when in doubt, don't water.
Care
Exceptionally tolerant, though grows faster and more upright in brighter conditions.
One of the most drought-tolerant houseplants; allow compost to dry out completely between waterings, water sparingly in winter.
Free-draining, gritty houseplant or cactus compost.
Remove damaged or yellowing leaves at the base; otherwise minimal.
Two or three weak feeds across the whole summer is plenty — a cactus or succulent fertiliser suits it better than a general houseplant one. More than that gives soft, floppy leaves that lean out of the pot.
Divide the rhizome at repotting, cutting between the clumps of leaves with a knife. Leaf cuttings root easily but variegated forms come back plain green from them, so divide anything with a yellow edge.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season only. how ›
- AprilRepot every 2-3 years, or when it splits its pot. how ›
- NovemberWater very sparingly through winter, sometimes not at all for weeks. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season only. how ›
- AprilRepot every 2-3 years, or when it splits its pot. how ›
- NovemberWater very sparingly through winter, sometimes not at all for weeks. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. From overwatering.
What to do. By far the most common cause of failure — err on the dry side always.
How to spot it. From cold draughts.
What to do. Move away from draughts.
Questions
Snake plant: is it hardy?
H1c: Tender, needs above 5°C. It survives above 5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Extremely tolerant of neglect, ideal for beginners or low-light rooms.
Snake plant: when do you prune it?
Remove damaged or yellowing leaves at the base; otherwise minimal.
When do you feed it?
Two or three weak feeds across the whole summer is plenty — a cactus or succulent fertiliser suits it better than a general houseplant one. More than that gives soft, floppy leaves that lean out of the pot. Feeding months, UK: May–July.