Care Sansevieria

The Sansevieria, or Snake Plant, is an easy-care plant with strong, upright leaves. Perfect for beginners, it can thrive even with minimal watering. Here’s how to keep this eye-catching plant in top shape.

Sansevieria care

The Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant, is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants you can have. With its sturdy, upright leaves and sleek shape, it is a real eye-catcher in the home. This tropical succulent can go for long periods without water and survives even if you forget about it now and then, which makes it perfect for beginners or people with a busy schedule.

On this page you will find everything you need to know to keep your Sansevieria healthy and happy.

Care Sansevieria verzorging - Green Bubble

Sansevieria care tips at a glance

Location

Light: the snake plant grows well in bright indirect light as well as in partial shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so filtered light or a spot out of direct sun is ideal
Avoid draughts: do not place the plant in a cold, draughty spot; it is happiest at temperatures above 15°C

Water and humidity

The Sansevieria is a succulent and stores water in its thick leaves. That is why it only needs watering once every 3 to 6 weeks
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings; too much water can cause root rot
In winter it needs even less water

Feeding

During the growing season (March to September) you can give a little liquid houseplant food every 4–6 weeks
In autumn and winter feeding is not necessary

Soil and pot

Use well-draining potting soil, for example a mix with vulcastrat or clay pebbles
When repotting, check whether the roots still have enough room

	Guarantee	Fresh from the grower
	Delivery type	Houseplant delivered in growing pot
	Latin name	Sansevieria
	Location	Normal daylight/partial shade
	Water requirements	Once every 3-6 weeks
	Toxic	Mildly toxic if ingested
	Air purifying	Yes
	Maintenance	Low

Other plants from the same family

View all Sansevierias

Sansevieria Kirkii

35 cm

12 cm

12 95

In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days

Sansevieria cylindrica 'Twist'

40 cm

10 cm

12 95

In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days

Sansevieria Laurentie

50 cm

14 cm

14 95

In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days

Sansevieria Zeylanica

45 cm

12 cm

12 95

In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days

Sansevieria Zeylanica

90 cm

21 cm

39 95

In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days

“'The Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant, is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants you can have. With its sturdy, upright leaves and sleek shape, it is a real eye-catcher in the home.'”

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about water, light, nutrition and care.

I don't have green fingers, is Sansevieria right for me?

Absolutely! This plant is extremely forgiving, grows slowly and requires little water.

Why are the leaves of my snake plant turning yellow?

There can be several reasons why the leaves of your Sansevieria are turning yellow: - Too much water: overwatering can lead to root rot, causing the plant to not absorb enough nutrients and the leaves to turn yellow. Make sure the soil is well-drained and allow the plant to dry out between waterings. - Too little water: a lack of water can also cause problems. If the plant is too dry, the leaves will dry out and turn yellow. - Too much direct sunlight: bright sunlight can burn the leaves. This often manifests itself in yellowing or brown spots. Place the plant in a spot with indirect light or light shade. - Nutrient deficiency: a lack of important nutrients can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Give the plant some plant food from time to time, especially during the growing season, to keep it healthy and green.

How often should I water a Sansevieria?

A Sansevieria requires very little water: usually once every 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the season and the humidity in your home. Thanks to its thick, fleshy leaves, the plant can store water and provide itself with moisture for a long time. In summer, the plant needs a little more water, about once every 3 weeks. In winter, once every 6 weeks is sufficient. Always check the top layer of soil first: if it feels dry, it's time to water.

What is the ideal temperature for a Sansevieria?

18–24°C is the desired temperature for the snake plant.

Why isn't my snake plant growing?

If you notice that your Sansevieria is barely growing, there could be several factors at play: - Insufficient light: although Sansevieria can tolerate shade reasonably well, it still needs light to grow. Too little natural light can slow down the growth process. Place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light for optimal growth. - Insufficient nutrition: like other plants, snake plants need nutrients to develop properly. A lack of fertiliser can lead to slow or stunted growth. Therefore, give the plant some plant food from time to time, especially during the growing season. - Irregular watering: both too much and too little water can inhibit growth. Overwatering can cause root rot, while too little water will cause the plant to dry out. Check the soil regularly and water when the top layer feels dry. - Temperature problems: Sansevieria grows best at average room temperatures. Conditions that are too cold or too warm can slow growth or even cause damage. Keep the plant away from draughty windows and heat sources.

Is lady's mantle dangerous for pets?

The plant is poisonous if ingested and can cause vomiting and other unpleasant side effects. So be careful if you have pets or small children.

Why are the leaves falling off my Sansevieria?

Older leaves die off naturally. Check the water, light and temperature if healthy leaves are falling off.

Can a snake plant flower?

A Sansevieria rarely flowers. If it does, it is usually in summer in mature plants. The flowers are white or yellow and fragrant.

Can I put a Sansevieria outside?

This is only possible during the warmer months. Bring the plant indoors when temperatures drop below 15°C.

How big does a Sansevieria grow?

You can expect it to grow about 30 cm per year. The growth of the snake plant is slow but steady, so it will not grow metres high.

Everything you need to know about the snake plant

The Sansevieria is almost indestructible and ideal for anyone who loves an easy houseplant. Thanks to its robust, succulent leaves it can even survive periods of drought.

Best spot for the Sansevieria

This plant grows well in both bright light and partial shade, but avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. A spot with filtered daylight or a north- or east-facing window is ideal. Whether the plant stands in a bright or a shady place, it feels at home almost anywhere. Interestingly, the location can influence the leaf colour! In sunlight the leaves become lighter, while in a shady spot they take on a slightly darker colour.

Watering the snake plant

The Sansevieria stores water in its thick leaves, which means it needs very little water. In summer once every 3 weeks is enough, in winter often only once every 6 weeks. Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Humidity and temperature

This plant is not demanding when it comes to humidity and copes well with dry air. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 24°C, but the plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures for a while. Make sure the plant is not standing in a draught, because it does not like that. So never place it right next to a radiator or air conditioning.

Is the Sansevieria toxic?

The snake plant is mildly toxic to people and pets. The plant contains saponins, substances that can cause irritation if swallowed. In children or pets this can lead to mild stomach and intestinal complaints, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Touching the leaves is generally safe, but it is wise to prevent the plant from being eaten. Does that still feel a bit risky, and would you rather not have to keep an eye on the plant and your pet? Then take a look at our pet-friendly houseplants!

Pot and soil for the snake plant

Well-draining potting soil is important. A mix of standard potting soil with some vulcastrat or clay pebbles works perfectly. Choose a pot that gives the roots enough room, but not too large, so the plant concentrates its energy on its leaves.

Feeding the Sansevieria

During the active growing season, occasionally give a small amount of liquid plant food, for example once every 4–6 weeks. In winter this is not necessary.

Repotting the snake plant

Repotting is only needed every 2–3 years, or when the plant outgrows its pot. Spring is the best time to do this, because the plant is then in its growing period.

For all the tips on repotting, read our blog ‘How to repot your plant’.

Pruning the Sansevieria

Pruning is usually not necessary. Remove any damaged or dead leaves by cutting them off close to the base with a sharp, clean knife or a pair of scissors. This way you prevent bacterial infections and the plant can keep growing healthily.

Propagating the snake plant

The wonderful Sansevieria is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings or by dividing the root ball. Cut off a healthy leaf and place it in soil or water until roots appear.

For the full explanation on taking cuttings, read our blog full of tips and a step-by-step plan.

Common problems with the Sansevieria

Root rot: often caused by too much water. Provide well-draining soil and a pot with drainage.
Yellow leaves: can be caused by too much or too little water, too little light or a nutrient deficiency.
Brown leaf tips: usually caused by air that is too dry or by irregular watering.