Snake plants are one of the most popular indoor plants because they are low-maintenance, hardy, and stylish. Whether you’re new to houseplants or already have a collection, knowing the right care steps will keep your snake plant thriving for years.
👉 In short: Snake plants don’t ask for much, but if you give them the right balance of light, water, and soil, they’ll stay healthy for years. Indoors, it’s really about paying attention to little details like airflow, dust, and stable placement. Once you find the sweet spot, your snake plant pretty much takes care of itself.
Snake plants are one of those houseplants I often recommend to beginners because they’re both tough and beautiful.
But even though they don’t demand much, I’ve learned over time that they still have their own quirks.
When I first started growing them, I thought I could just “set and forget,” but I quickly realized that understanding their rhythm makes a huge difference in how healthy and vibrant they look.
The first thing to know is that snake plants like to dry out between waterings.
I always stick my finger into the soil; if the top couple of inches feel dry, then it’s time to water. And when I do water, I give them a deep soak, letting the excess drain away completely.
What I don’t do is leave them sitting in a saucer full of water; that’s the fastest way to cause root rot, and snake plants are really sensitive to that.
I’ve seen my snake plants survive in dark corners, but honestly, they thrive when they get bright, indirect sunlight.
A spot near a window with filtered light usually makes them grow faster and produce stronger, greener leaves.
That said, I also have one in my office under fluorescent lighting, and it’s been holding up just fine—so they’re flexible, which is why people call them “indestructible.”
When it comes to soil, I like to use a well-draining mix, usually a cactus or succulent blend.
Sometimes I add extra perlite or pumice to keep the soil airy.
This way, even if I accidentally water a bit too often, the soil doesn’t stay soggy for long.
Another tip I’ve picked up is not to fuss too much with fertilizers.
A gentle houseplant fertilizer once every month or two during the growing season (spring and summer) is more than enough.
In winter, I usually skip it altogether because the plant naturally slows down.
And yes, snake plants are very low-maintenance when it comes to pruning.
If I see a leaf that’s turning yellow or looking damaged, I just cut it off at the base.
Sometimes, trimming away an older leaf even encourages new pups to sprout from the soil, which is always exciting.
🪴 Did you know?
Snake plants grow fastest in bright, indirect light—low light keeps them alive, but growth crawls.
Caring for a snake plant indoors isn’t complicated, but it’s different from keeping them outside. Indoors, they’re usually in less airflow and controlled lighting, so I make small adjustments.
For example, inside my apartment, the air can get quite dry in winter. Snake plants don’t really mind low humidity, but I’ve noticed that if the air is too dry for too long, the leaf tips can brown. In that case, I sometimes move them a little farther from heating vents or mist lightly (though not too much, since extra water on leaves and soil can lead to fungus).
Placement also matters.
Indoors, I avoid putting them directly against a cold window in winter or right in front of a blazing hot one in summer. A steady, moderate environment works best. Snake plants don’t like sudden changes, so if I’m moving them around, I try to do it gradually.
Another thing about indoor care is dust. Since snake plant leaves are broad and upright, they tend to collect dust quickly. Every now and then, I wipe them down with a damp cloth so they can breathe and photosynthesize properly. It’s a small step, but it makes a visible difference in how fresh the plant looks.
Finally, I think the key to keeping a snake plant happy indoors is just respecting its pace. It’s not a fast grower, and that’s okay. I’ve had some for years that stayed about the same size but stayed perfectly healthy. To me, the appeal is in their low effort but high reward nature—they look striking in any room without demanding constant attention.
🌞 Care hack:
Let the soil dry out completely before watering; in cooler months, that can mean every 2–3+ weeks.
🌿Potting tip:
A cactus/succulent mix (or regular mix amended with perlite/pumice) helps prevent root rot.
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
