How Does a Snake Plant Grow?
When I first got into houseplants, snake plants were the one thing I couldn’t kill. I loved how low-maintenance they were, but I was also curious—how do snake plants grow, and do they eventually spread out?
When I first got into houseplants, snake plants were the one thing I couldn’t kill. I loved how low-maintenance they were, but I was also curious—how do snake plants grow, and do they eventually spread out?
After growing several varieties for a few years, I’ve come to understand exactly how they grow—and yes, they do spread. But it’s not like a creeping vine or fast-spreading pothos.
Snake plants have their own unique rhythm.
Let’s walk through it from a plant parent’s perspective.
Unlike some plants that send out vines or branches, snake plants grow by pushing new leaves up from the soil line.
These new “spears” start tightly rolled and slowly unfurl over time.
What’s interesting is how they grow in clumps. You might start with a few tall leaves, but soon you’ll see new growth popping up right next to the original ones—forming a tight bunch. It’s neat and tidy, but over time it starts filling out the pot.
🌿 Snake plants grow vertically, not wide.
New leaves emerge straight from the soil in upright clusters.
Yes, snake plants spread, but they do it slowly and underground. They send out rhizomes—thick, horizontal roots that travel just below the soil. From these, new shoots (called pups) emerge.
You won’t always notice it at first, but one day you’ll see a small leaf pushing through the soil off to the side. That’s your plant spreading. Over time, the entire pot can fill with pups, making it look like the plant is multiplying on its own.
I’ve found that snake plants spread more readily when they have room to grow. A tight pot keeps them compact, but if you upsize a little and give them rich, well-draining soil, they’ll reward you with new growth across the pot.
That said, they actually like being a bit root-bound, so I don’t rush to repot unless roots are pushing out the drainage holes or the plant is starting to crack the container!
🌱 Yes, snake plants spread—slowly.
They grow underground rhizomes that push up new baby shoots over time.
One of my favorite things about snake plants is how easy they are to propagate. Once the pups are a few inches tall and have their own roots, you can divide them from the main plant and repot them separately.
I’ve gifted several pups to friends, and they’ve all rooted and thrived like little green clones of the parent plant.
You can also grow them from leaf cuttings, but in my experience, pups are faster and more reliable.
🪴 A tight pot keeps it neat.
Snake plants like to be root-bound. Only repot when they outgrow the container.
Don’t expect wild, rapid growth with snake plants. They’re slow growers, especially in low light or during winter. But with bright, indirect light and good care, you’ll notice steady changes—new leaves every few months, and pups pushing up more frequently.
During spring and summer, I usually notice a spike in new growth, especially after I refresh the soil or give them a gentle fertilizer boost.
🌱 What Helps Snake Plants Grow Better
Here’s what I’ve found makes a real difference:
Bright, indirect light (not direct sun)
Allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings
Occasional fertilizing in spring and summer
A snug pot that’s not too big, with good drainage
Snake plants don’t ask for much—but the better the environment, the more they grow.
After a year or two, most of my snake plants start to feel cramped. That’s usually when I’ll divide them or move them to a slightly larger pot. The cool part? When I do, the new space encourages even more spreading.
It’s a slow expansion, but it’s satisfying to watch your one plant turn into five without any extra effort.
🌸 Bonus: Sometimes They Even Bloom
I’ve even had a couple snake plants bloom after a few years of good care. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it feels like a reward for patience.
And yes, the flowers smell amazing—like sweet jasmine!
So, how does a snake plant grow? Slowly, steadily, and from the base up.
And do snake plants spread? Definitely—but they take their time, sending out new pups from hidden rhizomes underground.
If you’re patient and give your plant the right care, it’ll quietly take over its pot—and maybe even your whole shelf.
✂️ Got pups? Propagate them!
You can divide and pot up snake plant babies once they have their own roots.
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
One Response
It’s interesting that snake plants can spread over time! I’ve noticed mine putting out new shoots, but I wasn’t sure if that was a normal growth pattern. It’s always nice to see a plant thrive like that.