Are Snake Plants Considered Succulents? Complete Guide
Last Updated on July 27, 2024
Snake plant, Sansevieria, or mother-in-law’s tongue are interchangeably used terms. Sansevieria’s are considered succulents because of their ability to store water in their long thick leaves, stems and roots. This plant has proven itself to thrive under severely dry and hot climatic conditions.
Snake plant comes in different varieties. From small, thin, and cylindrical patterned leaves to tall and broad fleshy foliage, they give an eye-catching look to your garden. Some species of snake plants can be placed indoors to improve air quality.
Besides, snake plants are grown to make your yard a snake-free or insect-free zone. Due to their sharp pointed leaves, they repel these creatures from getting entry into the area where they are planted.
Sansevierias can grow between 6 inches to four feet. They take enough time to grow and can thrive in medium to bright light. But be aware that scorching heat can affect the plant health negatively.
What Are Succulents?
Succulent plants are mostly found in Asia, Africa, and South America. They love to blossom in sandy and less humid soil. There are a variety of succulents that you can grow inside and outside the house.
As these plants do not seek that much attention, it is the best option for those who are beginners in the world of home gardening.
What is the best way to grow a snake plant?
Watering regime
Watering snake plants may depend on the soil and climatic conditions of the area you live in. In tropical areas, your plant can sustain for around 6 weeks without watering it.
If you live in a place where climate is cold enough, try not to water your plant until one-third of its soil feels completely dry. On the other hand, if the weather is warm or ample sunlight can access your plant water twice in a week.
But keep aware of the fact that snake plant is succulent, over watering the plant can lead to root rotting and eventually lead to its death.
Temperature needed by snake plant
Snake plants show sensitivity to extremely cold temperatures. It can endure between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A wintry place can be an unsympathetic habitat for this plant. It can affect its growth cycle negatively. As it loves to bloom inside the house.
Light conditions required for growth of snake plant
Snake plants have photophobia. They can do well in moderate and indirect light. Direct and excessive exposure to Sunlight may lead to sunburn of its leaves. Consequently affects its growth process.
Soil snake plants love to reside in
Snake plants like sandy, porous, and less humid soils. Their roots hate closely tight soils. It must be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5 for better growth.
Humidity needed by Sansevierias
Like us humans, snake plant likes to live in humidity between 30 to 50 percent. Usually, the average level of humidity in our homes coincides with this range. High levels of humidity can cause yellowing of the leaves. You may also observe the shrinking and withering of the leaves.
Keep in notice that a balanced humidity is needed to ensure the effective growth of Sansevierias. Use of cool mist humidifier in case of highly humid environments.
Fertilizer needed for snake plants
Snake plants have little or no need for fertilizer. You can only add it if you want to enhance its growth. But make sure that you are using the right fertilizer for your plant with low nitrogen content.
In winter the plant’s growth becomes dormant, so never feed it in the cold season. In summers when the plant is in blooming phase add all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Repotting procedure for snake plants
It is not necessary to shift your snake plant if the pot it is already in is not affecting its growth. But for snake plants, better health conditions try to change the soil every two to three years.
Transfer it to a pot which is at least two times bigger than the previous one. What’s more important is it must have well-designed drainage holes at the bottom that will allow excess water to flow out it.
FAQs
Are snake plants Cactus?
It is a frequently asked question Are Snake Plants Cactus or not? They indeed share some common features. But they do not belong to the same species.
Where do I place my snake plant?
Snake plants flourish best in environments with bright and indirect light. It is ideal to place it near a window in the east or west direction. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves and bring the plant in shock.
How do I know if my snake plant is over-watered or under-watered?
Unlike other plants, Snake plants are comfortable for not being watered for a long period. However, they may react when you overfeed them. Their leaves show rusty colour and become droopy.
On the other hand, when you overwater the plant it may lead to root rot. The colour of the leaves becomes pale. The leaves will start to curl due to ample storage of water in them.
One smart tip is that insert your finger one and a half inches deep into the soil. If you feel the soil is dry and non-sticky, water the plant.
How to clean Sansevieria snake plants?
Snake plants are very sensitive. Do not try to clean its leaves using any chemicals. Instead, use a clean piece of cloth to clear the dust gently.
Conclusion
If you have a hectic routine or you are a beginner but still want to do gardening. Snake plants are among a few of the plants that you can choose. They need less maintenance and are easy to care.
What makes snake plants more popular is they filter the air by giving out oxygen even at night time. So the best thing is you can place them in your bedrooms.