How To Grow Snake Plant? (Fastest Growing Tips)

Last weekend, I wandered through the vibrant maze of a local garden center. I wanted to decorate my indoor space with beautiful plants. A row of tall, architectural plants with bold green and yellow striped leaves immediately snagged my eye. 

But before I did, I asked the gardener about how to grow snake plants.

Now, armed with expert knowledge, I’m here to share everything I learned about growing snake plants indoors and how fast they grow. So, read on to learn all about it.

Are Snake Plants Slow-Growing?

During our conversation, I casually asked him if snake plants grow slowly. Yes, snake plants, also known as dracaena trifasciata, are generally considered slow growers. On average, they grow about 2 to 6 inches per year, depending on various factors, such as bright light, temperature, and soil conditions. 

In optimal conditions with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, they tend to grow faster. They might be 8 inches to 1 foot tall. Conversely, in low light or poor soil conditions, growth may be slower, like 1-2 inches tall per year. So, you gotta be specific about what light you are giving to you snake plant.

Additionally, the variety of snake plants can affect their growth rate.  Some species may grow slightly faster than others. For example: 

• Nest snake plant: They are renowned for their compact size. They generally have a slower growth rate compared to other varieties. On average, around 1 to 2 inches per year.
• Dracaena trifasciata Laurentii: Sometimes called the variegated snake plant or striped mother-in-law’s tongue. They can grow up to 4 feet tall and can be 4-8 inches tall per year. 

Despite their slow growth, snake plants are prized for their resilience and ability to thrive in low-light environments. It makes them popular choices for indoor settings. 

With proper care and patience, they can eventually reach impressive heights. But their slow growth rate contributes to their reputation as low-maintenance houseplants.

Why Is My Snake Plant Not Growing?

The gardener also said to me, that while snake plants are resilient, many planters complain their plants are not growing. I eagerly asked, why? And how to grow snake plant faster? 

There are a few reasons why your snake plant might be stagnating. And before buying this one, you should know about these potential reasons. 

The most common culprits are incorrect watering and using the wrong temperature water. Snake plants are succulents, so they thrive on neglect when it comes to moisture. Overwatering is a big threat. It can lead to root rot even can cause snake plant leaves curl, which can halt growth entirely. So, you need to have proper watering sessions for snake plants.

Light can also be a factor. While they’re known for tolerating low-light, they still need some indirect sunlight to photosynthesise and grow. If you keep them in a dark corner, it may thrive, but their growth will be stunted. 

Other things to consider are pot size, temperature, and nutrients. Snake plants prefer to be slightly root bound. So, a pot that’s too big can stunt growth. Also cold temperatures and lack of fertiliser during the growing season can slow things down. By checking these factors and adjusting your care routine, you should be able to get your snake plant thriving again.

How To Grow a Snake Plant?

We are getting busier day by day. Growing plants indoors is a great way to spend your leisure time with nature. And if the plant is a beneficial snake plant, then even better. Because you can grow them easily. Let’s see how to grow snake plants: 

Grow Snake Plant Faster 

you can encourage your snake plant to grow a bit faster with some adjustments. The key is mimicking their natural environment.  

You have to provide them with bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Consider a spot near a south-facing window where they won’t get burnt by direct afternoon sun.  

Then ensure they’re planted in a well-draining cactus mix or a general houseplant mix with added perlite. Water thoroughly only when the soil dries out completely, typically every 2-3 weeks. If you are wondering how to grow snake plants taller, you have to take care of them correctly.

During the active growing season (spring and summer), you can give them a light boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied once a month. Consider trimming snake plant if your snake’s green leaves become yellow with brown edges.  

Remember, these tips promote faster growth, but snake plants naturally grow at a moderate pace. So, be patient and enjoy the architectural beauty they bring to your space!

How To Grow Snake Plant In Water?

Can snake plants grow in water? Yes, you can. Growing snake plants in water is possible, but specific care is required. So, how to grow snake plant in water without soil? First, select a healthy leaf section with at least 2-3 leaves. 

Then, use sterilized shears to make a clean cut near the base of the plant. Gently remove any lower leaves that will be submerged in water later. Now, prepare a clear container like a vase. The key is to submerge the bottom half of the cutting while the leaves remain dry. 

After that fill the container with fresh, room temperature tap water (around 68-77°F / 20-25°C) that sits for 24 hours to remove chlorine. 

It’s time to place your cutting in the container. Then, position it in bright, indirect sunlight (avoid harsh rays). The crucial step is refreshing the water every 3-4 days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth. 

You can even add a few drops of diluted liquid fertiliser every other water change to give your new plant a boost. 

This process may take time, so be patient! Roots can take weeks to develop. But with proper care like given below, you’ll see your water-propagate snake plant thriving. 

How To Grow Snake Plant From Cutting?

So, how do you grow a snake plant from a cutting? There are two main ways to propagate or grow new plants: cutting a snake plant in water or cutting it in soil. Both methods are successful, so you can choose whichever best suits your preference.

For water propagation, follow the above process. 

To grow in soil, follow these instructions: 

You have to start by selecting a healthy mature plant and cutting a leaf into sections. 

You also need to ensure each section is at least 2-3 inches long. Then allow the cuttings to dry for 1-2 days to form calluses. This can help prevent rotting when planted. 

Now, Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining 50% potting soil with 25% perlite or coarse sand and 25% peat moss or coco coir. This mixture ensures proper aeration and moisture retention for the developing roots. 

After that, fill a small pot with the soil mixture, leaving about an inch from the rim. Then, insert the cuttings into the soil, burying about an inch deep, and gently pat the soil around them to secure. 

Now, it’s time to water the soil lightly.  Ensure it’s moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. 

You have to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and within a few weeks, new growth should emerge. It indicates successful rooting. 

Once established, gradually reduce watering frequency. When your plant outgrows its pot, transplant it into a larger container. You can even try those to grow snake plant outside.

How To Grow Snake Plant From Seed?

You also can grow your snake plants from seeds. However, it can be challenging due to their infrequent production indoors. But if you’re keen to try, here’s a simplified approach.

Firstly, acquiring good seeds is crucial. You can find snake plant seeds online or from speciality plant nurseries. Ensure they’re fresh and viable by checking for plumpness and avoiding any signs of mould or damage. 

Once you have the seeds, prepare a potting mix consisting of equal parts potting soil and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage. Fill small pots with this mix, leaving some space at the top. 

Then, gently press the seeds onto the soil surface without covering them. Because they need light to germinate, water lightly whenever the top layer feels dry to keep the soil consistently moist. 

Now place the pots in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. This method is less popular because germination can take several weeks to months. 

Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with proper care. As they grow, transplant the seedlings into larger containers. Make sure to space them appropriately. 

While growing snake plants from seeds may take time and patience. It can be a rewarding experience for plant enthusiasts.

How To Boost Growth Of Snake Plant?

A question was swirling in my mind. I am a beginner And I don’t know how to take care of this plant. So tell me, how can I boost the growth of my snake plant? 

Well, boosting the growth of your snake plants is totally related to proper care of your plants. You have to know when and how many things they need. 

You can follow these step to boost growth of your snake plant: 

• Give Proper Light
• Give Drainage
• Right Potting Mix
• Water Perfectly
• Feed Snake Plant Perfectly

Step 1: Give Proper Light

Snake plants are known for tolerating low light. But for faster growth, they crave brighter environments. Ideally, aim for 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. This can be achieved by placing your snake plant near a south or east-facing window.

Direct sunlight for a couple of hours in the morning is okay. But you should avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. The extra light provides more energy for photosynthesis, which can fuel faster growth and even encourage your snake plant to bloom.

Step 2: Give Drainage

Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, a major enemy of fast growth. Choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. Terracotta pots are a great choice. Because they allow for good air circulation and prevent the soil from staying soggy. When repotting, select a pot only 1-2 inches wider than the root ball. Using a pot that’s too big can lead to overwatering and stunted growth.

Step 3: Right Potting Mix

Additionally, snake plants prefer a well-draining potting mix.  A good option is a cactus or succulent mix which allows for proper aeration and drainage. You can also create your own mix using equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This ensures the roots have enough space to breathe and prevents water from pooling around them. 

Step 4: Water Perfectly

Snake plants are drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot. So, water deeply when the soil feels completely dry to the touch.  This watering method encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, searching for moisture. Then, avoid leaving the plant sitting in water, and empty any water that collects in the drainage tray. You can sometimes use coffee to snake plants to boost their growth.

Step 5: Feed Snake Plant Perfectly

Snake plants are not heavy feeders. Light feeding during the growing season (spring and summer) can give them a boost. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. You can also use kitchen waste, like coffee. 

By following these steps, you can create ideal conditions for your snake plant to thrive and reach its full growth potential.

How Do Snake Plants Reproduce?

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, you can regrow a snake plant in a few ways:

• Division: This is the most common and successful method. Mature snake plants produce pups or offsets around the base. You can carefully remove the mother plant from its pot. Then, divide the rhizome (underground stem) with sharp tools into sections with leaves and roots, and repot them in separate containers.
• Leaf cuttings: This is another popular method.  Cut a healthy leaf and allow the cut end to callus over (form a dry, protective layer) for a few days. You can then propagate the leaf in two ways:
• Water propagation: Place the calloused end of the leaf cutting in a container of water. Ensure only the bottom part is submerged. Roots will develop over time, and you can then transfer the sprout to soil.
• Soil propagation: Cut the leaf into sections (around 2 inches each) and lay them horizontally on well-draining potting mix. Burying about half the section. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and new shoots should emerge from the buried portion.
• Seeds (least common): Seed propagation is the least common method because its germination times are slow (up to 6 weeks) and its success rates are lower.

Care Guidance Of Snake Plant

As you are a beginner you have to know how to take care of your  snake plant. So that you can protect them from potential risk. Here’s how to care for your snake plant:

• Watering: Water only when the soil is completely dry. Aim for every 2 weeks, but adjust based on season and pot size. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger in a few inches – water only if it feels dry.
• Light: Ensure your plants are getting at least 4-6 hours of bright indirect sunlight. 
• Temperature:  Thrives in warm temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C and 32°C). Protect from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix is crucial. A cactus mix or a general houseplant mix with added perlite for drainage works well.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years when your plant outgrows its pot, typically in spring. Choose a pot with drainage holes only slightly larger than the root ball.
• Fertiliser: Feed sparingly during spring and summer. Use a diluted dose of balanced liquid. Snake plants do need fertiliser once a month.
• Humidity: Average household humidity (30-50%) is fine. You can occasionally mist the leaves with water, but it’s optional.
• Cleaning: Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Final Thoughts

Snake plants are a great choice for beginners. Once you learn how to grow a snake plant, you can easily brighten your indoor space with this incredible houseplant. They are low maintenance and don’t care if you neglect them. 

You can also increase their number by reproducing. You don’t need previous experience to reproduce a snake plant. You can boost their growth by following some of the easiest steps. Follow the care guidance to enjoy a happy and healthy snake plant. Stay with Planttrick for more updates like this.