Snake Plant Size| How To Take Care Of Making Them Large?

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Hey Smith,  What are you doing?  Hello Maria, nothing is very important. Why are you looking frustrated?  Do you remember, you told me snake plants are a very good choice for indoor spaces? Yes, I still say that but what’s the problem? 

After our last meeting, I bought 5 snake plants for my home. Three of them were 8 inches only and 2 were 1 feet tall. And today, after 65 days they are still the same size. Why is my snake plant size not increasing?

Snake Plant Size

If you are also thinking about the same issue, then stay tuned with us to find a proper solution.

At A Glance:

  • Larger snake plants exceeding 4 feet can be striking focal points in spacious areas.
  • Small snake plants are ideal for desks, shelves, or small tabletops.
  • Different snake plant varieties have different sizes, ranging from compact dwarf varieties to taller ones.

What Is The Average Snake Plant Size?

Snake plants are very popular houseplants for their distinctive appearance and air purifying ability.  These succulent plants are native to the tropical regions of  Africa, Asia, and Australia. And they are commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongues. They have long, sword-shaped leaves that grow upright and vary in shape, color, pattern, and size. 

There are over 70 species of snake plants and more than 30 types of snake plants are very popular for indoor spaces. The noticeable matter is all of these different types have different sizes. And different snake plant characteristics are also different. 

What Is The Average Snake Plant Size

For example, there are some miniature cultiver of snake plants such as Draceane trifasciata hahnii, and Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’. These plants have compact rosette leaves that grow up to 15 inches tall. This is a small snake plant.

On the contrary, snake plant max size are also available that can grow up to 12 feet tall such as Sansevieria Bacularis, Sansevieria Ehrenbergii, Sansevieria Trifasciata Prain, and Sansevieria Stuckyi when grown outdoors. Size can also impact the snake plant price. 

Let’s come to the point. The average snake plant size depends on the species and the growing conditions. The average size of a snake plant ranges from 2 to 4 feet in height, with leaves typically spanning 1 to 2 inches in width. 

What Factors Influence The Size Of A Snake Plant?

I told Maria what type of snake plant you have planted at your home. I don’t know, I just saw their look and decided to add them to my room. But I take care of them properly, regularly, I water them and fertilize them too. 

You are doing wrong. Snake plants are renowned for their resilience in different environmental conditions and they don’t need extra care like other plants. They have only a few requirements for maintaining their size and overall health. 

The following factors can influence the size of your snake plant: 

  • Species and variety
  • Pot size and materials
  • Soil composition and drainage
  • Light exposure and temperature
  • Watering and fertilizing habits

Species And Variety

As I said above, species and variety can greatly influence the size of your snake plants. There are over 70 varieties of snake plants, each with different sizes and shapes. Also the placement of snake plants also varies. Just like snake plant size for bedroom different than outdoor.

Some can grow up to 12 feet tall, while others are only a few inches high. 

Specifically, Dracaena angolensis is a variety that has long, cylindrical greyish-green leaves with light green stripes. It can grow up to 6-7 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. And Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ can grow up to 1.5 feet tall. 

If you plant a dwarf snake plant cultiver, then it won’t become as long as you want after providing adequate environmental conditions. 

Pot Size and Materials

The pot size and material can also influence the size of a snake plant in several ways. Snake plants like to be crowded in their pots. It can help them to grow faster and taller. If your plant’s pot is too small, the roots of snake plants will not get enough space to absorb water and nutrients. Even the pot can break sometimes. 

Additionally, pot material can affect the drainage and moisture retention of the soil. Terracotta pots are porous, they can prevent root rot by absorbing water from the soil. But Plastic containers are non-porous and can retain moisture longer. It can also your snake plant benefits in dry conditions. In some cases, it can be a cause of overwatering. 

Soil Composition And Drainage

Soil is the most important factor for the proper growth of any plant. Drainage is also an important factor that can influence the size of your snake plant.

Snake plants need well-draining potting mix with organic matter such as peat moss, compost, or well-rotted leaf mold. Proper drainage and soil composition encourage robust root development. 

If you don’t provide the optimal soil composition and drainage, your plant’s growth will be stunted. 

Light Exposure And Temperature

Snake plants are native to regions of Africa, where they have adapted to survive in harsh conditions. They can tolerate low light and high heat, but they prefer bright indirect sunlight and warm temperatures for optimal growth.

Light exposure and temperature are two factors that can play a vital role in the growth of your snake plant. Light exposure affects the photosynthesis and growth rate of snake plants. Plants can convert light energy into chemical energy, which snake plant uses to produce new leaves and roots. But direct sunlight can be too intense for your snake plants. It can cause sunburn or leaf distortion in your plants. 

Snake plants prefer temperatures between 50°F to 100°F. If you can’t provide them with adequate light and temperature, then it will influence the size of your snake plant. 

Watering and fertilizing habits

Some people, especially beginners, think that the more they water their plants the more they will grow. But this is just a misconception. Snake plants are drought-tolerant succulent plants that can store water in their leaves and roots. Snake plants do not need frequent watering

If you don’t know how to water snake plants, you might give them excess water. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can stop your plant from growing. If you wanna ensure the right watering schedule then get self watering pots and snake plants.

Fertilizing your snake plant can provide extra nutrients for their growth and development. Snake plants do not need much fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and leaves, and too little can cause stunted growth. 

How Does The Size Of A Snake Plant Impact Its Suitability For Different Spaces?

Do you know that different sizes of snake plants have various good sides?  Different places deserve different sizes of plants. And aesthetic minded persons are always looking for the perfect size for their specific place. 

While snake plants have architectural hardy leaves and the ability to thrive in different environments, people like to decorate their interior with these plants. The size of a snake plant can impact its suitability for different spaces in many ways: 

  • Compact Spaces: There are various snake plant small size available. They are ideal plants for compact spaces such as desks, shelves, or small tabletops.
  • Medium-Sized Plants for Living Areas: Medium-sized snake plants like Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ are typically between 2 to 4 feet in height. They work well in living rooms, bedrooms, or larger tabletops. 
  • Tall Varieties as Focal Points: Larger snake plants that can exceed 4 feet in height can serve as striking focal points in larger spaces like living rooms or entrance areas. 
  • Floor and Corner Spaces: For giving an elegant touch to your room corners and floor, you can add Taller snake plants there with a more significant footprint.
  • Indoor Gardens and Atriums: In spacious indoor gardens or atriums, you can choose different sizes of snake plants to create a variation that also looks good. 
  • Workspaces and Offices: Are you thinking about which size of snake plants will be suitable for your office or workspaces? Compact to medium-sized snake plants are popular choices for workspaces and offices due to their adaptability to smaller surfaces. 

Not only aesthetically but also functionally and for maintenance the size of a snake plant impacts its suitability for different spaces.

Varieties Of Snake Plants And Their Size

When I went to buy my snake plants, I didn’t know which variety can grow for how long. Can you please tell me about the size of different snake plant varieties? 

Generally, snake plants come in many varieties and sizes. They are also known as Dracaena or Sansevieria. They can grow from some inches to up to 12 feet tall. Let’s see some popular types of snake plants and their sizes:

Varieties Of Snake Plants And Their Size
  • Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’: They are commonly known as the Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. They have striking upright long leaves, and sword-shaped foliage with distinctive yellow margins. They can grow up to 4 feet tall. 
  • Dracaena Angolensi:  They are also known as the cylindrical snake plant. This  African spear plants is a succulent plant that native to Angola. They can grow  1 inch wide and up to 7 feet tall.
  • Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Hahnii’: ‘Hahnii’, are known as bird’s nest snake plant. These are the dwarf varieties of sansevieria. And they can grow up to 1.5 feet in height. 
  • Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Gold’: Black Gold Snake Plants typically range from 24 inches to several feet in height, depending on environmental conditions and care.
  • Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Moonshine’: Moonshine is another widely available cultiver that collectors love because of the stunning wide silvery-gray foliage. In optimal care, they can grow up to 2 feet tall. 
  • Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’: If you are looking for a compact but eye-catching variety of snake plants, then you can consider this dwarf cultiver ‘Twisted Sister’. They are easy to care for, and their size can be up to 15 inches tall.
  • Dracaena Bacularis: They are also a popular cultivar of snake plants. You will be rewarded with tall, thin, cylindrical leaves that are dark green with yellow stripes of this snake plant. They can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) high.

These are only a few popular varieties of snake plants and there are some more varieties, and you can choose one as you like. 

Size Differences Between Snake Plants Grown Indoors And Those Grown Outdoors

Snake plants are hardy succulent plants, and many varieties are adapted to grow both indoors and outdoors. There are size differences between snake plants grown indoors and those grown outdoors:

AspectsIndoor snake plantOutdoor snake plant
Size RangeThey are smaller due to container size.They Can reach larger sizes with more space to grow.
HeightThey are often limited by ceiling height or space.They Can grow taller, especially in optimal conditions.
Spread/WidthCan’t spread freely for boundary of containerCan spread more freely in gardens or landscapes.
Foliage DensityThey have compact growth in limited space in the leaves.They Can develop a more expansive and fuller appearance.
Growth RateThey get limited resources in indoor so they grow slowerPotentially faster growth with ample sunlight and nutrients.
Maintenance ConsiderationsThey require more attention to watering and nutrients.Typically less maintenance as they can access natural resources.

Care Guidance Of Snake Plant To Make It Large

Now tell me how what can I do to make my snake plants large. How to care for snake plant?

– Well, If you want to make your snake plant larger, then you can follow these care guidance: 

Care Guidance Of Snake Plant To Make It Large
  • Choose the Right Variety: Though many snake plant varieties are naturally dwarf, you have to choose a snake plant variety that has the potential to grow to a larger size, such as Sansevieria trifasciata or Sansevieria cylindrica.
  • Optimal Lighting: Move your snake plant in bright, indirect light. While snake plants tolerate low light conditions, they grow best with ample sunlight. You should avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves.
  • Well-Draining Soil: You can use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A cactus or succulent mix is suitable for your snake plants.
  • Adequate Watering: Snake plants are succulent and drought-tolerant plants. They like being underwater rather than overwater. Consider watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Proper Pot Size: Well, then, do snake plants like big or small pots? No, they don’t. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is no more than ¼ – ⅓ larger than your plant’s root ball. It allows roots to spread comfortably.
  • Temperature and Humidity: Ensure your room temperature is between 15-25°C or 60-75°F. And maintain at least 50% humidity levels in your room. 
  • Fertilization: Feed your snake plant with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) every 4-6 weeks.
  • Pruning: Trimming any damaged or yellowing leaves can encourage new growth. Pruning helps maintain the plant’s appearance and redirects energy to healthier parts.
  • Pest Control: Monitor for pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. If present, treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Rotate your plant: Rotate your snake plant periodically to ensure all sides receive equal sunlight. This encourages balanced growth and prevents your plant from leaning toward the light source.

In a nutshell, it’s crucial to know how to care for snake plant indoor?  Adequate growth can take time, so you have to be patient and observe the plant’s response to care adjustments. Monitor for signs of stress or overwatering to make your snake plants larger. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can The Size Of A Snake Plant Affect Its Care Requirements?

Yes, the size of a snake plant can affect its care requirements in several ways. For example, larger snake plants may need more water, more light, and more space than smaller ones. 

How Big Can Snake Plant Get?

Snake plants are popular indoor plants that can grow quite large in optimal conditions. Snake plant big size is up to 8 feet high when grown indoors and 12 feet when planted outdoors.

Do Snake Plants Grow Fast?

Snake plants are generally slow-growing plants, especially when kept indoors or in low light conditions. However, they can grow faster and taller when exposed to bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.

Do Snake Plants Stay Small?

The answer is no. Snake plants can grow in various sizes, depending on the variety and the care they receive. Some snake plants can grow up to five feet tall, while others can stay as small as one foot or less.

Conclusion

Let’s finish it today: various types of snake plants are very useful for us. As these snake plants have various benefits, you can decorate your interior with these incredible houseplants. Different snake plant sizes and shapes will give an aesthetic appearance in your indoor spaces. Additionally, they are easy to care for. 

But they have some requirements for growing more efficiently. By following the care guidance that I shared in the article, you can make your snake plants larger. To know more info, stay connected with plant_tricks.

Raina Trick

Written by

Raina Trick

Meet Rayna Trick: Your Indoor Plant Whisperer! With her roots in environmental science and a passion for exotic succulents, she’s the Green Thumb of the Year. Rayna’s here to be your plant companion, sharing her expertise and nurturing your green oasis at PlantTrick. Let’s make your indoor space bloom, one leaf at a time, together!

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