The Snake Plant is an ultra-tough, architectural houseplant with long, upright, sword-like leaves that grow in bold rosettes. Leaves are usually dark green with light gray-green horizontal bands or golden edges (depending on the variety, e.g., ‘Laurentii’, ‘Black Coral’, or the compact ‘Hahnii’). It’s one of the hardest houseplants to kill and a champion at cleaning indoor air.
Why People Love It
- Nearly indestructible — perfect for beginners or forgetful owners.
- Thrives on neglect and tolerates low light, dry air, and irregular watering.
- Striking, sculptural look that fits modern, minimalist, or boho decor.
- One of NASA’s top air-purifying plants (filters toxins like formaldehyde and benzene and releases oxygen at night).
- Great for bedrooms because it converts CO₂ to oxygen while you sleep.
Quick Care Tips (almost impossible to mess up)
- Light: Tolerates anything from low light to bright indirect light; direct sun is okay too (just avoid harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching).
- Water: Water sparingly — only when the soil is completely dry (every 2–6 weeks). Over watering is the only real way to kill it.
- Soil: Any well-draining potting mix (cactus/succulent mix is perfect).
- Temperature: Normal room temps 15–29 °C; survives down to 10 °C.
- Humidity: Doesn’t care — loves dry air.
- Fertilizer: Almost never needed. Feed once or twice a year in spring/summer with diluted houseplant fertilizer if you want.
- Repotting: Only every 3–5 years; they like being snug in their pots.
- Bonus: Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep them glossy.
The Snake Plant is the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant that still looks expensive and stylish!