Snake Plant
Euphorbia trigona Origin: Africa
Universally beloved as a resilient houseplant, Snake Plants are perfect for the novice plant parent. In addition to the commonly kept Laurentii, with speckled green leaves and yellow edges, you’ll also find this tropical plant in more unusual varieties. Gold Flame has bright yellow leaves with green stripes, and Moonshine is a soft silver color.
Common Issues
Soggy or mushy leaves: This is usually a sign of root rot, and may be accompanied by the smell of decay.
Leaf burn: Foliage may burn if exposed to direct sun after growing accustomed to low light situations.
Light: Bright indirect light is best. A western or southern exposure in the home is preferable, but your Snake Plant will also tolerate low light.
Water: Proper watering is key. If your plant is kept in bright light, allow the soil to become slightly dry to the touch before watering again. If your plant is kept in low light, make sure the soil is fully dry between waterings to prevent rot.
Humidity: These plants are incredibly tolerant of low humidity levels, but moderate to high humidity reduces stress on the plant.
Growth: Snake Plants are clumping tropical plants that produce thick underground stems. These plants can grow up to 4 feet in ideal conditions, and will spread to fill their container over time. The deep mottled green foliage is leathery and very upright, giving it a bold texture.
Soil: A general potting mix is perfectly fine for these plants. We recommend applying a slow release fertilizer once every six months or so to encourage new growth.
Temperature: This is a truly tropical plant and should be kept between 60-85°F.
Repotting: Snake Plants are relatively slow to spread and should only be repotted if they become top heavy or fill their pots completely. At this point, gently wiggle your plant from its pot and tease the roots slightly before placing in a larger pot.
Extra TLC: You should have no trouble keeping a hearty Snake Plant thriving—just be careful of overwatering, and keep it away from curious pets.