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How Much Light Does Your Space Get?
How Much Space Do You Have?
What Is the Room Temperature Like?
Growth habit and size of Snake Plant
How Much Maintenance and Commitment Does Snake Plant Require?
What’s the longevity of Snake Plant ?
Is Snake Plant Toxic to Pets or Children?
Top 3 Snake Plant Varieties: Which One Suits You Best?
What to Buy Alongside Snake Plant?
The snake plant (Sansevieria spp.), commonly referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, is widely considered one of the most resilient houseplants available. Known for its upright, sword-shaped leaves and tolerance to a wide range of indoor conditions, it’s an ideal option for those seeking a low-maintenance, visually appealing addition to their home or office.
Key advantages include:
🔹 Air-purifying properties – Known to filter indoor toxins like benzene and formaldehyde
🔹 Low watering needs – Perfect for busy or forgetful plant owners
🔹 Architectural appeal – Works well in modern, minimalist interiors
The snake plant is your laid-back lighting companion. Whether your space gets lots of sun or just a little ambient glow, this plant is ready to roll with it.
☀️ Ideal Light Conditions:
In spring and summer, it thrives near a bright window with filtered light.
In autumn and winter, it happily settles into moderate indoor lighting.
📉 Too Low Light?
Your snake plant will survive, but its leaf colour may fade slightly and growth will slow.
🔥 Too Much Sun?
Avoid intense midday rays—especially through bare windows—as they can scorch or bleach the leaves.
💡 Pro Tip: A spot near an east-facing window or behind a sheer curtain is usually perfect in most New Zealand homes.
Tall varieties: Floor pots, corners, architectural accents
Compact types: Desktops, shelves, small apartments
🌡️ Ideal Temperature Range:
✔ 18–24°C – Encourages optimal growth and leaf health.
✔ Tolerable minimum: No lower than 16°C—exposure to colder air can slow growth and cause stress symptoms.
🌙 Nighttime Variations:
A mild drop in temperature overnight is acceptable and natural.
Prolonged exposure to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided.
📌 Placement Tips:
Keep plants away from open windows, exterior doors, or unheated conservatories in cooler months.
If placed near a window, ensure it’s insulated or curtained during winter nights.
✔ Tall Varieties – Up to 60 cm or more
✔ Dwarf Types – Like Golden Hahnii or Silver Hahnii, grow to 25–30 cm
✔ Leaf Style – Sword-like, upright, often variegated or edged in yellow or silver
Snake plants are one of the lowest-maintenance indoor plants, requiring only occasional care to remain healthy and attractive. Here's how to keep yours in optimal condition:
💧 Watering
During spring and summer, water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
In autumn and winter, allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings.
Avoid overwatering, which is the leading cause of root rot in snake plants.
🌿 Feeding
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month from late spring to early autumn.
Do not fertilise during the winter dormant period.
🧼 Cleaning
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth or microfiber towel to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Cleaning also enhances the plant’s natural sheen and supports air-purifying function.
Repotting
Repot every
2 to 3 years in spring, or when roots begin to crowd the pot.For tall plants, use a heavier container or add pebbles for extra base stability.
✔ Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care
✔ Propagation: Divide every 5–10 years to keep it going indefinitely
Snake plants are considered mildly toxic to both pets and humans due to the presence of saponins, naturally occurring compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested.
📋 Toxicity Summary:
Pets (cats and dogs): May experience drooling, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Children: Chewing on leaves can cause mouth discomfort or a mild upset stomach
- Grows to about 60 cm indoors
- Effortless and elegant—great for beginners
- Perfect Spot: Fits in any room with ease
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Price Range: $30- $80
- Maintenance Difficulty: Very Easy
- Grows more slowly, but develops a lush, full appearance
- Ideal for plant lovers who like texture and structure
- Perfect Spot: Makes a great corner filler or hallway accent
- Growth Speed: Medium
- Price Range: $30- $100
- Maintenance Difficulty: Easy
- Can grow tall and dramatic under bright light
- A true conversation starter
- Perfect Spot: Perfect for minimalist, contemporary spaces
- Growth Speed: Slow
- Price Range: $40- $120
- Maintenance Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Potting Mix
✔ Use standard indoor potting soil
✔ Add coarse sand or perlite for drainage
🌿 Fertiliser
✔ Balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser
✔ Dilute to half strength, feed monthly (spring–autumn)
🏺 Sturdy Pot
✔ Choose a heavy ceramic or terracotta pot
✔ Add pebbles at the base to prevent tipping
🧼 Leaf Care Tools
✔ Microfiber cloth or soft towel for dusting leaves
📌 Pro Tip: Snake plants love good drainage and light feeding—a few simple tools go a long way.
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