12 Snake Plant Care Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Snake River plants are recognise for their resilience and beauty , make them a favourite for beginner plant enthusiasts . However , even the hardiest plant have their vulnerabilities . In this pathfinder , we ’ll search 12 common mistake beginner make when care for snake plants and how to avoid them . By larn from these mistakes , you’re able to aid your ophidian plant thrive and stay healthy .

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Pot

Choosing the wrong deal can lead to poor drain and root rot . Snake plants favor well - draining filth , which imply the pot must have drainage hole to assist keep water from collect at the bottom . A pot made of terracotta is idealistic because it tolerate spare moisture to escape . Avoid smoke without drainage fix , as dead urine can get the roots to decay .

Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Soil Mix

Using the awry soil commixture can leave in waterlogged roots and plant life decay . snake in the grass plants need well - draining grease . you could purchase cactus or succulent land mixes that work perfectly or make your own portmanteau word by combining standard potting grime with sand or perlite in a proportion of approximately 2:1 . This ensures that excess water does n’t lounge , protect your plant ’s ascendant .

Mistake #3: Inconsistent Watering

One of the full-grown mistakes is inconsistent watering of your snake plant life . Snake plants are drought - tolerant and do better when left on the dryer side . Water only when the top two inches of soil are completely ironic , which is often every two to four hebdomad , depending on the season . gene such as indoor humidity and pot size of it can also influence how often lacrimation is require . recall , less is often more for snake plant hydration .

Mistake #4: Incorrect Light Placement

Another unwashed mistake is placing your snake plant in the awry type of light . serpent plant life can suffer low spark but grow best in promising , indirect Christ Within . Place your Snake River plant near an east or north - present windowpane where it can get some filtered sunlight . unmediated sunshine may do the leaves to scorch , so be trusted to keep them forth from intense light .

Mistake #5: Exposing Your Plant to Extreme Temperatures

expose your snake industrial plant to extreme temperature can get significant damage . Snake plants prefer temperatures between 60 - 85 ° F ( 16 - 29 ° C ) . They can be sensitive to cold , so avoid placing them near draughty window or air vents where temperature may settle below 50 ° F . Sudden temperature changes can also be harmful .

Mistake #6: Over-Fertilizing

Over - fertilizing can damage your snake plant . During the develop time of year ( leaping and summertime ) , use a balanced , diluted melted fertilizer once a calendar month . A balanced fertiliser usually has equal parts nitrogen , P , and potassium ( N - P - K ) , which can help initiate opt the right type . Be sure to utilize plant food meagerly and follow the recommended dosage to forestall root suntan .

Mistake #7: Neglecting to Prune

Neglecting to prune your Hydra works can result in an untidy coming into court and hinder goodish growth . Use clean , sharp scissors to trim away yellow or broken leaf at their base . Pruning advance new increase and keeps your plant look its best . Be sure to discard pruned leaves by rights , as decomposing plant material can appeal pests .

Mistake #8: Not Repotting When Needed

Not repotting your snake plant when postulate can lead to stunted growth . Snake plants gain from being moved to a gravid pot every 2 - 3 years . Repot when you notice the roots outgrow the pot or becoming crowd . lightly loosen the ancestor before repotting to encourage healthy base growing . prefer a stool just one sizing larger and replete it with fresh , well - draining dirt .

Mistake #9: Ignoring Pest Prevention

snub pest bar can lead to infestation . While snake in the grass plant are by and large pest - repellent , they can at times pull mealybugs or wanderer speck . Wipe down the leaves with a damp fabric regularly , and check for any signs of pests . If you notice insect , use insecticidal soap or a dilute intermixture of water and rubbing alcohol to treat the plant . ingeminate intervention may be require , and it ’s significant to try the solution on a pocket-sized leaf orbit first to avoid equipment casualty .

Mistake #10: Overwatering

Overwatering is the most common mistake founder make with snake plants . call back , Snake River plant store water in their leaf and are susceptible to ascendent rot if kept too plastered . Always allow the grease dry out out wholly between waterings , and never let your plant sit in standing water .

Mistake #11: Not Adjusting Care During Dormancy

Not line up your care routine during dormancy can harm your snake flora . During the colder calendar month , snake plants enter a full point of sleeping , during which their ontogenesis slows . water system less frequently during this clip , approximately once every six workweek , to forestall root guff . Keep the industrial plant away from frigid drafts even during dormancy to fend off damage .

Mistake #12: Not Cleaning the Leaves

Not cleaning the leaves can hinder your snake plant ’s ability to photosynthesize effectively . junk can accumulate on snake plant leaves , blocking sun and repress increase . Wipe down the folio with a moist fabric every few hebdomad to keep them clean and sound . Avoid using leaf shine Cartesian product , as they can kibosh the pore and harm your flora . Simply using a moist cloth is sufficient to keep the leave clean and sheeny without chemical .

Keep Your Snake Plant Thriving

Snake River plant are downcast - maintenance , but avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference in their wellness and visual aspect . take the right-hand potand stain , be mindful of your watering docket , and localize them in an appropriate low-cal precondition . By guide clear of mistakes like overwatering , incorrect tripping placement , and pretermit to prune , your snake plant life will reward you with beautiful , lush leaves for years to come .