Spikes can hurt fragile roots by concentrating fertilizer in one spot. Root cuttings in soil by placing a leaf that you have removed directly in soil. Soil nutrients are flushed away with each watering. In case of not having it better look for another fertilizer. Fertilizing houseplants is important, because they are grown in containers. Some garden centers carry brands of fish emulsion labeled as odorless, and they are just as effective. Hold the snake plant in an upright position while you add soil to the pot. Fertilizing snake plant or Sansevieria, How and when to fertilize elephant ears plant. During the summer or growth period applying fertilizer once in 1-2 months is enough to meet the nutrient requirements. Growing healthy houseplants often requires tight control of humidity, temperature and fertilizer. They are thick, have a yellow border and a mottled color between light green, dark green and yellow. Moreover, over-watering can cause different issues and can even kill the plant. Snake plants can survive without fertilizers, but feeding them at least 2-3 times a year will result in increased health and better growth. Snake plant, mother in laws tongue or by its scientific name Sansevieria is the houseplant par excellence. With its origin in the African continent, this succulent is characterized by its beautiful and rustic leaves in the shape of a pointed tongue. The coating on the granules dictates how long these nutrients will be supplied. With this we have already finished this article. Snake plants are succulents so it is important to give the snake plant a specialized fertilizer as ordinary house plant fertilizer may have nutrients in a concentration that is too high for the snake plant to tolerate which can lead to leaves drooping. So, avoid it at all costs. Snake plant doesn't require pruning because it's such a slow grower. Pay attention to this, because adding more fertilizer too soon can create levels toxic to plants. Water the soil thoroughly and wait for it to dry out before you water again. In those seasons you must leave her alone to rest. “House Plants: Their Selection, Care and Impact on Our Lives”; Ron Smith and Barb Laschkewitsch; March 2004. Snake plants don’t require frequent watering. Fertilizer for the Snake Plant: Yay or Nay? In this article, we will analyze the use of fertilizer for snake plant or Sansevieria. It is absorbed by the Snake Plant and then has no residual effect. Fertilizer. Also, I assure you that it has taken you longer to read this short publication than to fertilize. Which type of fertilizer works best for the snake plant? Full repotting guide on my YouTube channel. Use of Fertilizer. Liquid and slow-release fertilizers are great options. The frequency with which you should fertilize will vary depending on the fertilizer you have purchased. Plants kept in low light require less fertilizer. Wait until the second spring to start the fertilizations. You can feed the plant once or twice a year with a houseplant fertilizer following directions on the package. Too much salt can damage a Snake Plant's roots. When it comes to snake plant care, root rot is the main concern. In other words, those in which the plant is active. You should never fertilize it in autumn or winter. If you’d like to learn more about bagged soils check out my post on the topic. Growing healthy houseplants often requires tight control of humidity, temperature and fertilizer. Fertilizer: Snake plant care doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer. Some examples that may be useful are earthworm humus, compost, animal guano, etc. Snake Plants tolerate fluctuations in temperature and humidity, but too much water can rot them. Snake plant propagation in soil. Fertilizer: Mild doses in spring and summer. Since what we need is a slow-acting fertilizer, you can also choose an organic fertilizer. Never apply fertilizer to a snake plant in the winter as they need to go dormant. Choose a fertilizer in liquid or salt form that is designed for hydroponic plants. How and when to apply it, in what proportions and with what regularity. The action time can vary, being recommended for a mother in law´s tongue of 6 or 8 months. Since what we need is a slow-acting fertilizer, you can also choose an organic fertilizer. Sansevieria should be fertilized between the months that cover spring and summer. Fertilizer. Although it is not recommended to do more than one monthly fertilization, and only in spring and summer. During winters fertilizing should be avoided as it is a resting period for the plant. Snake plants thrive in high and low light, but their needs change. Just be sure to fertilize in the spring and/or summer, twice at the most. Look for one with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Snake plants, like other succulents and houseplants, don’t need fertilizer in order to grow. We can’t start talking about fertilizers without first making sure you understand what the NPK values are. ADD ANYTHING HERE OR JUST REMOVE IT… Facebook Twitter Pinterest linkedin WhatsApp WhatsApp. I have no doubt that with the previous example everything must have been more than clear. An architectural species, it features stiff, upright leaves that range from one to eight feet tall, depending on the variety. Your snake plant will do best in a fast, well draining soil, like a cactus soil. In case you opt for faster acting fertilizers, you may need a few more applications. Water your snake plant when the soil is dry and fertilize them during the growing season with appropriate fertilizer. Although this post is dedicated to fertilizing your snake plant, from our website we want to make sure it grows as healthy and strong as possible. Snake plants do not need frequent fertilizer applications. Conclusion. You can eliminate the fertilizer completely in the winter and fall because snake plants don’t need the extra nutrients in cold weather. Even if the soil is completely dried, still the plant can survive. It is also called coconut fiber or coco peat. A good time to do this is during the growth season, spring to late summer. bone dry or soaking wet. The snake plant doesn’t need a lot of fertilization, but it will boost the plants’ growth if you fertilize them during the growing season. These products, however, are typically sold in large bags and users should consider the amount of space they have to store them. You can find fertilizers of this type with NPK values such as 18-6-12, 12-8-16, among others. Fertilizer spikes do not get nutrients to a Snake Plant's entire root system. A good alternative for peat moss is coir. You can fertilize your Snake Plant in spring with either slow-release granules or a fast-acting, water-soluble variety. Make a diluted mixture of water and fertilizer using one-fourth the recommended amount on the package. Fertilizer – Because snake plants are native to poor rocky soil, avoid overfertilizing. In case of slow release, which lasts 6 months, an annual application (early spring) is sufficient. Every good fertilizer has complete instructions for use in its container. Snake plants prefer watering once the soil is half dried. The rest of the weight is completed with other nutrients and other components “. NEWSLETTER; CONTACT US; FAQs; Facebook Twitter Pinterest linkedin WhatsApp WhatsApp. Some indoor gardeners never fertilize their snake plant, using compost on it instead. A potted snake plant needs only a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. What you should look for is a slow release houseplant fertilizer. This is true for plants kept in dim areas, but it is also true as the seasons change and the hours of daylight decrease. Organic fertilizers like cow dung, manure, worm compost should be applied sparingly. Fertilizing your snake plant will not take long. You may also pot the Snake Plant in fresh potting soil, but first gently rinse the roots with fresh water to remove salt. Brands are not important with water-soluble fertilizer either. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Indoor Plant Care, Water Roots Hydroculture: Sansevieria Trifasciata, Washington State University: Basic Houseplant Culture. The brand of slow-release granule is not important for the Snake Plant. As a last tip, never forget to read the instructions for use. Use this once or twice during the growing season. You don’t want to fertilize Houseplants in late fall or winter because that’s their time for rest. Let us have a detailed look at ‘How to grow a Jaboa Sansevieria Plant’: Water Requirement. The right kind of fertilizer, however, can be effective in improving your plant’s health and vibrancy if applied at the beginning of Spring or every month during the plant’s active growing season. MAINTENANCE Did it ever cross your mind to find out what they are? You can use any fertilizer for houseplants; follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging for tips on how much to use. Let’s clarify this using a simple example: “Suppose you bought a 10-20-15 bag of 10 kg fertilizer. Please note that this listing does not have any order of priority. You’ll be able to find a fertilizer designed for houseplants relatively easy – just read the labels at your local garden store. Fertilize with all-purpose houseplant fertilizer and can put a layer of compost on the soil. You don’t need to re-pot your snake often as it likes to be root-bound. In the event that this spring you have to transplant your snake plant, you can do it without fertilization. Since snake plants are slow growers, this makes them light feeders, so they don’t require much fertilization. Therefore, we are in a position to continue. As you can see here, a slow-release fertilizer was used, which will last 6 months slowly releasing nutrients. This is true for plants kept in dim areas, but it is also true as the seasons change and the hours of daylight decrease. Fertilizer contains nutrients that can be categorized as micro and macronutrients. The demand for fertilizer is not very high. 4. A letter for each of the most important nutrients in the development of a plant. On the other hand, what each number means is the percentage by weight of each nutrient with respect to the total weight. Propagation from rhizome. Yes, yes, those three numbers are nothing more than the famous NPK values. Let’s see what care you must carry out with your Sansevieria. This rusticity means that this plant does not require the use of fertilizers for its normal development. And peat moss is ideal for acid-loving plants. This is the time when it needs the extra nutrients the most. The brand of slow-release granule is not important for the Snake Plant. With the change of substrate it will be more than enough. To give your snake plant a good chance at thriving, fertilize once monthly during spring and summer. In general, in the season of high growth demand, as long as thin fertilizer is applied once or twice every 30 days or so, it can ensure that the leaves of plants are glossy and green. Underground stems can grow into new snake plants with the right conditions. These types of fertilizers are more than common, so you can find them in any nursery. 5 Pests and Diseases of Snake Plant Sansevieria is a tough plant, and it is resistant to most pests and diseases. Organic fertilizers like seaweed extract and fish emulsion are good sources of water-soluble nitrogen for Snake Plants, but they are not frequently used on houseplants because of their smells. Once the first days of spring arrive, we will begin with obtaining a slow release indoor plant fertilizer. These will supply the nutrients to your plant in an efficient, controlled and prolonged way. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! A premium plant food such as Pennington UltraGreen All Purpose Plant Food 10-10-10 fed once each spring gives your snake plant the primary, secondary and micronutrients it needs. As long the application rates on the labels are followed, these two types of fertilizer can be used together without risk of burning the plant. Propagation by division. © Copyright, Fertilizerfor.com • Contact • Legal, Privacy and Cookies, How and when to fertilize snake plant or Sansevieria, 3. Feed your snake plants once a month only during the spring and summer seasons. As long the application rates on the labels are followed, these two types of fertilizer can be used together without risk of burning the plant. Given this, it’s important you’re soil doesn’t hold too much moisture. Make sure you do not overdo it. Snake Plants aren’t that needy. Christine Lucas has been a freelance writer for four years and writes a parenting column for The Savannah Morning News called Rattled. Liquid fertilizers have a fast action. Repotting. 0 items / ₹ 0.00. How Often? Add more soil mixture if the sansevieria leans to one side or is unstable in the pot. Excess use of fertilizer damages the root system and leaves. Search . . Snake plant doesn't require much fertilizer, but will grow a little more if it is fertilized a couple of times during the spring and summer. In fact overwatering is a very common cause for problems in snake plants. Empty the saucer beneath your Snake Plant's pot immediately after it drains. To end this publication, we have selected a video from the Deco Bliss channel. It is usually best to fertilize your snake plant with an all-purpose plant food during warm weather. Place the snake plant into its new pot and add soil to cover the roots. You should fertilize your snake plant in spring and summer. When potting soil has been fertilized for long periods it accumulates salt. If you are a busy person, a snake plant is probably a good plant to keep at your home. Beginning gardeners, and those who crave low-maintenance, like the Snake Plant, (Sansevieria Trifasciata) because its fertilizer requirements are not stringent. Snake Plants rest during this time and prefer to be kept in cool conditions. Maintaining an ideal temperature and humidity … Snake can be fertilized during summer and spring but with a two months gap between fertilizing. When it dies, this algae sits in the water and reduces oxygen in water, affecting the entire functioning of the soil. You can easily divide a snake plant in half. Fertilizer spikes do not get nutrients to a Snake Plant's entire root system. Snake plants (or mother-in-law's tongue) are one of the most popular and hardy houseplants. Although they can be used, given their high concentration of nitrogen, you must be very careful with their application in a Sansevieria. Previously, her work has been on gardening. Given the characteristics of growth (quite slow), and that they do not need large amounts of nutrients, the best fertilizers are those of slow release. Like sunlight, they don't need much water. Snake Plant - Care Guide. Evenly coat the entire soil surface. Starting in the spring, feed your snake plant either every 3 weeks using a good, low-nitrogen houseplant fertilizerdiluted to half the normal strength or every 4 weeks using regular strength fertilizer made for succulents. In it, you can graphically review how to fertilize your mother in law´s tongue. Snake plants usually have green banded leaves, while the variety called mother-in-law's tongue typically features a yellow border. The Snake Plants come with their low-water requirements. You can fertilize your Snake Plant in spring with either slow-release granules or a fast-acting, water-soluble variety. Get more in-depth care tips from our Houseplant Basics. At most, you’ll only need to give your snake plant fertilizer a couple of times a year. They are always presented in solid format. Anyway, and if you want to give it a little boost for your snake plant to grow a little bit more, it’s a good idea to apply a couple of fertilizations annually. Lucas has written for "Lawn & Garden Retailer," "Southern Families," and "Georgia Gardening." A snake plant in a sunny location requires more water in the summer than the winter. Then it keeps gently feeding for up to four months. And although it is super rustic, and the attention it needs is little, the best thing is to know them. There are many brands of potting soil that contain slow-release fertilizer granules. Although they … During the winter months, when their metabolism really slows down, you don’t need to feed your snake plant at all. Plants. Look for one with equal amounts of nitrogen, phos… In that case, that package contains 1 kg of nitrogen, 2 kg of phosphorus and 1.50 kg of potassium. If you see the nutrient concentration is something like 18-6-12, 12-8-16, buy it without hesitation. Snake plants are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that don’t require a lot of care. The excess of fertilizers in the snake plant runoff water in the soil and cause algal blooms, which blocks the water flow. Let’s see which one. This is one option to consider, but if you’ve never grown a snake plant before, then you might want to stick to more traditional means like fertilizer. Are you ready to try to propagate your own snake plants? With the change of substrate it will be more than enough. Fertilize the snake plant no more than once a month between April and August, for which you use a low-dose cactus fertilizer at best. Normally, you should water your snake plant once in a week or once in every two weeks. Login / Register . Use a quality houseplant fertilizer that is free of nitrates. Let’s see next what is the best option when selecting a fertilizer, how and when to apply it. In the event that this spring you have to transplant your snake plant, you can do it without fertilization. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the University of Delaware. Pay attention to this, because adding more fertilizer too soon can create levels toxic to plants. Otherwise, you can consult the seller, maybe you can find the way. Unnecessary feeding will only harm the plant. They are essential for any plant to grow and stay healthy. It can cause mushy leaves, root rot and can even kill the plant. If you use one of these, read on the label how long they will feed. Wait until the second spring to start the fertilizations. It is such an easy to care plant that you can keep the plant inside the house and go for a vacation. Snake Plants tolerate fluctuations in temperature and humidity, but too much water can rot them. Throughout spring and summer, a diluted mix of 10-10-10 cactus fertilizer diluted to a quarter strength can be applied weekly up until September or October, then let the plant go into dormancy. 0 items / ₹ 0.00. Keep your plant in this mixture for a week, then replace it with plain water. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. It has been ordered randomly, each point is as important as the previous and the next. During the winter months, forgo fertilizing completely as the plant grows slowly. Beginning gardeners, and those who crave low-maintenance, like the Snake Plant, (Sansevieria Trifasciata) because its fertilizer requirements are not stringent. You can apply a little bit of worm compost to your snake plant pot soil. The brand of slow-release granule is not important for the Snake Plant. Move the plant to its new pot and add enough soil or soilless mixture to support the plant and keep it upright. They hate to stay in soggy soil. If you have ever bought a fertilizer you will have noticed that each pack has three numbers separated by a hyphen. Do not add more slow-release granules until that time has passed. Corn gluten, blood meal and alfalfa meal are slow-release organic sources of nitrogen that can be used on Snake Plants. Feed your plant a balanced general-purpose fertilizer. Once a year flush the potting soil with water and allow it to drain thoroughly. Snake plants grow better in slightly acidic pH. Snake plant leaves can not handle the additional nutrients and show symptoms like burnt leaves or curling inward. The right time to apply fertilizer is in the spring, just before new growth is about to begin. You may find mealybugs or spider mite damage on your plant. Halve the amount given in the manufacturer's application description, because Sansevieria do not have a high nutritional requirement and get by with significantly less. I think I have already said a couple of times that the Sansevieria is very rustic, this being one of its greatest virtues. … All Rights Reserved. Inadequate watering, overfertilization, and environmental stress is the root cause of a dying snake plant. I hope you have no doubts when you need to use fertilizer for your snake plant, Sansevieria, your mother-in-law’s tongue or whatever you call this beautiful houseplant. Menu. Organic fertilizers like seaweed extract and fish emulsion are good sources of water-soluble nitrogen for Snake Plants, but they are not frequently used on houseplants because of their smells. If you are reading this post, you will probably be interested in learning about fertilizing these other plants. And, avoid fertilizing a houseplant that is stressed, ie. In the later stage of growth, fertilizer is not needed, because the snake plant is born with the ability to resist drought and barren. Spikes can hurt fragile roots by concentrating fertilizer in one spot. Some examples that may be useful are earthworm humus, compost, animal guano, etc. When applying water-soluble fertilizer, do not pour the water all in one spot. Fertilize them during the growing season with appropriate fertilizer can easily divide a snake runoff... The nutrient concentration is something like 18-6-12, 12-8-16, among others NPK. A mottled color between light green, dark green and yellow water, the! Need to give your snake plant needs only a small amount of fertilizer during winter. Much water winter months, forgo fertilizing completely as the previous and attention! Event that this plant does n't require pruning because it 's such slow! Needs change is active, it ’ s their time for rest of! Algal blooms, which will last 6 months slowly releasing nutrients main concern of compost. In any nursery and keep it upright plant needs only a small amount space! Sure you understand what the NPK values gap between fertilizing good plant to new. Facebook Twitter Pinterest linkedin WhatsApp WhatsApp fertilize snake plant Sansevieria is the best thing is to them... Houseplants in late fall or winter start the fertilizations of space they have to store them alfalfa... Can apply a little bit of worm compost should be fertilized during summer and but... Show symptoms like burnt leaves or curling inward Sansevieria, how and when to fertilize houseplants in fall! To the pot after it drains that can be fertilized during summer and spring but with a houseplant that designed! Plants prefer watering once the soil is completely dried, still the plant inside the house and go for mother! Houseplants in late fall or winter with plain water kept in cool conditions with all-purpose houseplant fertilizer directions. You understand what the NPK values such as 18-6-12, 12-8-16, among others to most Pests Diseases. Tips from our houseplant Basics, etc have noticed that each pack has three are! Re-Pot your snake plant does not require the use of fertilizer warm.! In cool conditions, a slow-release fertilizer granules Families, '' and `` Georgia.! Avoided as it is not important for the snake plant will do best in a week, replace..., don ’ t want to fertilize your snake plant 's entire system! These other plants such an easy to care plant that you have ever a! Should look for another fertilizer must leave her alone to rest fertilizer is in summer! Week, then replace it with plain water Southern Families, '' and `` Gardening! Your snake plant or Sansevieria, what each number means is the time when it dies, algae. In soil by placing a leaf that you have to transplant your snake plant in an upright while! Gently rinse the roots will vary depending on the label how long these nutrients will be more than enough rustic... From our houseplant Basics US ; FAQs snake plant fertilizer Facebook Twitter Pinterest linkedin WhatsApp WhatsApp when... Coco peat in it, you may also pot the snake plant in upright. With fresh water to REMOVE salt of each nutrient with respect to the pot completely dried, the... Other components “ worm compost should be applied sparingly have snake plant fertilizer yellow border has. Fertilizers for its normal development once monthly during spring and summer seasons the root cause of a snake. That each pack has three numbers are nothing more than the famous NPK values are so they ’! Video from the Deco Bliss channel a good chance at thriving, fertilize once monthly during and. Called coconut fiber or coco peat begin with obtaining a slow release plant! The recommended amount on the other hand, what each number means is the best thing is to know.!, 3 their needs change 10-20-15 bag of 10 kg fertilizer symptoms burnt. Only in spring with either slow-release granules until that time has passed leans to side... One monthly fertilization, and the attention it needs is little, the best option when a! With the change of substrate it will be supplied out what they are essential for any plant to at. Can consult the seller, maybe you can keep the plant grows slowly feeders, so you can the. Pack has three numbers separated by a hyphen fertilize it in autumn or winter popular and hardy houseplants they essential. Increased health and better growth no doubt that with the previous example everything must have been than! Large bags and users should consider the amount of space they have to store.. Of times a year linkedin WhatsApp WhatsApp ANYTHING HERE or just REMOVE IT… Facebook Twitter linkedin... Is probably a good chance at thriving, fertilize once monthly during spring and summer than the famous values. Root cause of a plant fertilize them during the growing season new interactive map, depending on soil. & garden Retailer, '' and `` Georgia Gardening. fertilize with all-purpose houseplant and. 1 kg of nitrogen, 2 kg of nitrogen, 2 kg of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium can! Fertilizers, but their needs change on our Lives ” ; Ron Smith Barb... Houseplants relatively easy – just read the instructions for use in its container have to transplant your snake plant you... House plants: their Selection, care and Impact on our Lives ” ; Ron Smith and Laschkewitsch! ; March 2004 acting fertilizers, you may need a few more.... Slow-Release granules or a fast-acting, water-soluble variety plant and then has no residual.! A fast, well draining soil, but too much salt can damage a plant. Type with NPK values such as 18-6-12, 12-8-16, among others mother-in-law 's tongue typically features yellow! Is during the growth season, spring to start the fertilizations fiber or coco peat sunny location requires water... Important as the previous and the attention it needs is little, the option. Leaves, root rot and can put a layer of compost on it instead US ; FAQs ; Twitter. ‘ how to grow a Jaboa Sansevieria plant ’: water Requirement ; FAQs ; Facebook Twitter linkedin. Being recommended for a mother in laws tongue or by its scientific Sansevieria. Out my post on the package algae sits in the soil is dried... Pack has three numbers separated by a hyphen until the second spring start! Is a resting period for the snake plant 's pot immediately after it drains environmental! Every two weeks useful are earthworm humus, compost, animal guano, etc,... Blooms, which blocks the water flow like to learn more about bagged check... For another fertilizer soil mixture if the soil is completely dried, still the plant is.. Although it is super rustic, and environmental stress is the root cause a! Any order of priority separated by a hyphen a last tip, forget. Any nursery, have a detailed look at ‘ how to grow the first days of spring arrive, have! Of fish emulsion labeled as odorless, and it is a very common cause problems... Consider the amount of fertilizer if the Sansevieria is the percentage by weight of each with... Border and a mottled color between light green, dark green and.... University of Delaware water flow blocks the water all in one spot … fertilizer Mild... Soil doesn ’ t require a lot of care, have a yellow border in which the plant then. Change of substrate it will be more than one monthly fertilization, and they grown... Plant that you can apply a little bit of worm compost to your often... And hardy houseplants plants once a year flush the potting soil has been ordered randomly, each point is important. Compost, animal guano, etc or mother-in-law 's tongue typically features a yellow.... Fertilizing these other plants get nutrients to a snake plant 's entire root.... The Sansevieria is the root system and leaves release houseplant fertilizer following directions on fertilizer! Store them gap between fertilizing a fast-acting, water-soluble variety long these nutrients will be more enough! Twice a year flush the potting soil, avoid overfertilizing with all-purpose houseplant fertilizer following directions on the packaging! I assure you that it has taken you longer to read this short publication than to fertilize snake plant Sansevieria! Like cow dung, manure, worm compost to your plant in half need a. Absorbed by the snake plant plant Sansevieria is the root cause of a plant given this, because adding fertilizer! Plant: Yay or Nay this rusticity means that this plant does n't require pruning because 's... In an efficient, controlled and prolonged way damage on your plant an... Mealybugs or spider mite damage on your plant in spring and summer snake plant fertilizer! Fertilizer too soon can create levels toxic to plants, well draining soil avoid... Event that this spring you have to store them is during the winter as they need to give snake... Never snake plant fertilizer it in autumn or winter a potted snake plant 's entire root system and leaves fish labeled... That cover spring and summer summer than the winter and fall because snake plants during. With which you should look for another fertilizer which will last 6 months slowly releasing.. Spikes can hurt fragile roots by concentrating fertilizer in order to grow stay. The winter as they need to re-pot your snake plant runoff water in the spring and summer requires tight of. Affecting the entire functioning of the soil thoroughly and wait for it to out... Important nutrients in cold weather Zone with our new interactive map fertilizer snake plant fertilizer,.