Snake plants are fascinating and hardy indoor house plants. Often included on lists of plants for low-light conditions, these plants also thrive in sunny settings. So, how much light does a snake plant need?
First, identify your snake plant. Is it the yellow-bordered Variegated Laurentii Snake Plant or the sage-green Sansevieria Moonshine? Some varieties need more sunlight to maintain their beautiful markings, while others can survive in darker conditions.
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, are popular houseplants renowned for their ability to thrive in a wide range of light conditions. Their hardy nature and sculptural, upright foliage make them ideal for beginner gardeners. But when it comes to lighting, many wonder – do snake plants like direct sunlight?
The simple answer is no. While snake plants are quite adaptable, direct sun is generally too intense for them. However, their lighting preferences are a bit more nuanced. By understanding how these plants utilize light, you can provide the optimal amount of sun versus shade.
How Snake Plants Use Sunlight
Snake plants have a special adaptation called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). This means they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night rather than during the day. Keeping their pores closed when the sun is out helps snake plants conserve water in their native, arid environments.
Although snake plants don’t use sunlight conventionally for photosynthesis, adequate light is still essential. It fuels the process that allows the plants to grow and maintain colorful variegated foliage.
Direct vs. Indirect Sunlight
There are two main types of natural light for houseplants
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Direct sunlight – Unfiltered rays shining directly from the sun’s path in the sky.
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Indirect sunlight – Light that is diffused, scattered, or reflected by clouds, curtains, or other objects
Direct sun is too intense for most houseplant varieties, including snake plants. The focused rays can overheat and dehydrate tender leaves. Indirect light is gentler and better for indoor growing.
Signs of Too Much Direct Sun
If your snake plant gets too much harsh light, you may notice:
- Sunburn or bleaching on the leaves
- Brown, shriveled leaf tips and margins
- Fading of variegated colors
- Curling or rolling leaf blades
These symptoms indicate it’s time to move the plant farther from the window or install sheer curtains to filter the intense rays.
Do Snake Plants Tolerate Any Direct Sun?
While you generally want to prevent too much direct light, a little bit won’t necessarily hurt the plant. Some experts advise allowing snake plants 2-3 hours of early morning or late evening direct sun.
Just be sure to acclimate the plant slowly to increased brightness. An abrupt change can shock the plant and scorch the leaves.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Here are some tips on providing the perfect amount of sun versus shade for robust snake plant growth:
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East facing windows – Perfect, with gentle morning light.
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West facing windows – Place 5-10 feet back to avoid hot afternoon sun.
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South facing windows – Filter with sheer curtains and keep 5-10 feet away.
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North facing windows – Usually too dark, provide supplemental lighting.
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10-15 feet from any window – Often adequate ambient brightness.
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Outdoor placement – Give shade from harshest midday light.
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Artificial lighting – Use broad spectrum or grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.
Other Lighting Considerations
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Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get even light exposure. This prevents leaning toward the source.
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Dust leaves now and then to maximize light absorption.
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Provide slightly higher light in spring/summer when growth is most active.
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Decrease light levels in fall/winter when the plant goes dormant.
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Monitor for signs of excessive light like scorching and adjust placement accordingly.
How Much Shade Can Snake Plants Handle?
One of the snake plant’s claims to fame is tolerating very low light conditions. However, too little light will slow growth considerably. The minimum light level for a snake plant is 50-100 foot-candles. A dim living room may only provide 10-30 foot-candles.
While snake plants can survive in shade, they will be healthier and more vibrant with brighter, indirect light. Use supplemental lighting if needed.
Signs of Insufficient Light
Clues that your snake plant needs more sun:
- Slow growth and small new leaves
- Leggy, stretched out foliage
- Loss of leaf variegation
- Soft, drooping leaves
Lack of adequate sunlight saps the plant’s energy. Try moving the snake plant to a sunnier spot if possible.
Using Grow Lights
LED or fluorescent grow lights can provide extra illumination for a snake plant in low natural light. Position the bulb 6-12 inches above the leaves and set the timer for 12-14 hours per day.
Outdoor Lighting Considerations
When placing snake plants outside for the summer, make sure they get mostly bright indirect light with just a few hours of early/late direct sun. Shelter from rain and provide midday shade.
Bring snake plants back inside before temperatures drop below 50°F in fall.
The Takeaway
While adaptable to various conditions, snake plants thrive best with bright, indirect light. Direct sun should be limited, especially hot afternoon rays. Seek out an east facing window or location approximately 10 feet from a window to give your snake plant the perfect balance of sun and shade for lush, healthy growth.
Snake Plants: Symptoms of Low Light Exposure
Here are some signs that your snake plant isn’t getting enough light:
- The leaves look drooping and lifeless
- The pattern and bright colors of variegated snake plants, like the stunning La Rubia Snake Plant, may fade
- It won’t form new leaves and will definitely not flower in low light
You could decide to move your plant to a sunnier place in your home, such as a well-lit living room, provide more light by keeping the curtains open during the day, or introduce artificial lighting to brighten a darker corner.
How Much Sun Is Too Much for a Snake Plant?
Keeping your snake plant in direct sunlight, especially outdoors, can result in browning leaves and crumbly soil. It’s best to find a spot in indirect sunlight so that your snake plant stays out of the sun’s scorching rays.
Is It Possible For Snake Plants To Survive Direct Sunlight?
FAQ
Can snake plants get too much sun?
Sansevieria (aka snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue) is a fantastic beginner-friendly houseplant, but there’s one catch—they don’t love the sun! Sansevierias thrive in part shade or full shade, and if they’re exposed to too much direct sunlight, they can turn yellow and unhappy like the ones in these planters.
Where is the best place to put a snake plant?
Optimal Location
According to Feng Shui, the best location for snake plants is at the entrance of a house, to protect it from bad energy, improve the environment generally, and attract wealth.
How often should you water a snake plant?
Remove any excess water that collects in the saucer or cache pot. Frequency of watering: During the growing season (spring and summer), water your Snake plant approximately every two to three weeks.
Do snake plants need direct sunlight?
Snake plants can do fairly well, even in low-medium lighting conditions. Direct bright sunlight can burn the foliage of your snake plant. Thus, they don’t need any direct sunlight to survive. However, snake plants do need light for photosynthesis. So, you need to provide them with bright indirect sunlight to thrive.
Can snake plants withstand full sun?
While they can withstand full sun as well as low light, indirect sunlight is ideal for a snake plant. Of course the weather conditions are not perfect year-around. So depending on the climate, you can keep the snake plants in the window during summers. In this way, the plants can get a few hours of direct sun.
Can snake plants grow without light?
Snake plants are very hardy and will survive in low-light conditions. However, without enough light, they will grow very slowly. No plants can grow completely devoid of light because they need light to create their food. In general, opt to give your snake plants more sunlight than they need.
Can snake plants grow outside?
A. If you’re growing your snake plant outdoors, you can keep it outside and it will grow quite well. But if you’re growing your snake plant indoor, then avoid showing it full, direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves, making your plant droopy. Q. What kind of light is best for snake plants? A.
Is your snake plant getting too much sunlight?
Indirect sunlight filtered by a curtain is best for snake plants. Just ensure to move it away to slightly darker places when the sunlight isn’t extremely harsh. Not just too little, but even too much light can affect the health of your snake plant. Below mentioned are some signs your snake plant is receiving too much light.
How much light does a snake plant need?
Just 8 to 10 hours of indirect natural light would be more than enough for your snake plant. Apart from the light, you need to make sure that the other conditions, such as ideal soil mix and water requirements are met.