The snake plant is the perfect plant for anyone who wants to grow a plant without doing a lot of work. Its low-maintenance, grows fast, and is easy to care for.
Snake plants are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves and stems. This helps them survive without much water, so they make great houseplants. They also have large, thick leaves that add some height to the overall look of your space.
So how fast does a snake plant grow? The answer depends on whether youre talking about a baby snake plant or an adult one.
Baby snake plants grow very quickly and can reach maturity within six months if you give them proper care. Adult plants tend to produce much slower but are still reasonably quick compared with other houseplants.
This guide has all the information you need to know about how fast snake plants grow, so you can decide whether or not this is the right houseplant for you.
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, are extremely popular houseplants due to their hardiness, visually appealing foliage, and low maintenance needs. If you’re considering adding a snake plant to your home, you may be wondering – how fast do snake plants grow?
The growth rate of snake plants can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. While they are generally considered slow growing plants under optimal conditions they can reach up to two feet in height within a few months of being planted.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how quickly snake plants grow including:
- Typical growth rate
- Factors that affect growth
- Maximum growth potential
- Growing conditions for optimal growth
- Caring for your snake plant
- FAQs
Typical Snake Plant Growth Rate
The typical growth rate of a snake plant is fairly slow During the active growing season of spring through summer, you can expect
- New shoots to emerge from the soil every 2-3 months
- Each new shoot to achieve 6-8 inches of growth per year
- Mature plants to reach a height of 2-4 feet, depending on variety
The most common variety the S. trifaciata laurentii tops out at around 2-3 feet tall once fully mature.
During the fall and winter months, growth will slow down or stop completely as the plant enters a period of dormancy. Don’t be alarmed if your plant stays exactly the same size for several months in a row – this is totally normal!
Factors That Affect Snake Plant Growth Rate
Several key factors impact how quickly your snake plant will grow including:
Lighting
Snake plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Low light conditions will result in slower growth. Providing at least 4-6 hours of sunlight, either direct or filtered, will boost growth rate.
Water
Too much or too little water will stunt growth. Snake plants prefer soil that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water only when the top 1-2 inches become dry.
Temperature
Snake plants grow best with average room temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid cold drafts.
Humidity
Moderate humidity levels of 40-60% are ideal. Growth may be slower in drier air.
Pot Size
A pot that’s too small will restrict growth as the roots run out of room. Repot in a larger container every 2-3 years.
Fertilizer
Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during spring and summer will provide nutrients for faster growth.
Pruning
Removing dead leaves and trimming leggy growth encourages more compact, bushy growth.
Maximum Snake Plant Growth Potential
When provided with optimal growing conditions, snake plants can grow remarkably fast. In fact, it’s possible for them to achieve their maximum height of 2-4 feet within just 1-2 years from being planted as a small pup!
Here are some tips to maximize your snake plant’s growth potential:
-
Start with a younger plant or pup for quickest growth. Older plants tend to grow slower.
-
Plant in a bright, sunny window where it will get 4-6 hours of direct sun daily.
-
Use a fast-draining potting mix and water thoroughly when soil is partly dry.
-
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 months during spring and summer.
-
Repot in a container 2-4 inches wider when roots fill the pot.
-
Prune away any dead leaves or leggy growth.
-
Keep humidity around 50%. Mist leaves if needed.
-
Maintain warm room temps between 70-80°F year-round.
Follow these simple guidelines, and even a small snake plant pup can transform into a tall, sculptural statement plant faster than you may think!
Growing Conditions for Optimal Snake Plant Growth
To summarize, here are the key growing conditions you’ll want to provide to maximize growth rate:
-
Lighting: Bright, indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours a day
-
Temperature: Average room temp of 70-80°F
-
Water: Allow soil to dry out some between waterings
-
Humidity: Maintain 40-60% humidity
-
Soil: Fast-draining potting mix
-
Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months
-
Pot Size: Size up every 2-3 years as needed
-
Pruning: Remove dead leaves & leggy growth
Snake plants are adaptable to a wide range of conditions. But maintaining optimal conditions will lead to a noticeably faster growth rate.
Caring for Your Snake Plant
To keep your snake plant growing at its best, just focus on providing the right care in a few key areas:
-
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil dries out. About 1x per week on average.
-
Light: Place in bright, indirect light. Rotate if leaves start to lean toward light.
-
Soil: Repot every 2-3 years in fresh, well-draining potting mix.
-
Fertilizing: Feed with balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months.
-
Pruning: Trim off any dead or damaged leaves using sterilized shears. Prune leggy growth.
-
Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.
-
Pest control: Inspect for pests like spider mites which can slow growth. Treat promptly if found.
FAQs About Snake Plant Growth Rate
How long does it take a snake plant to reach full size?
Most varieties will reach their maximum height of 2-4 feet within 2-4 years when cared for properly. Quick-growing cultivars can reach full size in as little as 1-2 years.
How can I get my snake plant to grow faster?
Boost growth by providing optimal lighting, water, humidity, fertilizer, pot size, temperature, and by pruning when needed.
Why is my snake plant growing slowly?
Causes of slow growth include low light, improper watering, small pot size, cooler temperatures, pests, and lack of pruning. Check that you’re providing the proper care outlined above.
Do snake plants grow faster outside?
Snake plants will generally grow a bit faster if grown outdoors where they can receive more bright, direct sunlight. Just be sure to acclimate it slowly to prevent leaf sunburn.
Should I prune my snake plant to encourage growth?
Yes, pruning away any dead or damaged leaves and trimming leggy growth can encourage a more compact, bushy habit. Always sterilize pruners before cutting.
The Takeaway
In most cases, you can expect your snake plant to achieve its full mature size of 2-4 feet tall within 2-4 years. With optimum care, some varieties can grow up to 2 feet in height in just a year from being planted. Factors like lighting, water, temperature and fertilizing all impact the speed of growth. To maximize growth rate, provide your snake plant with the ideal growing conditions outlined in this guide. With a little TLC, you’ll have a tall, sculptural snake plant adding drama to your indoor space in no time!
Are snake plants slow growers?
The answer to this question is yes. Most snake plants are slow growers, but they can grow up to 3 feet tall in a single year.
How Fast Do Snake Plants Grow?
Snake plants grow fairly slowly, depending on whether the light is average or indoors. Snake plants can grow fast if kept in a good amount of sunlight. Light, soil, temperature, and humidity all affect the growth of snake plants. Youll be able to see rapid growth and gain lush green leaves if you keep them all in check. You just have to give the plant some love and attention.