Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, are hardy indoor plants that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, providing them with an optimal soil mix can take their growth to the next level. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about crafting the ideal snake plant soil blend.
Why Soil Mix Matters
While snake plants are quite forgiving, the right potting medium makes a big difference in their health and appearance. A suitable soil mix provides
- Excellent drainage to prevent root rot
- Enough moisture retention for the plant’s needs
- Aeration for healthy roots
- Nutrients to fuel growth
- Ideal pH balance
Choosing or creating a potting blend tailored specifically for sansevieria sets your plant up for success. Let’s look at what that entails
Soil Requirements for Snake Plants
When selecting or mixing soil, keep these characteristics in mind:
-
Fast draining – The mix should never stay soggy. Good percolation is key.
-
Lightweight and porous – Avoid heavy, compacted media that holds too much moisture.
-
Lean and low in peat – Excess peat leads to wetness. Mineral mixes work better.
-
pH between 6 and 7 – Snake plants prefer a neutral to mildly acidic pH.
-
Low fertilizer – Sansevieria are light feeders and can suffer root damage from excess salts.
-
Coarse texture – Ingredients like perlite, bark, and sand provide excellent aeration.
With these parameters in mind, let’s look at some recommended potting mixes.
Best Potting Mixes for Snake Plants
Here are some excellent store-bought options:
-
Cactus and succulent potting mixes – Designed to drain fast, these are a perfect choice. Popular brands are Espoma Cactus Mix and Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus.
-
Orchid potting mixes – Orchid barks and perlite keep soil loose and airy. Supplement with a little compost.
-
Bonsai potting soil – Look for lightweight, porous bonsai soils. Akadama is a great component.
-
Coconut coir – Coir makes an ideal base for DIY snake plant mixes. Combine with perlite, bark, etc.
For the highest quality results, homemade custom soil blends are ideal.
Creating Your Own Snake Plant Soil Mix
With a few key ingredients, you can easily whip up an ideal sansevieria potting mix right at home.
Basic Recipe:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark or charcoal
- 1 part sand (optional)
- Compost or worm castings (optional)
Instructions:
-
Use a basic organic potting mix without moisture-control gimmicks as the base.
-
Mix in perlite and orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration.
-
Add about 20% compost or castings for nutrients if desired.
-
Blend thoroughly and moisten before potting plants.
-
Adjust recipe based on your conditions – add more perlite if soil stays wet.
Custom soil gives you full control over getting the snake plant moisture/aeration balance just right.
When to Repot Snake Plants
- Only repot when severely rootbound.
- Ideally in early spring before growth resumes.
- Avoid summer repotting during active growth.
Step-by-Step Repotting Guide
Follow these tips when repotting sansevieria:
-
Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the current container.
-
Fill the new pot 1/3 full with fresh soil mix.
-
Gently remove the plant and loosen circled roots.
-
Place in the pot and fill remaining space with more mix.
-
Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom.
-
Allow the plant to adjust in bright, indirect light.
Caring for Snake Plants in the Right Soil
Once repotted into an appropriate mix, snake plants thrive with basic care:
-
Water when top inch of soil is dry. Soak thoroughly then drain.
-
Fertilize monthly with a diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer.
-
Light should be bright and indirect. Some sun is ok.
-
Pests like mealybugs can be treated with insecticidal soap.
-
Propagate by division or leaf cuttings for more plants.
By using the proper potting medium, your sansevieria will flourish with minimal effort. Recreating the quick-draining yet nutrient-rich soils of their native African habitats allows snake plants to show off their beautiful, sculptural foliage without the threat of root rot. With the right soil fundamentals in place, snake plants can thrive for years as low-maintenance houseplants.
The Soil Mix “Recipe” I Use
2/3 Potting Soil.
I alternate between Happy Frog and Ocean Forest, and sometimes, I combine them. Both are full of high-quality ingredients. Make sure the potting soil you use says it’s formulated for indoor plants on the bag.
1/3 Succulent & Cactus Mix.
I use this DIY succulent and cactus mix (this has coco chips in it) for added drainage. If you prefer a store-bought mix, this post on Succulent Soil has good options for you.
Compost.
A couple of handfuls of organic compost (more or less depending on the size of the plant).I use a local compost. This, like worm compost, enriches the soil naturally.
Worm Compost.
Worm compost is my favorite amendment, but I use it sparingly because it’s rich. You can learn more about why I use worm compost here.
The mix I used for my 5′ Snake Plant differed slightly because it went into a large 18″ pot. You can read about that Here.
Three alternate mixes that provide a fast-draining soil:
- 2/3 potting soil, 1/3 or perlite
- or 2/3 potting soil, 1/3 pumice
- or 2/3 potting soil, 1/3 clay pebbles
The pumice, perlite, and clay pebbles increase the drainage factor, enable aeration, and help prevent the soil from getting too wet.
If you’re interested in any of the above materials, you can find more details and links to buy them in Best Soil For Indoor Plants.
Repotting Snake Plants, Step By Step
Good to know: A Snake Plant’s roots are tough, so you don’t have to be too precious when handling the rootball.
Gather your soil mix materials. Sometimes, I mix them up ahead, and other times, I mix them in the pot as I go along.
Loosen the plant from its current pot. If the rootball is stubborn and not readily coming out, I either gently press on the grow pot or run a dull knife around the perimeter. Both ways are clearly shown in the video.
Once the entire plant is out of the pot, measure how much soil mix you’ll need to raise the top of the root ball to about 1/2″ above the rim of the new pot. The weight of the plant will eventually pull it down in the light mix. Then, add the new soil mix.
Place the plant in the pot and fill in around the sides with the mix.
Top with a thin layer of worm compost and/or compost.
This guide outlines Snake Plant Care and will help if you’re a beginning gardener.
Top 7 Snake Plant Care Tips – Watering, Repotting, Soil, Fertilizing & More – Houseplant Care 101
FAQ
What is the best soil for a snake plant?
Snake plants, being succulents, need well-draining soil to thrive – a mix that includes perlite, coco coir, and sand to improve drainage. You can also prepare a soil mix by combining equal amounts of cactus mix with any regular houseplant soil.
What is the soil mix recipe for snake plants?
- One part organic potting soil: This is your base, providing structure and nutrients.
- One part coarse sand or perlite: These ingredients ensure your mix won’t hold excess water, which could lead to root rot.
Can I use orchid mix for snake plants?
Use a well-draining houseplant potting mix. One designed for cacti and succulents is perfect for these plants. Or, you can combine an equal mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark as a DIY version. Also, make sure to pot in a pot with a drainage hole.
What is the ratio of perlite to soil for snake plant?
Moldy and compacted soil harms snake plant roots; prompt treatment is crucial. Homemade mix: 2:1:1 ratio of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand for optimal health. Choose commercial mixes with perlite, pumice, and organic matter for drainage and nutrition.