Snake Plant Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?
Snake plants can beautify the corners of your home for about ten years or so
Snake plant is the perfect choice for beginner gardeners as it is considered indestructible. Considering how long do snake plants live without much attention is also remarkable. In winter, it can go two months between watering, while in summer, watering them every two weeks is enough.
When it comes to light, it can thrive in absolutely bright light or even in the darkest corners of your house. In indoor light, these plants grow slowly. In order to boost their growth, they require a few hours of direct sunlight.
Snake plants’ lifespan is on average 5 -10 years. Some even live up to 25 years in the right growing conditions. It is one of the hardiest and most popular species of houseplants. They also go by the name of Viper bowstring hemp, Devil’s tongue, and Mother-in-Law’s tongue.
They feature stiff and sword-like leaves and can grow anywhere from six inches to six feet tall. These plants come in a variety of colors. Though many of them have green-banded leaves, one of their common features is a yellow border.
Snake plants can be grown in small containers or large pots; they are great for tabletop displays. In any way, these plants make for a lovely addition to your home decoration. These easy-to-care snake plant succulents are the best for pulling out toxins from the air.
How Long Is The Sansevieria Lifespan?
Generally, the average lifespan of a snake plant is 5 to 10 years. However, they can even live up to 25 years or more if given the right conditions. The snake plant is a slow but determined grower.
How Long Do Snake Plants Live Indoors?
Snake plants can live up to 10-15 years indoors if given the most appropriate growing conditions. Warm temperatures, sparse watering, indirect sunlight, and a root-bound pot will make the plant thrive well for a long.
Factors Affecting The Lifespan Of Snake Plants
Their lifespan depends on the environment and various conditions they grow in. Let’s look at the factors beneficial for their growth. If you get these factors right, you can enjoy the many benefits of snake plants for years.
1. Light
Though it is true that snake plants can survive even in almost no light conditions, a few hours of direct sunlight is pivotal for their growth. These plants grow their best when they get proper light. Since they are succulents, indirect bright sunlight brings out the best in them.
Hence, a few hours of morning sun can improve their health. They can tolerate 5 to 6 hours of sunlight. However, avoid placing them in direct sunlight for a whole day as it can make the soil and the plant dry.
2. Water
Succulents store water in their leaves. So less water is more for them. Watering snake plants every two weeks in summer and spring is enough. Water them once a month during winter. Winters are the time when your plant does not grow and requires very less water.
Your watering schedule can determine how long do sansevieria live. Overwatering can cause root decay and leaf curling. Hence, the best way to know whether your plant needs water or not is the soil checking method.
Check the top 1 inch of the soil and if it feels dry, water your plant. Remember your plant does not require much water when it is small, but as it grows, it needs more water and time.
3. Drainage
It is best to plant all kinds of snake plants in a terracotta container rather than a plastic one. The container must have one or more drainage holes. Wet soil can cause root decay.
4. Soil
How long does a snake plant live also depends on the soil. Snake plant requires a soil with pH range from 5.5 to 7. Soil mix is also an important factor in snake plant’s growth rate.
As it is a succulent, it requires well-draining soil. You can use a 1:1 ratio of cactus and succulent mix for the best results. You can also add perlite, pumice, pebbles, and a handful of fir bark. Lava stones can also be used. Make sure the mix has lot of air pockets. Homemade soil mix can be prepared by mixing one part of potting mix, two parts of perlite and one part of peat moss.
5. Temperature
Snake plants thrive well in temperatures between 70-75°F. If you are wondering how long can snake plants live, you need to know that they are susceptible to scorching and freezing temperatures. Frost is extremely harmful to the plant. Keep the plants inside if it is frosty outside.
If the temperature dips below 55 degrees, your plant can die. Snake plants can thrive in hot temperatures but in winter, they need protection. Also, keep them away from AC vents and drafty windows. If grown at an ideal temperature, your plant may yield the best results.
6. Fertilizer
Snake plants are slow-growers. At best, they grow 2-3 leaves during the growing season. Hence, using organic manures can boost their immune system and prolong sansevieria lifespan.
If your plant is healthy and dark colored, it does not require any fertilizer. Only fertilize if there is any nutrient deficiency. You can detect these by looking for signs on the leaves and roots. Look for curling, wrinkled, yellow or brown leaves. Brown tips and spots on leaves or brown and mushy roots can also be a sign of sickness. Avoid using fertilizers unless your plant is sick. Over-fertilizing can harm your plant.
Either opt for organic houseplant fertilizer once or twice during the spring season or go for a light application of worm compost every spring for good results. Avoid using a fertilizer with excess nitrogen, or it may harm your plant more in winter.
7. Pruning
If your snake plant is not showing new growth, pruning can help your plant look beautiful and also encourage healthy new leaves. Trim your snake plant during the growing phase, only once a year. Avoid pruning it haphazardly and on an irregular basis. Irregular pruning can delay the growth of your plant and it is likely to become susceptible to pathogens.
Also, frequent pruning can make your plant feel stressed and can affect how long do mother-in-law tongue lives healthily.
How Fast Does Snake Plant Grow?
As with every plant, a plant’s growth rate depends a lot on the amount of care it receives. The better the care is given, the better resources the plant has to grow. If given the appropriate growing conditions, in a complete sansevieria lifespan they can grow between two to twelve inches per year quickly.
Pruning also encourages healthy new growth. Light also impacts the growth rate of the snake plant. More light leads to faster growth. Snake plants in regions with longer days or in areas with bright light will grow faster than plants in darker areas.
Here is how to make snake plants grow faster.
FAQs
Q) What is the lifecycle of a snake plant?
A) The lifecycle of a snake plant is as follows:
- A snake plant begins as a pup from the main root of a mature plant.
- This pup will grow its own roots (in water or in soil) in about 6-8 weeks. It takes more time in winter months and less time in warmer months.
- Then the rooted pups will grow slowly and sprout more leaves to grow into mature snake plants.
Q) What affects the snake plant lifespan?
A) Snake plant’s longevity can be affected by a number of factors. They are impacted by light intensity, frequency of watering, soil composition, and temperature, and pests. The better the growing conditions, the longer the snake plant lives.
Q) Do snake plants outgrow their pots?
A) Though snake plants do not mind being overcrowded in a pot, they do require repotting as after several years the quality of the soils starts deteriorating and it requires a top-up.
Q) How Big Will a Snake Plant Get?
A) A healthy snake plant can grow up to 8 feet indoors, while up to 12 feet outdoors.
Summing up…
If you are new to gardening and want a plant that is hardy and long-living without needing much attention, the snake plant is the ideal plant for you. If provided with optimal growing conditions, snake plant lifespan can go up to 25 years and beyond.
