How to Make Your Snake Plant Grow Taller and Faster

If you have noticed that your snake plant is just sitting there and not growing much you are not the one. Plants commonly called snake plants, whose scientific name is now Dracaena trifasciata are known for their hardiness and ease of care. This hardiness makes snake plants avoid growth; snake plants are happy just to survive rather than to thrive. The important point is to give the snake plant the conditions that will encourage growth.

Give It Light

That is why snake plants are so popular because they can live in light. Living and growing are not the thing. If you want the snake plant to grow taller the snake plant needs light. Put the snake plant near a window that gets light most of the day; an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid afternoon sunlight because it may burn the leaves. A sheer curtain will help soften the light. The light the snake plant receives the more energy the snake plant will have leading to growth.

Water Often With Care

It may seem odd. Watering the snake plant too often is the main reason why the snake plant does not grow well. The snake plant can store water in its leaves. Is used to dry conditions. Much water can cause the roots of the snake plant to rot. Let the soil dry out fully before watering the snake plant and then water the snake plant thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. At home this means watering the snake plant every two to four weeks. In winter water the snake plant less often. A moisture meter can be used; simply insert your finger into the soil two inches deep to find out when the snake plant needs water.

Choose the Right Pot and Soil

A pot that does not drain well can harm the snake plant so always choose a pot that has drainage holes. Terracotta pots are better than ones because they let the soil of the snake plant dry out faster. Use a draining soil mix for the snake plant; a cactus and succulent mix works well for the snake plant. Mix potting soil with perlite or coarse sand for the snake plant. The goal is soil that drains quickly but still holds some moisture for the roots of the snake plant.

Feed It During Growing Season

The snake plant does not need fertilizer but a little amount during the growing season can help the snake plant grow faster. From spring through summer give the snake plant a feeding a month. In fall and winter the growth of the snake plant slows. Do not feed the snake plant during those months because it will not help the snake plant and could even damage the roots of the snake plant.

Keep It Warm and Draft-Free

The snake plant comes from west Africa. Likes certain temperatures, ideally between 70 and 90°F (21–32°C). Cold drafts from air conditioning, open windows or doors stop the snake plant from growing; if the snake plant’s room drops below 50°F in winter, move the snake plant to another room.

Don’t Skip Repotting

The snake plant can stay rootbound for a while. When the roots of the snake plant fill the pot and start to circle the snake plant will stop growing. Check the snake plant every year or so. Look for signs such as roots of the snake plant growing through the drainage holes or the snake plant feeling top-heavy. If you notice any of these move the snake plant to a pot that's one or two inches bigger in diameter.

Wipe the Leaves

People often skip this step but it is very important because dust on the leaves blocks light and slows the snake plant’s photosynthesis. Clean the leaves of the snake plant with a cloth once a week; clean leaves of the snake plant catch light better and work efficiently.

Patience Still Matters

The snake plant grows slowly so do not expect to see changes in a week or two. Think instead in terms of inches the snake plant gains, over months. If you follow all the tips above you should see shoots and longer leaves of the snake plant within one growing season. Keep at it. The snake plant will grow taller and faster.