Snake plants are relatively slow-growing. Most snake plants generate about 2–4 new leaves per season and can grow anywhere from 2–12 inches (5–30 cm) in a year. A lot of your plant’s growth rate is dependent upon what exact variation of snake plant it is.
There are several varieties of snake plants that can vary drastically in size and growth rate. For example, the diminutive and slow-growing Golden Haahnii usually doesn’t grow taller than 6 inches (15 cm), while the faster-growing Black Gold can reach heights of over 3 feet (1 meter).
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take for a Snake Plant to Root in Soil?
Snake plants are very easy to propagate. By carefully cutting a leaf from a mature snake plant, you can create a new plant. The key to this is getting the new plant to grow roots. There are several ways to encourage root growth. One of the easiest methods is by putting the leaf in water. When you use this method, roots should start to grow in about 3–5 weeks. Once the roots are visible, you can plant the leaf.
- Snake plants are very easy to propagate.
- The key to successful propagation is getting the new plant to grow roots.
- One method is to place the leaf in water. Roots should grow in 3–5 weeks.
- Once roots are visible, you can carefully transfer the plant to a pot.
- Alternately, you can plant the leaf in soil right away.
- It takes slightly longer for roots to grow using the soil method, but it saves you the trouble of having to transfer delicate roots into a pot.
Propagated plants can also be planted directly into potting soil. Using this method, roots take slightly longer to grow, but you don’t have to worry about transplanting the delicate roots like you would using the water method.
Is a Snake Plant a Slow Growing Plant?
Snake plants are relatively slow-growing. Because they are succulents, they’re conditioned to store water in their leaves. They also slow or stop their growth when conditions are not ideal. This is a built-in survival mechanism that allows them to thrive in the wild.
- Snake plants are relatively slow-growing.
- They are succulents, which means they’re conditioned to stop or slow their growth when their growing condition isn’t perfect. This is a survival mechanism.
- Snake plants grow more slowly indoors.
- Snake plants grow more slowly due to the lack of sun and cooler indoor temperatures.
Additionally, snake plants grow more slowly indoors than they would in an outdoor setting. This is because they generally do not get as much exposure to bright sunlight indoors. Also, temperatures inside may be cooler than snake plants are used to in their natural environment. These cool temperatures can slow the growth of a snake plant.
Can You Speed Up a Snake Plant’s Growth?
While you can’t technically coax a snake plant to grow faster than it naturally would, you can strive to provide optimal conditions that promote growth. Be sure to give your plant the appropriate amount of water. Snake plants are prone to overwatering, which can stunt their growth. Be sure to only water once every 1–2 weeks and allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Also, make sure you are using a potting soil formulated for succulents, or an indoor potting soil with excellent drainage.
- Providing your plant with an optimal environment can help it to grow faster.
- Water your snake plant every 1–2 weeks and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Use indoor potting soil that provides excellent drainage.
- Move your snake plant closer to a window to give it more light. Avoid too much direct sunlight, so your plant doesn’t become damaged.
- Fertilize sparingly. Fertilizing it once every 5–6 weeks with a diluted solution is more than enough.
- Inspect your plant for pests regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
Moving your snake plant closer to a window can help it grow, by providing it with lots of bright light. However, try to avoid too much direct sunlight – this can damage your plant’s leaves. Fertilize sparingly, and when you do, dilute the solution to between ¼ and ½ strength. Fertilizing once every 5–6 weeks in the growing season should be more than enough. Finally, regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests, like mealybugs or spider mites. Treating any infestation quickly can restore your plant to full health and help it to grow faster. It can also help your snake plant recover if the leaves start to turn brown.
Why Does Your Snake Plant Grow So Fast?
Sometimes, growing conditions are so perfect that your snake plant grows faster than you want it to. If you want your snake plant to slow down, give it less light and water it less often. Plants that grow this fast also do not need to be fertilized.
- If conditions are too perfect, your snake plant may grow faster than you want it to.
- To slow growth, give your plant less light, stop fertilizing it, and water it less frequently.
- If all else fails, you can trim the tips of its leaves to permanently stunt its growth.
If it continues to grow too quickly, try trimming the tips of its leaves. This will permanently stunt its growth and keep it to a more manageable size.
Do Snake Plants Grow Fast or Slow?
Snake plants are slow-growing plants. When growing snake plants, keep these facts in mind:
- Snake plants grow 2–4 new leaves each growing season.
- Depending on your snake plant variety, it may grow 2–12 inches (5–30 cm) per year.
- Snake plant cuttings develop roots in 3–5 weeks.
- Lack of direct sunlight can stunt snake plant growth.
- Cool indoor temperatures can slow down the growth of your snake plant.
- Plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures encourage snake plants to grow more quickly.
By providing conditions that match the snake plant’s natural habitat, your plant will thrive. However, snake plants are like most succulents—they grow slowly and pause growth if they do not receive enough water, sunlight, or heat.
