How I Learned to Keep My Snake Plant Alive (and Actually Thriving)

Confession: I am not a “naturally gifted plant person.”

In fact, for a long time, my houseplants had a very short life expectancy. If there were awards for “Most Likely to Forget to Water,” I would have won every year. So when I brought home my first snake plant, I fully expected it to judge me quietly… and then slowly die.

But plot twist: the snake plant is basically the most forgiving plant on the planet.

Here’s what I’ve learned on my journey of keeping this dramatic-looking but low-maintenance plant alive and well ⤵️

➡️ Sharing all of my horticulture favorites here  ⬅️

Light / Flexible Queen Energy: My snake plant does not care where I put her. Bright light? She’s fine. Low light? Still thriving. I keep mine near a window with indirect sunlight, but honestly — she would survive in a closet and still look better than me on my worst day.

Water / Less Is More (Way Less): This was the hardest lesson for me. Snake plants hate being overwatered. Hate it. Now I only water when the soil is completely dry — like desert-dry. Sometimes that’s every two weeks. Sometimes longer. I’ve learned that ignoring her a little is actually the best form of love.

Soil & Pot / Drainage Is Everything: I use well-draining soil and a pot with holes in the bottom because snake plants refuse to sit in soggy roots. Standing water = instant betrayal.

Growth & Care / Low Effort, High Reward: I wipe her leaves every once in a while to keep them shiny and dust-free (plant spa day 💅). Other than that, she grows on her own timeline and occasionally gives me a new leaf, like, “Surprise. You’re doing great, sweetie.”

Honestly, caring for a snake plant has taught me something important: not everything needs constant attention to thrive. Some things just need patience, good light, and the occasional sip of water.

And maybe that’s a lesson for me too.

If you’re new to plants or emotionally attached to not killing things, I highly recommend starting with a snake plant. She’s resilient, beautiful, and very forgiving — which, frankly, is exactly what I need in this season of life.

xo,

jd

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