Comprehensive Guide to Fertilizing Snake Plants for Vibrant, Thriving Indoor Plants
Sprucing Up Your Snake Plant:
Got a snake plant at home? You might be pondering if it needs that green stuff you pour on your flowers. Well, let's dive into this leafy marvel.
What's the Scoop on Fertilizing Snake Plants?
Snake plants are damn tough, thriving in the nutrient-poor, rocky soil of their native West and Central Africa. But even these legendary plants need a nutrition boost, especially when they've moved indoors. They require nitrogen for their long, pointed leaves, the essence of their impressive appearance.
Do Snake Plants Need Fertilizer?
You bet! The plant kingdom ain't any different from us humans – they need nutrients to stay healthy. Specifically, these green babies crave nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the holy trinity of plant macronutrients usually listed with the magical ratio NPK on fertilizer packages.
While snake plants won't be boasting flowers in your living room anytime soon, they still need a tad of phosphorus to help establish their roots.
Top Shelf Fertilizer for Snake Plants:
a. The Star Performer: Balanced Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, supplies all the macronutrients your snake plant needs for triumphant foliage growth. A standard houseplant fertilizer, diluted by half, will tickle their fancy.
b. The Elite Squad: Succulent Formula
Succulent-specific fertilizers are a great option, as they have lower NPK ratios, catering to the nutrient needs of these low-demand plants. Snake plants, being part of the succulent clan, will thrive with this choice.
c. The DIY Star: Homemade Succulent Fertilizer
If you're the crafty type, mix up a batch of homemade succulent fertilizer using pulverized eggshells, dried and crushed banana peels, coffee grounds, and well-diluted fish emulsion. Be generous with the topdressing of compost, another fantastic amendment for your snake plant's health.
Snake Plant Fertilization Timeline:
a. Active Growing Season:
Spring and summer are when snake plants surge with new growth. Feed them during this peak growing period with diluted liquid food once a month, using a time-release granular formula or plant spikes only once in spring.
b. The Summer Vacation:
During fall and winter, when daylight hours dwindle, your snake plant goes on a sorta-hibernation. Avoid fertilizing during this dormant stage to reduce stress.
How to Fertilize Snake Plants:
a. Liquid Love:
Water diluted fertilizers directly into the root zone, taking care not to dampen those sassy leaves.
b. Spike It:
Push plant spikes (or a time-release granular formula) into the soil near the roots, following the application with water.
c. Compost Topdressing:
Spread compost over the top inch of soil for gradual nutrient release, making sure to avoid leaf bases.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snake Plant Fertilization:
a. Are used coffee grounds good for snake plants?
Absolutely! Coffee grounds are a fantastic source of nitrogen, which suits snake plants' nutritional preferences.
b. Can I use succulent fertilizer on a snake plant?
Without a doubt! The succulent family consists of plants that share similar nutritional requirements, and snake plants fit that bill.
c. Should you fertilize divisions?
Yes, divide and conquer! Fertilize your newly divided snake plant immediately to propel its growth and set it up for success.
d. Should you fertilize to encourage a bloom?
While knife-shaped leaves are the name of the game, if you're lucky and banish the winter chill considerably, you might witness the rare bloom of flower spikes. But, don't count on fertilization alone to achieve this feat.
[1] Penn State Extension. (2017). Snake Plant Care Sheet. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/snake-plant-care-sheet
[2] University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2013). Snake Plants Caring for Sansevieria - Plant Fact Sheet PDF. Retrieved from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS117800.pdf
[3] University of Rhode Island. (2012). Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' - String of Swords. Retrieved from https://gardening.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-database/plant.shtml?id=1962
[4] McGovern, Lisa. (2021). Snake Plant Care. Retrieved from https://bloomscape.com/plants/fiddle-leaf-fig-plant/snake-plant-care/
[5] The Spruce. (2021). Snake Plant Care: 9 Easy-to-Follow Tips. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/snake-plant-care-quick-guide-4690088
Bonnie L. Grant
A professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening and a passion for edible landscaping, Bonnie has been growing and writing about plants for 15 years. She loves exploring garden design, trying new plants, and learning about sustainable gardening practices.
Amy Draiss(Digital Community Manager)
Enthusiastic poster, Amy enjoys sharing gardening tips, videos, and gardening how-tos with the gardening community.
1. With their cravings for balanced nutrients, it's not surprising that home-and-garden enthusiasts might wonder if snake plants, much like home-grown succulents, would benefit from fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
2. In the process of exploring various methods to improve the lifestyle of their snake plants, homeowners may consider using succulent fertilizers due to their lower NPK ratios, which cater to the nutrient needs of these low-demand plants, making them an excellent choice for gardeners in home-and-garden circles.
