If you’ve ever owned a snake plant (Sansevieria), you’ll know it’s one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It’s resilient, sculptural, and quietly elegant. But I’ll be honest: at first, mine just sat there. No new shoots. No growth spurts. Just… stillness. So I did what any slightly obsessive plant parent does and started experimenting. Here’s exactly what worked to get my snake plant growing faster, fuller, and happier.
Quickly Find How To Grow Snake Plants Fast
1. Choose the Right Pot and Soil
When I first brought my snake plant home, I stuck it in a trendy pot with no drainage hole. Rookie mistake. The roots sat in soggy soil, and nothing happened for months. Once I switched to a breathable terra cotta pot and a well-draining cactus mix, everything changed.
Snake plants hate wet feet. I like to mix in extra perlite or pumice to keep things airy. Once the roots could breathe, new leaves started popping up, and I realized how much I’d been holding it back.
2. Give It Bright, Indirect Light
Snake plants have a reputation for surviving in dark corners, and while that’s technically true, mine was basically dormant in low light. The turning point? I moved it near a bright east-facing window. Not in direct sun, just bright, indirect light.
It was like flipping a switch. New growth showed up within weeks. The leaves were sturdier and had more color variation. Now I rotate it every few weeks so it grows evenly, and it seems to love the consistency.
3. Water Smart, Not Often
Overwatering is the silent killer of so many houseplants. I used to water on a schedule, but snake plants don’t play that game. I’ve learned to stick my finger two inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it gets water. If it’s not, I wait.
In the summer, this means watering maybe every 2–3 weeks. In the winter? Sometimes just once a month. Letting the roots dry out between waterings actually encourages the plant to grow deeper roots, which has helped mine become more resilient and upright.
4. Keep It Toasty: Snake Plants Likes Warmth
One winter, I noticed my snake plant completely stalled. No new growth for months. I eventually realized it was sitting near a drafty window and a cold air vent. Once I moved it to a warmer spot, the difference was dramatic.
Snake plants thrive between 70 and 90°F. I avoid sudden temperature changes, and during colder months, I keep it away from exterior doors and windows. It’s a tropical plant at heart, and once I respected that, the growth kicked back in.
5. Feed During the Growing Season
For a long time, I never fertilized my houseplants. I figured snake plants didn’t need it. Technically true, but a little help goes a long way. Starting in spring, I now use a diluted balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) once every 4–6 weeks until early fall.
It’s like giving it a pep talk every month. I’ve seen faster leaf production, deeper green color, and more consistent growth patterns since I started feeding it. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll risk leaf burn.
6. Repot Every 1–2 Years
I was hesitant to repot my snake plant because I’d heard they like being root-bound. That’s somewhat true, but there’s a tipping point. When the roots start circling the pot and water runs right through, it’s time.
I now check every year and repot into a pot just one size up. This gives the roots room to stretch without shocking the plant. The growth boost afterward is always noticeable. It’s like it exhales and says, “Thanks, I needed that.”
7. Wipe the Leaves
This tip might sound trivial, but hear me out. I noticed my snake plant was getting dull, and light just wasn’t hitting the leaves the same way. A gentle wipe-down with a damp cloth made a huge difference.
Dust blocks sunlight, and less sunlight means less energy for growth. Now I give mine a wipe every few weeks, especially before moving it back to the window. Bonus: it helps me check for pests while I’m at it.
8. Propagate for a Fuller Look (Pups!)
Once I had one healthy plant, I got greedy. I wanted more. So I started experimenting with propagation. I’ve had the best luck dividing at the root ball when repotting. Leaf cuttings work too, though they take longer.
Now I have a few snake plants in different parts of the house, and I’ve even gifted some to friends. Propagation gives the illusion of rapid growth and helps create that lush, full look without waiting years.
9. Avoid Stressful Changes
Snake plants don’t like drama. I learned this the hard way by moving mine too often, watering erratically, and exposing it to weird lighting. Each time, growth would stall.
These days, I keep its routine steady. Same spot. Consistent watering. No sudden shifts. Stability really is key. When the plant isn’t busy adjusting to change, it uses that energy to grow.
Final Thoughts
Snake plants may not be fast growers by nature, but with the right care, they can surprise you. Mine went from sluggish to sprightly once I dialed in the basics: light, soil, water, and warmth.
If you’re patient and consistent, you’ll start to see that signature vertical spurt and those thick, confident leaves that snake plants are known for. It’s not magic. It’s just good care.
So if yours is stuck in place, try one of these tips. Or better yet, try them all. Your snake plant might just thank you with a little green growth and a lot of quiet satisfaction.