Sansevieria Maintenance & Care Checklist
1. Plant Family Overview: Sansevieria
Commonly known as Snake Plants or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue). Sansevierias are renowned for being "indestructible."
However, this reputation is dangerous because it leads to complacency. The only efficient way to kill a Sansevieria is by giving it too much attention - specifically, too much water.
Appearance: Distinctive upright, stiff, sword-like leaves that grow vertically from the soil. They have no trunk. Leaves are fleshy and succulent (water-storing).
Common Varieties: Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' (green with yellow edges), Sansevieria zeylanica (green tiger stripes), Sansevieria cylindrica (round, spear-like leaves).
Office Benefits: The ultimate space-saver due to vertical growth. They are highly tolerant of low light and known for air purification (releasing oxygen at night).
Key Sensitivities: Zero tolerance for overwatering. They are prone to rotting at the soil line if kept wet. Sensitive to cold temperatures below 10°C.
2. Ideal Conditions
Light: Extremely versatile.
Target: Any location from 1 metre of a bright window to a darker corner.
Tolerance: Can survive low light (50–100 lux), though growth will stall. Can tolerate some direct sun.
Temperature: Standard office climate.
Ideal: 18°C – 27°C.
Limit: Never below 10°C. Cold drafts will cause the leaves to turn mushy.
Humidity: No specific requirements. They tolerate dry office air (20–40%) perfectly well.
Water Quality: Standard tap water is generally fine, but room temperature is essential.
Potting Mix: (soil plants) Must be fast-draining. Cactus or succulent mix (high sand/perlite content) is required.
3. Weekly / Fortnightly Maintenance Checklist
Perform these tasks on a consistent day (e.g. every Wednesday).
Watering Check (Soil Plants): (The "Deep Finger Test")
Sansevierias must dry out completely between waterings.
Insert a finger deep into the soil (at least 4–5 cm)), or use a moisture meter.
Action:
If soil is damp/cool or moist at all: DO NOT WATER.Walk away.
If soil is dusty and bone dry: Add water sparingly.
Quantity: Low volume. Approx. 5–10% of pot volume.
Crucial: Do not pour water into the centre of the leaf cluster (the rosette). Water the soil directly to prevent heart rot.
HydroCare Plants: Leave for 2-3 weeks on minimum before topping up, never go above optimum on the water level indicator.
Cleaning:
Dust: These vertical leaves collect dust that blocks light. Wipe upward with a dry microfiber cloth (dust gloves).
Debris: Remove any dry, papery sheaths from the soil surface to prevent pests hiding.
Positioning & Environment:
Traffic Check: Ensure tips of leaves are not sticking out into walkways. If the sharp tip is snapped off, the leaf stops growing permanently.
Drafts: Ensure plant is not directly under a heavy AC vent (cold downdraft).
Quick Health Scan:
Scan for stability: Gently test a leaf. It should be firm and rigid. If it wobbles or feels loose in the soil, there is an issue.
Scan for pests: Look for tiny white specks (mealybugs) near the soil line.
4. Monthly / Bi-Monthly Tasks
Fertilising (Feed):
When: May to August only.
What: Soil Plants; Cactus or Succulent liquid feed. HydroCare Plants; Hydroponic liquid plant food.
Frequency: Once every 2 months. Do not overfeed.
Rotation:
Sansevierias will lean toward the light source. Rotate the pot 180° once a month to keep the growth upright.
Soil Surface Loosening:
Use a fork to gently break up the top 2cm of soil if it has become hard/crusted, to allow air to the roots.
Pot Maintenance:
Check the decorative pot liner. Ensure absolutely no water is sitting at the bottom.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Spring / Summer (Growth Season)
Watering: Water roughly every 3–4 weeks.
Growth: You may see new "pups" (baby shoots) emerging from the soil. Do not cut these; they will fill out the pot.
Autumn / Winter (Dormancy)
Watering: Drastic reduction required. The plant enters a semi-dormant state. Water perhaps once every 6–8 weeks.
If in doubt, wait another week. It is nearly impossible to kill this plant by underwatering in winter.
Lighting: If the plant is in a very dark corner, consider moving it temporarily to a brighter spot to help it through the darker days.
6. What NOT to Do
Don't water if the soil feels even slightly cool to the touch.
Don't pour water into the "heart" (the center where leaves grow out). Always water the soil.
Don't use "leaf shine" or oils. These plants need to breathe; dust and oil clog them.
Don't pull a leaf to see if it's loose.
Don't place the plant near a heating radiator in winter; while they like heat, intense localised heat can scorch them.
7. Red Flags & Early Warning Signs
Use this troubleshooting guide to catch and treat issues.
Leaves falling over / flopping
Low light + Overwatering
Stop watering. Move to brighter spot.
Base of leaf turns yellow/mushy
Root Rot (Fatal risk)
Stop watering. Allow to dry for 4 weeks / replace.
Leaves wrinkling / shrivelling
Dehydration (Thirsty)
Water lightly immediately.
Brown, soft spots on leaves
Cold damage
Move away from window/door/AC.
Brown crispy tips
Physical damage
Trim tip with scissors (for aesthetics).
Pot looking distorted/oval
Roots expanding (Normal)
No action needed unless pot cracks.