The Moonshine Snake Plant is one of the first plants in my journey to home gardening. And I will advise anyone with little or no knowledge or time to care for plants but who wants some ornamental plants at home to consider the Moonshine Snake Plant. It requires less care and watering and is easy to manage.
Aside from the ease of caring for the plant, it is an eye-catcher as a home plant. You cannot miss out on the silvery-green, spear-shaped leaves of the plant in any garden. Additionally, it does not occupy space as it grows upwards and acts as an air purifier.
How to Grow The Moonshine Snake Plant
The Moonshine Snake Plant originates from West Africa, commonly found in Nigeria and Congo. Make your garden or home look beautiful with this easy-to-grow and care-for Moonshine Snake Plant, as shown below:
Planting the Moonshine Snake Plant
The best and easy way to plant the Moonshine Snake Plant is through leaf cutting. You can place the leaves in a water jar before transferring them to a pot or directly in the pot. But both methods involve different approaches.
For the methods of placing the leaves in water:
- You have first to cut off a mature and healthy snake leaf.
- Place the leaves, ensuring the edges are cut-shaped on water.
- Putting a quarter of the cut leaves inside the water would be best.
- Keep the water clean and fresh, changing it every 2 to 3 days.
- After two to three months, the roots will start coming out, and you can transfer them to a pot.
Note that you can plant the cut leaves directly on the soil. You should follow the steps discussed below using a solid pot now.
- Cut the base of a mature leaf using a sharp and clean knife or scissors.
- Divide the leaf into 5 to 6 pieces. And allow the leaves to dry for about three days.
- Transfer the leaves to a pot filled with succulent soil. The roots will start growing in a few weeks, and the new plant will emerge.
Light Conditions
The plant needs moderate to bright light to grow, and the leaves will wilt in the dark. You do not have to place them directly on light, but several hours of daily sunlight is okay for the light. It is one of the numerous plants you can grow under shades.
Soil Condition
The best soil for the snake plant is a soil mixture suitable for succulent plants. A mix of sand, peat, and gravel is best for your indoor plant pot. Ensure proper drainage, as too much water, may cause rot on the root.
Watering of The Snake Plant
The watering of the snake plant is where it gets easy, especially with beginners. Unlike other ornamental plants, this plant does not need much watering. But observe the soil and water when they appear dry.
Note that the snake plant is a drought-resistant plant. And so it will not require steady watering of the soil.
Humidity and Temperature
There is no need to stress yourself much about humidity. The Snake Plant can survive a wide range of humidity, which is also why it is easy to manage. However, it thrives in a warm climate at a temperature range of 55-85 Fahrenheit. It can also survive in regions or winter periods with as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit (winter hardy). The room temperature in your home or indoor garden may be suitable for the plant.
Caring For the Moonshine Snake Plant
With little care and maintenance, the plant can grow without your input. But we want it to grow to its maximum height, looking radiant and beautiful in our garden. My snake plant is always silvery green, designating its good health, which adds a fantastic aura to my home.
To care adequately for your snake plant, you should consider the following approaches:
Fertilizing the Moonshine Snake Plant
You can add fertilizers sparingly during the summer and spring, which is the best time for this approach. Fertilizing the plant will enhance its growth and improve its health.
Repotting the Snake Plant
Repotting the snake plant is necessary to allow it to grow to its maximum height. Initially, you must have used a smaller pot, and as it grows, the plant will need more space for its root to expand. Transfer the plant to a bigger pot every 2-3 years to allow it to grow.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
In this regard, I still maintain that you can do little as the plant is not susceptible to severe disease and pests. However, watch out for house plant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. You can easily remove these pests using homemade remedies or insecticidal soaps, which can quickly kill the pests.
Toxicity of the Snake Plant
The snake plant can cause severe stomach upset when ingested, for they contain compounds that can irritate the stomach leading to vomiting and nausea. So it would be best if you kept it out of reach of kids and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Responsible for Leaves Dropping and Wrinkling?
The snake plant leaves may drop due to lack of water, cold, low humidity, and, in some cases, too much water. In such conditions, you will need to check the plant’s moisture content and take the appropriate action to remedy the situation.
What Causes Shriveled Leaves?
A lack of water may cause withered leaves of the snake plants. Please do not think that because the snake plant is drought-resistant, you should forget to water it. For prolonged lack of water will cause the leaves to shrive.
What are The Benefits of Planting The Snake Plant?
The snake plant helps purify the air by trapping impurities, which helps keep the atmosphere clean and fresh.