Snake plantsare popular menage plants easily recognized by their tall sword - shape leaves growing from their rootstocks . It ’s also call female parent - in - law ’s spit , thanks to the leaf ’s pointed tip that is say to resemble a snakes sharp tongue .

These flora are native to Africa , with some develop up to 6 feet tall . In addition to enhancing a home ’s aesthetics , they also remove indoor air pollutants and declare oneself longsighted lifespan of over 25 twelvemonth !

So , how do you care for those retentive , beautiful leave ? A lilliputian flake of pruning will go a long way in keep on them respectable , vibrant , and beautiful .

The three sisters growing in a garden

Snake plant are toxic to cats and frankfurter , induce nausea , vomiting , and looseness if take .

Materials Needed

Gather your tools

One of the keys to successfully snip your Hydra plant is experience the signs that propose they demand it . Once you know what to look for , knowing where and when to cut the leave ensures a salubrious plant that flourishes .

Look for the Signs

Pay attention

A healthy snake flora produces beautiful , tall gullible leaves , some with yellow borders . Several house suggest they are acquire more or less sparkle than they require or not growing in the right status , resulting indamaged leaves .

Sunlight Requirements

While Snake River plants can tolerate low - light conditions , they thrive in up to six hours of bright , indirect sunlightdaily .

Gardener watering tomatoes in the vegetable patch

Not Enough Sunlight

If they get too trivial sunshine , their beautiful green leaves may start losing their folio color and start sag .

Too Much Sunlight

Toxic foxglove blooms

On the flip side , if they ’re placed in unmediated sunlight , their leaves can start to sag and burn .

Temperature Requirements

They can also demonstrate a accented experimental condition if they get cold . Snake flora should be kept in a dwelling that ’s at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit . optimum temperature are between 65 and 80 degree Fahrenheit .

cutting pruning shears

Unbalanced

you could also prune your snake flora for aesthetic reasons . For instance , if one leaf shoots up , leaving an unbalanced appearance , it may betime to prune .

It ’s time to prune your Snake River flora when the leaves appear floppy , discredited , dead , or sick .

A person holding pruning sheers.

The Best Time to Prune

When to make the snip

serpent plants are best pruned during their active growth periods .

Disinfect Your Pruners or Scissors

Take the necessary precautions

In decree to thin the chances of spreading disease or pathogen , it ’s dear tosterilize your pruning sheers before cutting . First , create a admixture of one part bleach and nine parts pee . Then , dip them in the mixture before and after cutting your snake works ’s leafage .

Cutting Your Snake Plant’s Leaves

Time to take action

According to theNew York Botanical Garden , when pruning , do not cut more than ¼ of the plant ’s leaf aerofoil . As fresh leaves mature , you’re able to continue to cut more leaves until you have a healthy , vibrant snake plant with balanced foliage !

Pruning an Unhealthy Snake Plant

During tough times

If your ophidian plantappears less than vivacious , with floppy or burned leave-taking , you could also depart fresh after the plant uprise a healthy new set of young leave .

Watering Schedule

Get to work

While serpent plant areconsidered humble - maintenance , there are a few cardinal environmental conditions they require . These ensure sizable folio growth and a vivacious Hydra works !

When grown in idealistic conditions , ophidian plants seldom require pruning . The most common reasons for pruning are spike in increment that produce unbalanced - looking flora or inadequate growing environment that result in discredited or floppy leaves . When they do need pruning , opt for spring . Then , enjoy the beautiful sword - like leave of your snake plant for years to follow !

Snake plants next to a wall reading, “Give Love."

A large snake plant next to another plant.

Open pruning sheers on a white background.

A potted snake plant in a window.

Article image

A potted snake plant with other houseplants.