How to Care for Your IKEA Snake Plant
Your IKEA snake plant has unique needs after leaving the store. Learn how to transition it from its nursery pot for lasting health and simple care.
The snake plant, or Dracaena trifasciata, is a durable houseplant recognized for its upright, sword-like leaves and minimal care requirements. Its resilience and architectural form make it a popular choice for any home. Many people acquire their first snake plant from retailers like IKEA, drawn by its reputation as a visually striking, low-maintenance option.
The IKEA Snake Plant Unboxed
IKEA offers several varieties of Dracaena trifasciata, with ‘Laurentii’ and ‘Zeylanica’ being the most common. You might also find dwarf varieties like ‘Hahnii’, which grows in a compact rosette. These plants are often sold in a plastic nursery pot placed inside a decorative container without drainage, a setup that requires attention once home.
Upon unboxing, inspect the plant thoroughly. Check the leaves for pests, like the fine webbing of spider mites, and ensure there are no soft or discolored areas. The soil is usually a dense, peat-heavy mix meant for transit, which is not ideal for the long-term health of a drought-tolerant plant.
Decide whether to repot immediately or let the plant acclimate. If the soil is very wet or the plant is root-bound, repotting soon is best. If the plant seems healthy and the soil is only slightly damp, allow it to adjust to your home’s environment for a few weeks before repotting to reduce stress.
Essential Snake Plant Care
Light
Snake plants tolerate low light, but perform best with vibrant coloration in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window providing gentle morning sun is ideal. In darker corners, growth will slow, and variegated types may lose their distinctive patterning.
Water
The most common mistake in snake plant care is overwatering. As they are native to arid regions, it is best to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Before you water, check the soil’s moisture by inserting your finger a few inches deep; if it feels damp, wait longer. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water flows from the drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in moisture.
Soil
A well-draining potting medium is necessary to prevent water-related issues. Use a mix formulated for cacti or succulents. You can also create your own by amending a standard houseplant potting mix with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to increase aeration and improve drainage.
Temperature & Humidity
Snake plants thrive in typical household conditions, comfortable in temperatures from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect them from frost and cold drafts, which can damage the leaves. Average home humidity is fine, so no extra misting or humidifiers are needed.
Fertilizer
These plants are light feeders. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced, all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer at half-strength once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilizing can cause weak growth and root burn.
Solving Common Problems
Most snake plant problems are related to water. Yellowing leaves and a soft, mushy base are classic symptoms of overwatering and root rot. To check, inspect the roots: healthy ones are firm and light-colored, while rotting roots are dark, soft, and may smell foul. If root rot is present, trim away affected portions with a clean tool and repot the plant in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Wrinkled or curling leaves can be a sign of underwatering. If the leaves appear shriveled, a thorough watering should help them plump back up within a few days. Pests are not frequent, but mealybugs or spider mites can occur. Manage them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.