If a bushier Sansevieria is all you wish for, here are some easy hacks to grow a thicker snake plant without buying another one!
Has your snake plant been looking a little flimsy and sparse? Well, there’s no magic wand to make it fuller overnight, but there are some handy tricks to grow a thicker snake Plant without purchasing another one! Check them out below!
Hacks to Grow a Thicker Snake Plant Without Buying Another One!
1. Give it Direct Sunlight
It is quite a common misconception that snake plants thrive in low-light conditions. Sure, they may survive in such areas, but they definitely won’t grow. So, if you want a fuller snake plant, lighting is the first thing you should look at.
Place yours near a south- or west-facing window where it can soak in bright, indirect light, and even some morning or late-afternoon direct sun. Just watch for leaf scorch. Plus, rotate the pot every 10–14 days so all sides grow evenly.
Pro tip: If you see slightly browning tips on your snake plant, add a sheer curtain to your bright window and draw it during harsh afternoons.
2. Water Deeply But Infrequently
No need to water like it’s your daily ritual. Instead, wait for the soil to completely dry—then give it a deep, soaking drink until the water drains out.
Do the finger test or invest in a soil moisture meter to gauge when it is time for you to give your snake plant a drink.
And the bonus tip is to use room-temperature water and avoid letting it sit on the leaves—this can help prevent fungal issues that slow down growth.
Note: If root rot creeps in, remove the plant, cut off damaged roots, and repot it with a fresh soil mix.
3. Do Not Separate the Pups!
And now things are getting interesting! If your lighting conditions and watering conditions are on point, you will see newer growth and offshoots forming.
Now, we get that you want to expand your collection. But if you want to have one big snake plant, do not separate the pups!
For one, they add to the fullness of your plants and give the illusion of a thicker specimen. Secondly, as these grow up and start producing offshoots of their own, you will find it quite hard to pry anybody’s eyes away from your lush snake plant if you have displayed it in your living room!
Pups also help support the base of the plant, making it more stable and reducing the chance of the plant drooping or leaning.
4. Mild Pruning is Essential
It may feel counterproductive, but trimming your snake plant helps it grow thicker. Among other factors, you must also check out your snake plant every week or so and look for any dead or discolored leaves.
Not only can these indicate underlying issues like problems with lighting, soil, or watering, but these dead parts clinging to the plant also hinder its growth.
Gently snipping away any browning tips or dead leaves from the base of the plant with a pair of sharp, clean, sterilized scissors can give your plant a gentle nudge to keep producing new growth. Otherwise, the slow-growing snake plant keeps focusing its energy on dying parts.
If the leaf is mostly green but just has a small damaged section, consider trimming just the affected part rather than removing the whole leaf.
5. No Need to Repot
Snake plants don’t mind being a little cozy. In fact, a slightly root-bound plant grows fuller and stronger! So, even if your pot looks crowded, don’t rush to separate the pups or upsize the container.
As long as your pot has drainage holes, your plant can happily stay put for up to 5 years.
However, make sure the pot has proper drainage holes. A crowded pot is fine, but poor drainage isn’t—this combo is a recipe for root rot.
6. Monitor for Pests
While snake plants are tough cookies, pests like spider mites or mealybugs might still show up if you’re not checking.
If you do find fuzziness on the underside of leaves, separate the infested plant from other plants in your collection to prevent the spread of the pests. Next, spray the leaves with insecticidal soap or treat with neem oil.
Don’t forget to wipe the leaves down occasionally with a damp cloth—this keeps dust away and allows the plant to absorb light more efficiently.
7. Feed, But Don’t Overfeed
A little plant food goes a long way! Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) once a month in spring and summer to encourage thicker growth. But don’t go overboard—too much can backfire, causing salt buildup and leaf burn.
If you spot a white crust on the soil, it’s a sign to flush it with water to clear excess salts. Remember, when it comes to feeding, as too many cooks spoil the broth—so feed light and right!
Pretty simple, right? But often people tend to ignore a few steps that lead to their snake plants looking sparse. But not yours! Follow these steps and let us know more about your snake plant growing journey in the comments below!
