Here we are with 3 tricks to make your snake plant bushier than you can imagine—and don’t miss the third one!
We all want our snake plants to grow super tall and full. But to have your Dracaena trifasciata really make its presence known in the home, you need to implement some tricks. Fortunately, we have the best ones that can grow this succulent fuller than your imagination!
Top 3 Tricks To Make The Snake Plant Bushier
1. Direct Sunlight can Work Wonders!
Despite what you may have heard, low light conditions and snake plants do NOT belong together. Even the most low-maintenance of plants will need their vitamin D, especially if you are trying to make them grow bushier. Giving them the right amount of sunlight is essential to mimic their natural habitat.
Straight from West Africa, snake plants are not just drought-tolerant but also need their fair share of direct sunlight. Yes, you read that right. They will grow fuller like your dream come true when placed about a foot from a south-facing window where they can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight.
Just make sure to water only when the soil is dry, as underwatering won’t help either. Of course, it must be able to drain out the bottom of the pot.
Pro tip: In case you do not have a south-facing window and are also short on budget, invest in some LED grow lights, which are great for snake plants and easy on the wallet.
2. Repotting at the Right Time
Yes, timing matters. Snake plants usually start producing offshoots by late February, depending on your climate. So early spring is the ideal time to repot. Now here’s the trick—plant more than one in the same pot. Why? Because it instantly gives the appearance of a fuller, more vibrant plant.
Pick a 10-inch-wide container and you can easily group 3 to 4 individual plants. Just space them about 2 inches apart and water them well. As for the soil, make sure it’s well-draining. Too much moisture can lead to root rot, which you definitely want to avoid.
Another must-know—don’t plant them too deep. Just cover the roots, press the soil gently around the base to keep them upright, and you’re all set.
Bonus tip: A great soil mix for fuller Sansevieria includes 30% regular potting soil, 25% cocopeat, 25% vermiculite, and 20% perlite. You can also swap vermiculite with composted cow dung manure and perlite with sand if needed.
3. Let the Pups Grow Together
The last and final trick up our sleeve is to let the pups grow in the same pot. This might sound familiar to the previous point, but hear us out. Snake plants have small root systems and actually enjoy a little crowd. So every time you think of propagating, don’t rush to grab a new pot—just let them be!
Now here’s something most people don’t realize—division beats cuttings any day. Confused? Let us explain. If your snake plant isn’t filling out fast enough, it could be because you’ve been relying on cuttings. Those take forever—sometimes over a year!
The faster way is to divide sections from your plant, ensuring they include a couple of leaves and a portion of the roots. But hold on—here’s the twist! Before you put them back, give those divided sections or pups a little healing time. Yes, let them callus over for a day or two before transplanting.
Now, just pot these sections in the same pot as the mother plant. Et voilà, bushier snake plant in a matter of weeks!
While there are other things you can do to encourage bushiness, these 3 simple tricks can deliver impressive results. Try them out and let us know how it goes for you in the comments below!
