If you’re a beginner gardener looking to add some greenery to your home, there’s one plant that should be at the top of your list: the snake plant. Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” this hardy succulent is practically impossible to kill and requires minimal maintenance – making it the perfect houseplant for those with a less than green thumb.
What makes snake plants so beginner-friendly? For starters, they can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright, indirect sunlight to low-light areas. As Apartment Therapy reports, snake plants “can tolerate low-light conditions (without even needing a grow light), [and] they don’t require frequent watering.” In fact, they’re known for being one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants around.
Low-Maintenance Care Requirements
Another key reason snake plants are so well-suited for beginners is their low-maintenance care requirements. According to Martha Stewart, you should only water a snake plant “when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.” And even then, it’s better to underwater than overwater – too much moisture can lead to yellow, mushy leaves.
What this really means is that snake plants are incredibly forgiving. You don’t have to worry about meticulously monitoring the soil moisture or sticking to a strict watering schedule. As long as you let the soil dry out between waterings, your snake plant will be just fine.
Diverse Varieties to Choose From
The beauty of snake plants goes beyond their low-maintenance care requirements. As Penn State Extension explains, there are over 70 different species and cultivars of snake plants, each with its own unique leaf shape, color, and growth habit. So whether you’re looking for a tall, architectural plant or a more compact, trailing variety, there’s a snake plant out there to suit your style and space.
The bigger picture here is that snake plants are the perfect gateway plant for anyone new to the world of indoor gardening. Their undemanding nature and diverse aesthetic appeal make them an excellent choice for beginner and experienced plant parents alike. So if you’re ready to take your first steps into the wonderful world of houseplants, a snake plant is an excellent place to start.