What Kind Of Soil Is Good For Snake Plants? (+Best Soil Mix)

Soil is the base upon which our plants grow. Choosing the perfect soil mix for our snake plant can be a daunting process, especially when so many brands and types of soil mixes are available in the market.

When I first started, I was baffled by all the information present out there. So, I decided to break it all down and help you understand the basics of soil mixes so that you can choose appropriate soil for your snake plants.

Snake plants can do well in a well-drained and nutrient-rich potting mix. Since these plants prefer dry soil, we need to make sure we use a well-draining medium. A mix of potting soil along with cactus & succulent mix and a handful of perlite shall work excellent. Avoid garden soil as these are too heavy for snake plants.

The choice of soil mix will differ between plants. While some plants prefer moisture in their soil, others prefer it dry. You need to ensure you choose the appropriate mix for your snake plant so that they can thrive in your space.

Thus, today we shall learn all about soil mix for snake plant and that too in layman’s term.

What kind of soil should I use for a snake plant?

It is very easy for someone to recommend X, Y, or Z brand soil to someone looking for the soil mix. But I shall do things a little differently. 

We will first learn about soil’s basic properties and the key factors we need to look at while choosing a soil mix for our snake plant. With that in mind, let us first look at some basic properties of a soil that snake plant demands.

• Well-drained
• Aeration
• Nutrient-rich

The first and foremost thing we need to keep in mind while choosing the soil for a snake plant is drainage. The snake plant belongs to the family of “Dracaena,” which is a type of succulent. 

They are native to dry areas where they don’t get too much water, and the soil remains dry at all times. Thus, we can conclude that the snake plant prefers dry and well-drained soil. If the soil remains soggy and wet, then your snake plant will suffer. 

The second most important thing to keep in mind is aeration in the soil. The roots of the plant must have space to breathe. If the soil is compact, then the plant’s root may will suffer. It will, in turn, affect the growth of the plant.

The last and most crucial factor to consider is nutrients in the soil. Every plant needs some sort of nutrients to thrive. 

If the soil doesn’t provide the plant with the nutrients they need, the plant’s growth will suffer. You can consider these nutrients like vitamins and minerals for the plants. 

As our body needs a balance of different vitamins and minerals to thrive, the same is true with the snake plant as well.

With all this, we can wrap the basic science behind the soil for your snake plant. 

Now, wait! If you were here just to find the right soil mix and didn’t have any interest in learning the science behind it, then keep reading, and we have something for you as well.

Best soil mix for snake plant

Snake plants are hardy and versatile, but that doesn’t mean you can throw them in any pot and with any type of soil and expect them to thrive. Providing an appropriate soil mix is crucial for the growth of your snake plant.

The soil mix we choose must be well-drained and nutrient-rich. But wait! Just because I told you these basic fundamentals doesn’t mean you can throw a bag of any nutrient-rich soil and expect your snake plant to thrive. 

Yes, your snake plant will not die even if the soil mix is imperfect. But since we want out snake plants to thrive, we need to put in a little more work and prepare a well-balanced soil mix for them.

How do I make my snake plant soil?

After experimenting for some time, I have developed these two mixes that work like a charm for me. You may get away with a totally different soil mix as well, but these two are the mixes that worked well for me.

#Readymade Mix

Mixing the soil and creating a perfect blend for your snake plant can be time-consuming and challenging at the same time. 

But you are in luck! You can buy a ready-to-go bag of perfect potting mix for your snake plant from rePotme.

rePotme is an excellent place where you can buy some readymade mixes for all your houseplants and succulents. 

If you want to check out other mixes offered by them, you can check that out right here(rePotme).

#Recipe 1:

• 3/4 part of organic potting soil (I usually go with Miracle Grow Indoor potting mix)
• 1/4 part of succulent soil mix (Try this cactus soil)
• A handful of compost

#Recipe 2:

• 1/4 part potting soil (I usually go with Miracle Grow Indoor potting mix)
• 1/4 part peat moss
• 1/2 part of perlite/coarse sand

The first soil mix is one of my favorites. It is simple and straightforward as well. In this soil mix, we will mix 3/4 part of potting soil with 1/4 part of succulent soil. That shall make the soil well-drained and keep it aerated.

We will also mix a handful of compost in the soil to make it organically rich. Do not excessive amount of compost as it can hold moisture for a longer period, and it can be bad for your snake plant’s health.

The second soil mix is something that can work equally well. I tried it once when I didn’t have succulent soil in hand, and it still worked well.
For this soil mix, we will mix one part of garden soil and one part of peat moss with perlite or coarse sand.

That will make the soil organically rich, but at the same time, the soil will be well-drained which is something snake plant prefers the most.

Can I use cactus soil for snake plants?

You can use cactus and succulent soil for your snake plant. However, you need to mix some organic matter into the soil before you use it.

Most cactus soil lacks organic matter, which is crucial for a snake plant. You can still work around it by mixing the following:

• 2 part of cactus soil
• 1 part peat moss
• A handful of compost

Adding some peat moss and compost will make the soil nutrient and organically rich. The soil will also retain some moisture, which is essential.

I prefer Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix, in which I add a portion of compost and a part of peat moss to retain adequate moisture and minerals for our snake plant to thrive.

Can snake plant grow in sand?

You cannot grow a snake plant in the sand only. Sand is a part of the most succulent and cactus mix, as it is incredibly well-drained.

However, it doesn’t hold nutrients and water in it. Thus, your snake plant will be devoid of essential nutrients required for healthy and full growth.

Thus, you need to mix some potting soil, compost and peat moss for preparing a soil mix for your snake plant.

When should I repot my snake plant?

The snake plant prefers a smaller size pot. However, that doesn’t mean that the plant likes to be root bound. 

You need to repot your snake plant to a larger pot when they start becoming root-bound. You should only repot them when they outgrow their current pot. 

But how will you know that your snake plant has become root bounded? It’s quite simple! 

Your plant will give you some visual cues that you need to identify. These include:

• Droopy leaves
• Soil dries up quickly.
• Stunted growth
• Roots are spiraling around the bottom
• Yellow or brown leaves
• Roots coming out of drainage holes

If you notice any of these signs, then it is clear that you need to repot your snake plant now. 

It is best to wait till spring or summer before repotting, as that is the growing season for most houseplants and the conditions are just right for them.

Also read: Should I Repot My Indoor Plants After Buying Them?

Best pot size for snake plant

A snake plant can be grown in a 4″ pot to an 18″ pot depending upon the plant’s size and growth. There is no perfect size for a plant. It depends upon the current size of the plant and pot it is in.

Snake plants can go up to two years before you need to repot them again. You need to move your snake plant to a 1-2″ larger pot while repotting them.

For example: If your snake plant is potted in a 6″ pot, move them to a 7-8″ pot.

However, never go for a 10′ pot as that will be too big for your snake plant, and it will hamper your plant’s growth.

Also read: Pot size and its impact on the growth of the plant.

Final Thoughts

Snake plants need adequate soil to remain healthy and grow full. Although they are a sturdy and versatile plant that can grow in different soil conditions, they still prefer well-drained and nutrient-rich soil to thrive.

You can go with a simple mix of potting soil with succulent soil in (2:1) ratio along with a handful of compost to create a custom mix for your snake plant.

This would provide your snake plant with proper drainage and nutrient to thrive.

If you haven’t read the article and skipped directly to this part, then I would highly recommend going through it. You will learn all about the soil mix requirement of a snake plant.

---

Source: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture,  Snake plant profile.