Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, are popular houseplants known for their striking sword-shaped foliage and durability. While they are valued for their easy care and clean air properties, getting a snake plant to bloom indoors can be a rewarding experience for any houseplant enthusiast. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to encourage snake plants to bloom in indoor settings.
Choose the Right Snake Plant Variety
Not all sansevieria varieties are inclined to bloom as houseplants. The most common types grown indoors are the laurentii and zeylanica varieties which have variegated yellow or white stripes on the leaves. These plants focus more on foliage growth and are unlikely to produce flowers indoors.
Some sansevieria varieties that are more prone to blooming indoors include:
- Sansevieria cylindrical – Tall cylindrical leaves with spike-like blooms.
- Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’ – Dwarf variety with yellow leaf margins.
- Sansevieria parva – Compact low-growing variety.
When selecting a snake plant, look for plant labels that specify flowering or choose named varieties known to bloom indoors.
Provide Optimal Growing Conditions
Snake plants are tolerant of a wide range of conditions but providing optimal care encourages healthy growth and potential flowering. Here are some tips:
- Light – Bright indirect light is ideal. Some morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial.
- Water – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly then wait for soil to dry again.
- Temperature – Average room temperatures between 65-80°F are suitable. Avoid cold drafts.
- Fertilizer – Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks in the spring and summer.
- Potting Mix – A well-draining potting mix keeps roots healthy. Add perlite for improved drainage.
- Pot Size – Shift plants into slightly larger pots as they outgrow their containers. Avoid overpotting.
Trigger Flowering
Snake plants generally bloom in response to specific environmental conditions and stressors. Here are some tricks to prompt indoor flowering:
Allow the Plant to Become Root-Bound
Restricting root growth by keeping the plant pot-bound can stimulate blooms. Wait until the roots fully fill the pot before repotting.
Create a Dry Period
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and decrease watering frequency in fall and winter. This mimics snake plants’ natural dry season.
Use a Bloom-Booster Fertilizer
Look for fertilizers formulated to stimulate blooms, containing higher phosphorus levels. Apply monthly.
Provide Bright Light
In spring and summer, give the plant very bright indirect light or a few hours of gentle morning/evening sun if possible.
Provide Cooler Temperatures
Cooler 60-65°F nighttime temperatures in fall and winter can prompt flowering in some cases.
With the right snake plant variety and optimal care, you can increase the odds of seeing the elusive blooms of these fantastic houseplants. Be patient, as it may take several seasons before flowering occurs. Enjoy the ride!
Caring for a Blooming Snake Plant
If your diligence is rewarded with flower spikes emerging from the base of the leaves, here are some care tips to help the plant thrive during this phase:
- Stake tall flower spikes for support if needed.
- Mist the flowers gently every few days as the buds open.
- Keep the soil slightly dryer while flowering.
- Flowers will last 2-4 weeks. Deadhead spent blooms.
- Resume normal care once flowering finishes. Repot annually or as needed.
- Dividing the plant after flowering can encourage re-blooming.
Enjoy the unique trumpet-shaped white blooms of a happy, healthy snake plant! With the right variety and conditions, you can experience these exotic blooms every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a snake plant to bloom?
It can take several years, even up to 5-7 years for a snake plant to bloom indoors. Be patient and provide optimal care consistently year-round to encourage flowering.
What causes a snake plant not to bloom?
Insufficient light, overwatering, inadequate root growth due to overpotting, and cool temperatures can all inhibit blooming. Choose varieties inclined to flower and optimize care.
Do snake plants only bloom once?
No, with proper care snake plants can bloom repeatedly when conditions are right, generally in late summer or fall. Divide plants after flowering to encourage reblooming.
Should I cut off snake plant flowers?
No need to remove flowers unless they fade, turn brown, or get damaged. Trim spent blooms to neaten appearance. Enjoy the unique blooms when your plant flowers!
What does a snake plant flower look like?
Snake plant blooms are unique tubular white flowers clustered on tall stalks. They have a faint aroma. The flowers emerge from the base of the leaves.
Conclusion
Getting those elusive snake plant blooms to appear involves selecting the right varieties, providing consistent care, and manipulating conditions to trigger flowering. With bright light, restricted roots, dry periods, and bloom-booster fertilizer, you can coax a happy, healthy sansevieria to send up exotic blooms. Relish these unique flowers as a sign of your excellent plant parenting when they finally appear!