I always tell my clients the snake plant is a very hard-to-kill plant but they often complain why it cannot thrive healthy in our house. According to my experience, besides basic caring points (such as watering, fertilization and so on), its place in your house is also critical and 5 vital factors have a crucial impact on where to place my snake plant in the home: Light, Humidity, Temperature, Air circulation, and Feng Shui principles.
Each above factors have tips to consider and here I want to share my experiences and knowledge on this issue. By the way, I’m a horticultural consultant and walk with you during this post, you can ask me your questions below this post. Keep reading to find the best place in your house for snake plants.
Where to Place My Snake Plant in the Home: Light Requirements
When deciding where to place your snake plant (Sansevieria) based on light conditions in your home, consider the following guidelines:
Moderate Indirect Light:
Snake plants prefer moderate to bright indirect light. They can tolerate low light conditions but grow best and maintain their vibrant colors with moderate light. Place your snake plant near a window where it can receive filtered light or in a well-lit room that doesn’t receive direct sunlight all day.
Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of snake plants, especially the more delicate varieties. Avoid placing them in direct sun for extended periods, especially during the hot afternoon hours.
Low Light Tolerance:
Snake plants can adapt to low light conditions (low-light houseplants), making them suitable for rooms with minimal natural light, such as offices or hallways with small windows. However, growth may slow down in low light, and variegated varieties may lose their patterns over time if light levels are too dim.
Best Placement:
Ideal locations include north or east-facing windows where they can receive gentle morning or indirect light throughout the day. In rooms with south or west-facing windows, place your snake plant a few feet away from the window or use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight.
Artificial Light:
Snake plants can also thrive under artificial light, making them suitable for offices or rooms with limited natural light. Place them near a bright artificial light source, such as a fluorescent or LED light, ensuring they receive light for about 8-12 hours a day.
Rotate Occasionally:
To promote even growth and prevent the plant from leaning towards the light source, rotate your snake plant every few months.
Where to Place My Snake Plant in the Home: Temperature
Snake plants (Sansevieria) are quite adaptable to different temperature ranges commonly found in indoor environments. Here are some tips on where to place your snake plant in terms of temperature:
Ideal Temperature Range:
- Snake plants prefer temperatures typical of indoor environments, generally between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
- They are tolerant of fluctuations within this range and can withstand slightly cooler temperatures for short periods.
- Avoid placing them in drafty areas or near air conditioning vents that might expose them to cold drafts, as they prefer stable temperatures.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures:
While snake plants can tolerate moderate temperature variations, they should be kept away from extremes. Avoid placing them near heaters, radiators, or in direct contact with cold windows during winter.
Seasonal Considerations:
To find out where to place my snake plant in the home during winter, ensure that snake plants are not exposed to cold drafts or sudden temperature drops, as this can stress the plant. In summer, ensure they are not placed in direct sunlight or near heat sources that could raise temperatures excessively.
Where to Place My Snake Plant in the Home: Humidity
Snake plants (Sansevieria) are well-suited to typical indoor humidity levels found in most homes. Here are some guidelines on where to place your snake plant in terms of humidity:
Adaptability to Low Humidity:
Snake plants are native to arid regions of Africa and are therefore adapted to low humidity levels. They can thrive in indoor environments with average humidity levels, which typically range from 30% to 60%.
Avoid Extremely Humid Locations:
While snake plants tolerate low humidity well, they may not thrive in consistently high-humidity environments, such as bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels can be very high.
Humidity Management:
If you live in a very dry climate or during winter months when indoor air tends to be drier, consider occasional misting around the plant or placing a humidity tray nearby to increase local humidity slightly. However, this is generally not necessary for snake plants, as they are quite resilient to low humidity.
Avoid Drafts and Extreme Conditions:
To know where to place your snake plant in the home, ensure your snake plant is not placed in drafty areas, as drafts can affect humidity levels around the plant and may cause stress. In summary, snake plants are versatile and adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions typically found in indoor environments. As long as you avoid extremely high humidity and overly dry conditions, your snake plant should thrive in most areas of your home.
Where to Place My Snake Plant in the Home: Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, snake plants (Sansevieria) are considered auspicious plants because they bring positive energy and harmony into spaces. Here are some guidelines on where to place your snake plant for optimal Feng Shui benefits:
Entryways and Hallways:
Snake plants are excellent choices for entryways and hallways because they are believed to absorb negative energy and promote positive energy flow (Chi). Placing a snake plant near the entrance of your home or in a hallway can help purify the air and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Living Room:
In the living room, snake plants can be placed in corners or areas with stagnant energy to refresh the Chi flow. They are also suitable for areas where electronic devices are present, as they are believed to reduce electromagnetic radiation. read about the best low-light indoor plants for living rooms.
Office or Workspace:
Snake plants are beneficial in offices or workspaces to enhance concentration and productivity. Place them near your desk or computer area to create a calming environment and absorb any negative energy that may arise from stress or tension.
Bedroom:
In bedrooms, snake plants are best placed in corners away from the bed to promote restful sleep and to improve air quality. Avoid placing them too close to the bed as their energy may be too active for a peaceful sleep environment. Read about the benefits of snake plants for the bedroom.
Avoid Negative Areas:
According to Feng Shui principles, avoid placing snake plants in the centre of your home (the heart of the Bagua map) or in areas associated with negative energy, such as bathrooms or dark corners.
Care and Placement:
- Ensure the snake plant is healthy and well-cared for, as vibrant plants attract positive energy.
- Regularly clean and dust the leaves to maintain their energy-clearing properties.
- By placing your snake plant thoughtfully according to these Feng Shui principles, you can enhance the positive energy in your home or workspace while enjoying the aesthetic and air-purifying benefits it provides.
Where to Place My Snake Plant in the Home: Air Circulation
Air circulation is moderately important for snake plants (Sansevieria) to thrive, though they are generally tolerant of varying conditions. Here are some considerations regarding air circulation for snake plants:
- Preventing Stagnant Air: Snake plants benefit from moderate air movement to prevent stagnant air around their leaves. Stagnant air can contribute to the buildup of moisture, which may lead to fungal issues or rot, especially around the base of the plant.
- Indoor Air Quality: Good air circulation helps maintain indoor air quality around the plant, which can be beneficial for its overall health and growth.
- Natural Airflow: Placing snake plants in rooms with natural airflow, such as near windows or in areas where there is occasional movement of air (like hallways), can be beneficial.
- Avoiding Drafts: While some airflow is good, snake plants should be protected from strong drafts, as excessive air movement can cause their leaves to dry out or become damaged.
- Maintenance: Regularly dusting the leaves of your snake plant can also improve its ability to absorb light and air, contributing to better overall health.
While snake plants are resilient and can tolerate various conditions, providing moderate air circulation helps maintain their health and vigour. Avoiding stagnant air and excessive drafts while ensuring some natural airflow around the plant will contribute positively to its growth and well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, Snake plants are versatile choices for different rooms within your home and office if you place them in a stable and comfortable temperature environment with moderate air circulation and bright indirect sunlight which is not prone to standing moisture. (Read my other post about keeping snake plants in water).
I think by following the Feng Shui principles in finding a location for your Snake plant in your house, you will you can enhance the positive energy in your home. By providing the above tips along with other caring for points and general indoor conditions including proper watering, monitoring pests (tiny bugs on houseplants) and diseases and fertilizing, you’ll help ensure its health and longevity indoors.
What is the biggest problem of snake plants? Do you think its place complies with the above tips? Do you think this post can solve the problem of your snake plant? you can ask your questions below this page. I will answer as soon as possible.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.