How to Trim a Snake Plant: All You Need to Know

Snake plants are beautiful houseplants with minimal care requirements that add style and elegance to any room. They are hardy and can tolerate a little neglect, requiring infrequent watering and indirect sunlight. However, just like any other plant, pruning Sansevieria promptly is an important aspect of their care to maintain them healthy and aesthetically appealing. This is especially the case when your snake plant grows too tall or shows signs of damage.

Keep reading our comprehensive guide to learn how to trim a snake plant the right way, from the step-by-step process to post-pruning care tips. So, let’s get started.

About Snake Plants

Snake Plants (Sansevieria) are one of the easiest houseplants to grow. They are also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, or Good Luck Plant. The tall, upright leaves with wavy patterns make these low-maintenance plants stand out in any indoor or outdoor space. Originating from the tropical regions of West Africa and South Asia, they can tolerate drought and low light, which is why not much care is required to keep them thriving.

Snake plants even help clean the air and boost mental health, along with many other benefits. They are considered lucky in Feng Shui, bringing prosperity and good fortune. But since this hard-to-kill plant can be mildly toxic, it’s better to keep your pets away from it.

Different types of snake plants include the Moonshine Snake Plant, which has soft silver-green leaves that almost glow. The Snake Plant ‘Zeylanica’ variety showcases darker green leaves with wavy patterns that look like natural art. Last but not least, the Snake Plant ‘Laurentii’ features stunning green foliage with bright yellow edges. Each kind has its own charm, but all are easy to grow, making them ideal for novice indoor gardeners. 

Are You Supposed to Trim Snake Plants and Why? 

Yes, you should trim your snake plant when it shows signs of damage or it starts to look overgrown. Pruning it at the right time also allows you to grow new plants from healthy cuttings. Here’s why you should prune a snake plant in more detail:

• Keep the plant’s height in check 
• Encourage new growth 
• Remove dead, diseased, or damaged leaves 
• Propagation purposes 
• Maintain the plant’s original shape

When to Trim Your Snake Plant

Pruning a snake plant is most effective during the active growing season, which falls in late spring or early summer. While trimming a snake plant at other times of the year is also possible, it’s generally not a good choice due to the high risk of post-pruning stress and slow recovery.

Signs That Show the Need for Pruning Your Snake Plant 

Watch out for these signs to know if your snake plant really needs pruning:

• Yellow leaves
• Brown tips
• Oversized plant
• Legginess
• Sparse foliage
• Drooping plant
• No or slow growth

How to Prune Snake Plant in 3 Steps

Pruning your snake plant isn’t hard at all. It’s just about giving it a little care, so that it stays healthy and looks fresh. Here’s how to trim a snake plant in 3 simple steps.

1. Inspect Your Sansevieria Plant

The first step is to take a close look at the leaves of your Sansevieria. Check if there are any yellow, damaged, or very tall leaves that make the plant look untidy and less appealing. These are the ones you’ll want to cut back.

2. Snake Plant Trimming: Essential Tools

Grab a clean pair of scissors or garden shears. Ensure they’re sharp and sterilized to prevent pathogens from infecting your plant. Wearing gloves is also a good idea, as the plant’s white sap can sometimes cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

3. Where Do You Cut a Snake Plant?

Finally, cut the leaf you want to remove near the base. This will encourage new growth and ensure your snake plant looks neat. Avoid cutting just halfway up a leaf unless necessary. Damaged and yellow leaves should be cut right back, as close to the soil line as possible. 

Once you’re done, tidy up the plant and discard the trimmed-off leaves, unless you want to use some of the cuttings for propagation. Maintain a good care routine, so your snake plant recovers without stress.

Pruning Snake Plants: After-Care Tips

Fresh cuts are sensitive, and hence a little extra care will help the plant heal faster and grow stronger. Here are some easy after-care tips once you prune your snake plant:

• Watering: Hold back on deep watering right after pruning a snake plant. Fresh cuts can rot if the soil is too wet, so let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again.
• Feeding: Skip fertilizer for a few weeks. The plant needs time to heal before taking in extra nutrients. Once you see new growth, you can return to a gentle feeding schedule.
• Light: Place your snake plant in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.
• Airflow: Good airflow around the plant helps the cuts dry. Just make sure your snake plant is not near drafts or vents.
• Pests & diseases: Monitor your Sansevieria for pests, as pruning can cause stress to the plant, which can then be prone to insect infestations and fungal infections.

With these small steps, your snake plant will bounce back quickly. You may notice new growth, making your plant look healthier and more vibrant than before.

Is It Normal for a Snake Plant to Droop After Pruning?

No, it’s not normal for a snake plant to droop after pruning. If this is the case, some underlying issues, such as underwatering, overwatering, or inadequate lighting, might be the cause. Stress due to incorrect pruning can also make your Sansevieria droop. Ensure you don’t water your snake plant too little or too much, and move it to a spot with bright, indirect light. 

How Long Does It Take for a Snake Plant to Recover From Pruning?

A snake plant typically takes 2-4 weeks to heal from pruning. But it’s worth noting that the exact recovery period will depend on the environmental conditions, your plant’s overall health, and post-pruning care.

How to Prune a Snake Plant: FAQs 

Q: What to do if a snake plant gets too tall?

A: If your snake plant gets too tall, don’t worry. You can simply cut the tallest leaves near the soil line with scissors. This won’t hurt the plant at all. In fact, trimming tall leaves gives your plant a fresh look and bushier shape, and helps it focus its energy on new growth. You can use the cuttings to propagate your snake plant.

Q: How often should I prune my snake plant?

A: You don’t need to prune your snake plant too often. You usually only prune it once a year. The best time is in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. Just remove the tall, damaged, and yellow leaves. Most of the time, snake plants do just fine without much trimming at all.

Q: Can I cut the brown tips off my snake plant?

A: Yes, you can trim brown tips off your snake plant. Use sharp, sterilized scissors to cut the brown parts. Brown tips are caused by overexposure to sunlight, low humidity, or irregular watering.

Q: How tall is too tall for a snake plant?

A: Snake plants can grow up to 3 or even 4 ft. tall indoors, and sometimes taller outdoors. “Too tall” is really about your space and preference. If it starts looking awkward or doesn’t fit well in your room, that’s when pruning the Snake Plant becomes necessary. Trim the tallest leaves to keep your Sansevieria’s height in check.

Q: How to make a snake plant bushy?

A: To make your snake plant bushy, prune the tall leaves. This will allow for new shoots to emerge from the base. Place your Sansevieria in bright, indirect sunlight and avoid overwatering it. Healthy roots naturally encourage new growth, making the plant fuller. You can also repot it into a slightly larger pot. 

Conclusion 

Pruning a snake plant is necessary to keep it healthy and lush. Once you trim the old or tall leaves, it will grow back stronger, looking vibrant and bushier. 

And if you want to make your home even greener, try pairing your Sansevieria with companion plants, like Monstera, Ficus, and Philodendron. Together, they create a lovely mix of shapes and colors that makes any living space feel alive and welcoming.