If you are looking for a fast-growing snake plant, mix these ingredients into the soil mix and see it grow like crazy!
Snake plants are the quintessential indoor plants, and they are like a rite of passage for everyone trying to enter the gardening world. This easy-to-grow plant tolerates some neglect and grows well when conditions are met. But sometimes, you may see a slower growth rate even after meeting its meager demands. So, if you are trying to get your snake plant to grow like crazy, add these ingredients to its soil mix.
Note: Of course, you will not see your plant gain a foot of height when you add the following ingredients to your soil mix. But realistically, you will see better-than-average growth once you incorporate these unconventional ingredients into the snake plant soil.
What Type Of Soil Mix Does a Snake Plant Need?
Snake plants love a well-draining soil mix that mimics their natural, rocky, and arid habitat. They prefer soil that is light and airy, allowing for excellent drainage to prevent root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. The soil should also be able to retain some moisture but not stay waterlogged, ensuring the roots have access to air.
Mix These Ingredients for the Ideal Snake Plant Potting Mix
1. Bone meal/Worm Castings
Bone meal is loaded with phosphorus and calcium, which promote strong root growth, besides increasing the chances of flowering in snake plants.
On the other hand, worm castings offer a balanced nutrient profile, including essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They also introduce beneficial microbes into the soil that improve its structure.
2. Charcoal bits
Snake plants love a super airy medium and charcoal bits can help with just that. They also maintain a slightly acidic pH balance and reduce soil compaction, while rolling out the chances of fungal infestation in the medium. These benefits create a healthier growing environment for your snake plants, allowing them to thrive.
4. Peat Moss/Coco Peat/Orchid Bark
Peat moss helps retain moisture and provides a slightly acidic pH, something that snake plants absolutely love. It improves soil structure and water retention, keeping the plant roots hydrated without waterlogging them. If you are looking for a sustainable alternative, cocopeat does the same work but is pH neutral and won’t turn the medium overly acidic.
Orchid bark, on the other hand, offers superb aeration and drainage. It prevents soil compaction and adds organic matter to the mix, keeping it loose and airy.
3. Perlite/Vermiculite/Coarse Sand
If you have added peat moss to the mix, you must remember that it compacts over time. But worry not—perlite helps improve drainage and prevents soil compaction, keeping it light and airy.
Vermiculite and coarse sand do the same, but at a cheaper price!
5. Garden Soil
Garden soil provides a solid base for your potting mix, offering all the essential nutrients and structure. It adds important minerals and nutrients for plant growth, improves soil structure, and helps balance the mix.
Combining garden soil with the aforementioned components creates a balanced potting mix that supports healthy growth and robust root development in your snake plants. This ensures that the plants have a well-rounded and supportive growing environment.
Ideal Composition: Use around 40% garden soil with equal parts of orchid bark and perlite, some worm castings, and a fistful of horticulture charcoal to curate the ideal mis. You can refer to the image for the exact composition!
