Snake plants are some of the most unfussy houseplants and – for the most part – get along best when left alone. However, as we approach mid-fall and get ready for winter, it's important to adjust your care approach.
Snake plant care at this time of year is all about moisture management, as they can rot easily from overwatering. Likewise, cleaning their sword-shape foliage can be beneficial for deterring pests and improving light exposure. You should also stop fertilizing by the point if you haven't already, as your snake plant's roots won't be able to absorb the nutrients and it could result in root burn.
With the right houseplant care kit to hand (a soil moisture meter from Amazon can't be underestimated this season), you can give your snake plant everything it needs for a smooth seasonal transition. Here's exactly what to do with a snake plant in October.
1. Stop Watering Regularly
Something you may not know about snake plants is that they're akin to succulents. Their fleshy foliage stores water, which aids them in their native semi-arid habitat. But, just like succulent mistakes, this means they are susceptible to overwatering – especially in fall and winter.
'In October, the best thing you can do for a snake plant is to ignore it,' says plant expert and interior plant designer, Shane PliskA. 'As the days get shorter, the biggest danger to snake plants is overwatering. Make sure it is dry in between watering,' he adds.
You can use a soil moisture meter (also available at Walmart) to check your snake plant's soil. Only water again once it has fully dried out, otherwise you risk root rot and mushy foliage.
'As temperatures cool, scale back watering to once every 3-4 weeks. Don’t pour water into the leaf rosette to avoid rot,' suggests Marina Prokaten, plant expert at Plantum.
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Shane Pliska is the president and CEO of Planterra - a national leader in interior landscaping. Shane's team include Feng Shui specialists who use ancient principles to enhance interiors with living plants.
2. Clean Its Leaves
Snake plants have iconic sword-shaped, glossy foliage. While it may not be obvious from far away, a closer look will reveal this foliage captures dust which can make your snake plant appear duller, block light, and encourage houseplant pests.
That's why it's important to clean houseplant leaves regularly. In fall especially, this will reduce the risk of blocked pores and allow your snake plant to soak up as much light as possible, where daylight is otherwise limited this season.
'Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove the dust. Keeping the foliage dust-free ensures the plant absorbs as much fall light as possible,' Marina says.
I like to use houseplant dusting gloves (like this from Amazon) which are made of microfiber and pick up dust in one swipe.
3. Keep Away from Heat and Drafts
One of the key things to keep in mind with fall houseplant care is where your plants are located. In particular, indoor heating sources and cold drafts need to be avoided, as these dramatic temperature fluctuations can cause discoloring, drooping, and even the death of your plant.
'With central heating turning on in October, move your pot away from radiators and heating vents to avoid dry heat stress,' Marina says. 'It’s also best to ensure the leaves don't touch cold windowpanes at night,' she notes.
The ideal indoor temperature for snake plants is 60-75°F, which you can monitor using this Walmart room thermometer.
4. Stop Fertilizing
If you haven't already, you should stop fertilizing your snake plant in October. The plant is slowing down for winter dormancy and won't actively grow over the next few months. This means it doesn't need supplementary plant nutrients from a fertilizer.
'The roots aren’t able to absorb all the nutrients from fertilization as the plant enters dormancy, which can damage the root system,' Marina says.
It could risk root burn, make your snake plant turn yellow, and even kill off your snake plant.
Instead, use this time to stock up on snake plant fertilizer (like this one from Amazon) so you're ready to start feeding it monthly from spring next year.
5. Don't Prune Now
Now is also not a good time to prune your snake plant. It could encourage some new growth which will only struggle through fall and winter's cooler temps and darker days, resulting in a weakened plant.
'Fall is not the best time to repot or prune a snake plant. If there is something that is damaged or broken, then you can go ahead and prune it, but major pruning is not recommended this time of year because the plant is not in a growth phase, so it will take a lot longer for it to heal,' says Lindsey Chastain, homesteader and founder at The Waddle and Cluck.
'I recommend only repotting your snake plant if it's outgrowing its pot, and I would do that as early in October as possible,' she adds.
If you do need to remove any damaged leaves, use sharp houseplant pruning tools (these Fiskars bypass pruning shears from Amazon will work well for snake plants) and make a clean cut at the base of the leaves.
Lindsey Chastain, a dedicated homesteader and skilled writer, is the driving force behind The Waddle and Cluck, a platform that celebrates sustainable living, gardening, and responsible farming
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If you find your snake plant is drooping, it may be due to one of the common snake plant problems, including rotting and insufficient lighting. By making some adjustments soon after spotting symptoms, you can nurture your snake plant back to good health.
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