Chill, Low-Maintenance Snake Plants are Perfect for People Who Can’t Keep Anything Alive

Snake plants, also know as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, have become increasingly popular, and rightly so. With their striking lines and hardiness, they’re the houseplants even black thumbs can show off. They also act as air purifiers to improve your home’s air quality. Here’s how to keep them happiest. <h2>Choosing a Snake Plant to Bring Home</h2> When shopping for snake plants, select one that has dark green leaves; leaves that are too pale indicate that the plant may already be faltering. Check to see if your plant needs to be re-potted and choose a terra cotta or porous material pot and a potting mix that allows for good drainage. <h2>Soil for Snake Plants</h2> Snake plants do best with a free-draining soil mix, because they are easily prone to rot. A&nbsp;soilless potting mixture is best to ensure adequate drainage. Also be sure to use a terracotta pot that won’t trap water inside and promptly remove any standing water from the saucer. <h2>Water, Light, and Food</h2> Snake Plants do well when you almost forget about them. Allow soil to dry between waterings and take extra special care not to over water in winter. Try to avoid getting leaves wet when you water. Place your snake plants in indirect light (although they are tolerant of a variety of light conditions) and fertilize during the growing season with an all-purpose plant food. <h2>Propagating Snake Plants</h2> Snake plants produce rhizomes and are easily divided. Although this can be done any time, spring is best. Your newly propagated plants will also grow faster as summer is growing season.You can also propagate snake plants through leaf cuttings. Just cut 2 to 3-inch pieces of a leaf and place them about 1 inch deep in soil appropriate for snake plants. Make sure to plant cuttings facing up, the same direction they were growing. Enjoy! Snake plants look great in varied-height clusters. <h2>Toxicity</h2>According to the ASPCA, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing or ingestion can result in vomiting and diarrhea.

Taking Care of Snake Plants

This post will teach you how to care for string of pearls plants. Caring for string of pearls—that’s the succulent that looks like peas—isn’t that difficult if you follow just a few steps.

<h2>How to Care for String of Pearls</h2>The&nbsp;string of pearls plant—or Senecio rowleyanus, and also referred to as a string of beads or string of peas plant—is a succulent with stunning strings of round, bead-like leaves. The leaves actually look a lot like green peas, but the long, skinny stems the leaves grow from make it look a bit like a pearl necklace.&nbsp;A string of pearls plant is easy to take care of if you give it the right growing conditions. Unlike the more common houseplants pothos plants and snake plants, string of pearls can be a bit more demanding about their lighting conditions. However, if the plant is happy where it is, it will grow quickly and beautifully!&nbsp;(If you’re looking for hardy houseplants, see my guides for&nbsp;how to care for pothos plants&nbsp;and&nbsp;how to care for snake plants. I also have a post on my top 6&nbsp;indoor succulent care tips&nbsp;for plant killers!)&nbsp; <h2>Light Requirements</h2>String of pearls plants&nbsp;need bright light, but they don’t need bright light all day. As long as they receive a few hours a day of direct sunlight, they are fine with indirect sunlight the rest of the day. However, more direct sunlight won’t hurt them. In fact, it will help them flourish!I will confess that I killed a string of pearls many years ago. I thought it would be fine in my sunny plant corner, but it wasn’t getting enough direct light. Now that I have my string of pearls&nbsp;in a windowsill in our bathroom, it has exploded with growth. <h2>Best Soil for String of Pearls</h2>Use a simple&nbsp;well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. These soils differ from regular houseplant soil in that they facilitate drainage much faster through the addition of things like sand and perlite. Keep in mind that succulents are generally happiest when they have plenty of drainage via a drainage hole in the bottom of their pot.If you’re wondering&nbsp;how to plant in pots without drainage holes, it can be done. I simply add a layer of small pebbles or perlite to the bottom of the planter. Both are effective. I usually choose one or the other based on what I have on hand or any weight concerns I have about a planter that will be hanging.This drainage layer prevents the roots from sitting in wet soil if you over-water. Of course, you have to be extra careful not to over water when your planter doesn’t have a drainage hole. <h2>How Often to Water a String of Pearls</h2>Much like its succulent brothers and sisters,&nbsp;string of pearls plants&nbsp;do not need frequent watering. They can retain moisture in their leaves quite well, so they only need a good watering 1–2 times a month. You can reduce this to once a month in the winter when they aren’t actively growing.Watering&nbsp;your string of pearls&nbsp;too frequently can lead to root rot. It’s best to let the soil become dry before you water it again. If you wait too long to water, you might notice some wilting or flattening/shriveling of the leaves. This can usually be reversed with a good watering if the plant hasn’t been suffering for too long. <h2>Should I Fertilize a String of Pearls?</h2>I don’t fertilize my string of pearls or any of my succulents, and they seem to be doing fine. However, you can fertilize yours during its active growing season (spring/summer) with a diluted houseplant fertilizer occasionally, and it won’t harm it. <h2>Temperature and Humidity Requirements</h2>String of pearls plants are not too picky about humidity. They do well in average conditions.&nbsp;String of pearls&nbsp;also generally tolerates a range of comfortable indoor room temperatures and then some—from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Care for String of Pearls

At Pepper Pots, you can get a wide varieties of products to choose from. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get the best value at Pepper Pots

Shopping planters with Pepper Pots

If you’re looking to add new houseplants to your space, there’s one big factor you have to keep in mind: the kind of lighting you have at home. Here’s how to know the different kinds of light and how to make adjustments if needed.

<h2> </h2><h2>How can I figure out what kind of light I have at home?</h2> To better understand light within your home, it’s important to know where your windows point, especially if you’re relying on natural lighting to help your plants grow. As we know, the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, so it’ll be moving throughout the day.&nbsp;Not sure which direction your windows face? Use a compass or compass app on your phone, and you’ll know right away.&nbsp;Once you understand what direction your windows face, you can better determine how much light&nbsp;they're letting in:&nbsp;North-&nbsp;Low to moderate indirect light. Best suited for low light tolerant plants like the&nbsp;Snake Plant&nbsp;or&nbsp;ZZ Plant. Direct sun and/or intense sun does not come through north facing windows.&nbsp;South-&nbsp;Bright indirect light to full sun in the afternoon. Best suited for sun-loving plants like succulents, cacti and the infamous&nbsp;Monstera deliciosa.&nbsp;&nbsp;East-&nbsp;Medium bright, indirect light. Best suited for plants like the&nbsp;Pothos,&nbsp;Philodendron&nbsp;or&nbsp;Bird's Nest Fern, which can all tolerate a wide spectrum of light. Any direct sunlight during the day isn’t intense enough to cause leaf burn.West-&nbsp;Medium bright indirect light with some direct sun moving across at the end of the day.&nbsp;Ideal for most houseplants.&nbsp; <img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/spectrum-of-light_v2-01.jpg?v=1609265602"><h5> </h5>Now that you know what kind of sunlight you have, here are a few other factors to consider:<ol><li>Obstructions:&nbsp;Look out for anything that will block sunlight in your home. Even if you have a South-facing window, if it faces a building or is obstructed by trees, it will diffuse the amount of light coming in. Be mindful of indoor obstructions as well, like furniture and other plants blocking a window.&nbsp;</li><li>Size of windows:&nbsp;The size of your windows will help indicate how much light will be dispersed coming inwards.&nbsp;If you have larger windows, you can place plants farther away and they will still receive plenty of light, while the smaller windows will only provide a limited range of sunlight. If you can, it’s best to place plants directly in the window, especially if there are obstructions or no more than 2-3 feet away. Plants that are more low light tolerant can be placed farther away from the window as long as they can still see outside.</li><li>Light meters:&nbsp;You&nbsp;could also invest in a light meter to measure light, especially&nbsp;if sunlight is&nbsp;dispersed farther from the window, to ensure there is enough in your home for your dream plant! Generally, anywhere between 100-200+ foot candles is where plants want to be. Low light plants can withstand as low as 50-75 foot candles.</li><li>Artificial lighting:&nbsp;If you don’t have ideal lighting for the plants you’d like (for example, if&nbsp;you have a Northern exposure but want more bright light plants, or have dead zones of natural light in general), you can consider adding artificial light to your home. Plants cannot survive without some form of sunlight (natural or artificial), so if you plant to add your plants to a basement or place with no sunlight, you will need to consider a&nbsp;grow light&nbsp;of some sort to make sure your plant thrives.</li></ol>

Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants

A plant related to your zodiac sign is said to bring good fortune and luck into your life. Follow on to find your plant counterpart based on your personality.

If you’re into astrology, you know that each zodiac sign has a very distinct personality and set of expectations and needs. So, wouldn’t each sign have a very different desire when it comes to their houseplants?&nbsp;Read on for our plant picks to go along with your zodiac sign and personality traits.1.&nbsp;Aries: Purple Orchid<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/petite-purple-orchid_detail_02_480x480.jpg?v=1612212040">Vibrant Aries is a fascinating fire sign, and your bold personality matches&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/purple-orchid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Purple Orchid</a>’s to a tee. While you’re independent, you love providing for those who rely on you—and as a proud plant parent, you won’t mind fussing over this one!&nbsp;Any&nbsp;Orchid&nbsp;is a great pair for a caretaker personality like Aries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/purple-orchid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Purple Orchid ($98+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>&nbsp;2.&nbsp;Leo: Monstera&nbsp;Deliciosa<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_monstera_gallery_medium_all_all_07_480x480.jpg?v=1612212235">Head-turning Leos attract the spotlight wherever they go. Like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/monstera-deliciosa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Monstera Deliciosa</a>, your presence fills a room and is impossible to ignore. Leos also love bright light, too, whether it’s from your ruling star, the Sun, or a stadium filled with adoring fans.<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/monstera-deliciosa?variant=32940364365929" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Monstera Deliciosa ($67+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>3. Sagittarius: Coffee Plant<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_coffee-plant_gallery_all_03_c701a3d1-2a28-413a-bb2c-716931bf09da_480x480.jpg?v=1612212319">Hyperkinetic Sagittarians rarely run out of energy, and they don’t need a lot of attention to grow and expand. This low-maintenance, high-velocity sign runs on “natural caffeine” and, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/coffee-plant" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Coffee Plant</a>, adds natural vibrance to every space and scene!<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/coffee-plant" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Coffee Plant ($35+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>4.&nbsp;Taurus:&nbsp;Parlor Palm<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_parlor-palm_gallery_small_all_all_09_480x480.jpg?v=1615500924">Hardy, self-assured Tauruses know who they are and what they like and never apologize for it. The tropical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/parlor-palm-in-grant-cream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parlor Palm</a>&nbsp;is a beautiful plant with that go-with-the-flow attitude,&nbsp;growing taller by the day with little more than sunlight&nbsp;like the self-sufficient Taurus.<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/parlor-palm-in-grant-cream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the&nbsp;Parlor Palm (+$43 at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>5.&nbsp;Virgo: Echeveria&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_echeveria-agavoides_gallery_x-small_all_all_01_480x480.jpg?v=1612212605">Self-contained with a hermit side, Virgos don’t mind spending time by themselves. In fact, they may prefer it! This regimented sign loves a plan and to have everything in its place. Virgos will happily parent a plant that follows a schedule and tends to be fastidious just like them, just like the succulent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/succulent-assortment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Echeveria</a>. The Echeveria&nbsp;likes to stick to a routine, having things be a certain way, otherwise discomfort is inevitable.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/succulent-assortment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop&nbsp;Succulents&nbsp;($24+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>6. Capricorn:&nbsp;Snake Plant&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_snake-plant-laurentii_gallery_small_all_all_07_7a1571f1-c9ba-43f8-bd39-70ee48523bc0_480x480.jpg?v=1615500664">The most resilient of the signs, Capricorns are built to last—in fact, they thrive on surviving under minimalist conditions. The less you fuss over them, the better, just like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/snake-laurentii-in-grant-limited-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Snake Plant</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/snake-laurentii-in-grant-limited-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the&nbsp;Snake Plant Laurentii ($67+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>7.&nbsp;Gemini: Philodendron Birkin<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_philodendron-birkin_gallery_medium_all_04_480x480.jpg?v=1615501167">Versatile Gemini is playful and curious, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/philodendron-birkin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Philodendron Birkin</a>&nbsp;and its broad stripped leaves. There’s no set pattern they’ll follow, no single reason to their rhyme, and that’s what makes both Gemini and this plant unique!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/philodendron-birkin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the&nbsp;Philodendron Birkin&nbsp;($42+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>8.&nbsp;Libra: Bird’s Nest Fern<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_birds-nest-fern_gallery_medium_all_all_04_51e5bff1-6695-49c4-9277-6780f6346a8f_480x480.jpg?v=1612213317">Libra is ruled by aesthetic and empathic Venus—and the delicate, lovely&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/bird-s-nest-fern-nidus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bird’s Nest Fern</a>&nbsp;also exudes a rare beauty. Just like this plant, Libras don’t apologize for being high maintenance. After all, you get to bask in their beauty and love—a fair exchange for your extra efforts, right?<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/bird-s-nest-fern-nidus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Bird’s Nest Fern ($40+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>9.&nbsp;Aquarius: Pilea Peperomioides&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_pilea-peperomioides_gallery_small_all_all_02_480x480.jpg?v=1612213388">The Aquarius is a peppy presence in any group, just like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/pilea-peperomioides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pilea Peperomiodes</a>. As the sign of the future, Aquarians don’t like to get dragged into drama. They’d rather envision a bright tomorrow and spread happiness, just like this plant.<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/pilea-peperomioides?variant=33064345370729" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Pilea Peperomioides ($35+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>10.&nbsp;Cancer:&nbsp;Ficus Tineke<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_ficus-tineke_gallery_small_all_all_04_57a47d6a-c941-480c-9753-b0ffd146c86b_480x480.jpg?v=1612213467">Cancer is ruled by the moon, and like the lunar phases, this sign’s moods can fluctuate. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/ficus-tineke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ficus Tineke&nbsp;</a>also ebbs and flows, and just like this zodiac sign,&nbsp;and loves some&nbsp;attention that will help it to continue to grow strong.<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/ficus-tineke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Ficus Tineke ($43+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>11.&nbsp;Scorpio: Philodendron Green<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_philodendron-green_gallery_medium_all_all_06_35f14c4f-6673-47a7-a4ab-70db7ea5ea16_480x480.jpg?v=1612213544">Transformational Scorpio attracts attention without trying. After all, they have a secretive side to them and don’t necessarily want to be noticed. But their magnetic energy turns heads nonetheless, something they have strongly in common with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/philodendron-green" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Philodendron Green</a>.<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/philodendron-green?variant=32940065718377" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop the Philodendron Green ($35+ at&nbsp;thesill.com)</a>12. Pisces: ZZ Plant<img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0150/6262/files/the-sill_zz-plant_gallery_large_all_all_03_480x480.jpg?v=1612213642">Pisces are natural nurturers, but this daydreamy sign can slip into their imagination, losing track of things like time, space and watering schedules. For the caring water sign that doesn’t always thrive in the mundane, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesill.com/products/zz-plant-in-balboa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZZ Plant&nbsp;</a>will keep on growing and going, adapting to fluctuating conditions just like the zodiac’s Fish.

The Best Plant Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Terrified of being a plant parent? You may start here.

These houseplants are the best place to start your collection. They are all easy to grow and can generally withstand erratic watering, uneven or bad light, and fluctuating temperatures. They will thrive in dorm rooms, offices, and sometimes even dismal corners. <h2>1) Golden Pothos Vine</h2> There is a reason golden pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum&nbsp;"Aureum") is one of the most popular&nbsp;hanging plants&nbsp;around. In its native habitat, golden pothos grows into a tree-swallowing monster with huge yellow and green leaves. As a houseplant, the plant will grow aggressively from pots or trailing baskets with minimal care. They will easily root in a simple glass of water. With better care, large, mottled, mature leaves may develop. <h2>2) Spider Plant</h2> A well-grown spider plant (Chlorophytum) is a magnificent thing. The plant grows easily in baskets or atop columns with arching leaves. The&nbsp;variegated variety&nbsp;is by far the most common. Over time, a mature plant will send out plantlets or offsets on long stems that form an impressive hanging display.These plantlets can be easily repotted to create new specimens. Spider plants are not picky about water, light, or temperature. <h2>3) Snake Plant </h2> In the same family that includes dracaena and liriope, there are many varieties of sansevieria (S. trifasciata&nbsp;or&nbsp;S. trifasciata laurentii) that are exceptionally tough. They like plenty of light, but they can handle less if necessary, and they are not too particular about watering—as long as it is not too much. They also thrive in an&nbsp;office environment.When repotting is necessary, the main clump can be easily divided. These plants are striking additions to a collection. The snake plant features green on green bands on sword-like leaves, while the mother-in-law's tongue has yellow leaf margins. <h2>4) Dracena Species</h2> There are many varieties of&nbsp;Dracaena&nbsp;suitable for home growth. The&nbsp;D. draco&nbsp;and&nbsp;D. marginata&nbsp;are wonderfully easy plants that tolerate a wide variety of conditions. These plants feature arching leaves from a woody stem.Dracaena leaves can be green, yellow and green, or even tri-colored. Also a member of the&nbsp;agave&nbsp;family, they like to be regularly watered in the summer and almost left dry throughout the winter.&nbsp;D. fragrans&nbsp;is often used to make the popular ti plants or false palms. <h2>5) Succulents and Cacti</h2> There are dozens of varieties of&nbsp;succulents&nbsp;and&nbsp;desert cacti&nbsp;flooding into garden centers and grocery stores. In general, succulents are desert plants with thick, fleshy leaves; some of them have spines and some none. Agave is an example of a popular succulent, along with aloe and popular echeveria rosettes.Cacti generally have spines and interesting leaf structures, including barrels, paddles, and columns. As a class, succulents and cacti are slow-growing and will withstand tremendous abuse. They do best with bright light, well-drained pots, and little water. In the right placement, these are plants that truly thrive on neglect. <h2>6) Bromeliads</h2> These plants have gained an unfair reputation, probably because of the difficulty required to coax a bloom from a bromeliad. It is true that making these jungle plants bloom in the house is a tricky task. They require copious warmth and water, along with&nbsp;high humidity&nbsp;and filtered light to produce their showy flower spikes.However, many species of bromeliads have beautiful leaves that are attractive by themselves. Bromeliad plants are usually watered by filling the central cup. They require little fertilizer, and when pups appear around the base of the plant, these can be repotted to increase your collection. <h2>7) Lucky Bamboo</h2> Technically a dracaena species, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is the perennial office plant. Untold pots of these thrive in awful conditions, such as sporadically watered with bad lighting and poor air quality.Nevertheless, lucky bamboo lives on. These make&nbsp;wonderful gift plants, and many people believe they bring good luck and enhance the&nbsp;chi&nbsp;or energy of their surroundings.

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One step closer to proper Parenting of the plant

Taking Care of Snake Plants

How to Care for String of Pearls

Shopping planters with Pepper Pots

Taking Care of Snake Plants

How to Care for String of Pearls

Shopping planters with Pepper Pots

Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants

The Best Plant Based on Your Zodiac Sign

The Best Houseplants for Beginners