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Not long ago, I bought a snake plant from a local gardening shop and when I got it home, I divided it into three independent plants. The threesome includes a big mature leaf, an averagely mature medium leaf, and a small pup, all luxuriating in the sunlight near my window. Upon observing them, I began to wonder about the life expectancy of snake plants. Additionally, I started to ponder on the optimum environmental conditions that would favor their growth.
Sansevieria plants or snake plants live 5-10 years on average, with some living as long as 25 years, given the right growing conditions. Growing snake plants indoors in favorable conditions may yield longevity beyond 25 years.
Keep reading to learn how long snake plants live, the life cycle of a snake plant, and how to keep them happy and healthy.
How Long Do Snake Plants Live?
On average, snake plants that receive only low light will live for 5-10 years. Although, there have been cases of snake plants living 25 years or longer in their favored and idyllic growing conditions.
Snake plants can tolerate any amount of sunlight but thrive in bright, indirect light. The right amount of light will increase the longevity of your snake plant.
Sunlight is extremely important and getting the correct levels can mean the difference between success and failure Check out my article named Snake Plants (Sansevieria) And Sunlight. How Much Do They Really Need?
By providing your snake plant with optimal growing conditions, you can increase the perpetuity or vitality of your plant. If you provide a snake plant with the optimal growing conditions, you could see your plant live 20 years or longer.
What is the Life Span of a Sansevieria (Snake Plant)?
Generally, snake plants live an average of 5-10 years, but there have been instances of snake plants that have lived 25 years and longer. They are slow but determined growers.
Snake plants are tough, robust, and resilient plants. They are easy to care for, which makes them a great beginner-friendly plant. This plant can live 5 or 25 years, depending on the level of care and love it receives.
“Plants want to grow; they are on your side as long as you are reasonably sensible.”
Anne wareham
What Effects the Life Span of a Snake Plant?
A snake plant’s longevity can be directly impacted by the light exposure it receives and the growing environment. The better the conditions and light exposure, the longer your snake plant is to live.
| Light Exposure | Growing Conditions | Life Span |
| Low to No Light, Minimum | Poor | About 5 Years |
| Fair Light | Fair | Average of 10 Years |
| Light | Good | Possibly 15+ Years |
| Bright Indirect Light | Favorable | Up to 25 Years+ |
As shown in the table above, the amount of light and the quality of the growing environment directly affect the overall life span of a Snake Plant. By giving the Sansevieria prime growing conditions, you’re also adding years to your plant’s life.
How Long Can Snake Plants Live Indoors?
Given the most appropriate conditions, a snake plant can thrive for many years indoors. They love bright indirect sunlight, sparse watering, warm temperatures, and a rootbound pot.
How Long Can Snake Plants Live Outdoors?
Snake plants are well kept in bright places where they get indirect, semi-filtered light and need well-draining soil. Snake plants also require warm temperatures, with an average temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
If these conditions are met, snake plants can survive outdoors year after year.
How do I Keep My Snake Plant Alive Longer?
If you’re interested in keeping your snake plant for a (Sansevieria’s) lifetime, you’ll need to give your plant attention, but not too much. Snake plants are very easy, well-tempered, beginner-friendly plants.
- Bright Indirect Light
- Fast Draining Soil
- Sparse Watering (let the soil dry out)
- Water From the Bottom (if possible)
- Cozy Roots (they like to be pot-bound)
If you see blooms on your Snake Plant, you’ll know how happy it is! When they flower, they feature small white to yellow flowers.
Keeping your snake plant alive is just minding it occasionally. If you give it enough attention, it might even hang around for over 25 years!
What is the Life Cycle of a Snake Plant?
The life cycle of a snake plant may repeat itself year after year during the duration of the snake plant’s life. However, it is a slow-growing plant, so be patient while waiting for this plant to propagate. The life cycle may look like this chart:
- A pup (a baby snake plant) will sprout off the main root of a mature plant; this extension of the plant’s root is called a rhizome. A pup may also be obtained through clippings.
- This pup can be separated into its own pot (or water) to root to propagate another snake plant. It will grow roots in roughly 6-8 weeks, taking the most time in the winter and less time in the warmer months.
- This pup will grow slowly (a little faster in warm temperatures and bright indirect light) and sprout more leaves. It may even sprout more pups! If not, a cutting will propagate in the same manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do snake plants live?
Snake plants live 5 to 25 years, based on the care they receive in their lifetime.
Can snake plants live outdoors?
In places where the temperatures are, on average, above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, snake plants can survive outdoors. It’s susceptible to root rot and does well in hot, dry places.
Can snake plants live indoors?
Snake plants can tolerate almost any level of light, which makes them great for places that don’t get much sunlight. They can be found in offices, waiting rooms, and lobbies; they have also found their place in the hearts and homes of many houseplant enthusiasts.
What is the life cycle of a snake plant?
A snake plant begins as a (cutting or a rhizome) pup. This pup will grow its roots (in water or soil) in about 6-8 weeks. Then the rooted pups will grow into mature snake plants.
What are optimal growing conditions for snake plants?
Snake plants are hardy and vigilant plants that can grow almost anywhere. However, they grow best in bright, indirect sunlight in well-draining soil. They also enjoy being root and pot-bound.
What affects the life span of a snake plant?
The light intensity, frequency of watering, soil composition, and temperature are all factors that can impact the life span of a snake plant.
How long can Sansevieria live in the dark?
Sansevieria, or snake plants, can live in various light exposures. It can survive for a while in a low-light area, but it can’t make enough food to grow, so it’s likely that the plant would have stunted growth in the dark.
Conclusion
If you want a long-living and hardy plant that doesn’t need much attention, the snake plant is a great place to start. They can live for 20 years or more, given that you provide optimal growing conditions. They’re hardy plants with very few requirements.
