If your January has not gone quite as planned, not to worry. The Chinese New Year, determined by the lunar calendar, is Wednesday, January 29, and with it comes a second chance for a “new year, new you.” First resolution? How about keeping a houseplant alive…all. year. long. Get a head start by choosing an easy-care houseplant. Snake plant—newly crowned 2025’s Plant of the Year by 1-800-Flowers.com—is a top contender.
Known by its botanical name Sansevieria, this striking sturdy plant is particularly fit for the title. After all, 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac. But even more important for novice plant parents and lifetime black thumbs, it’s ultra low-maintenance in every respect, from light requirements to water and fertilizer needs.
“The snake plant represents longevity, health, and growth,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising and resident plant dad at 1-800-Flowers.com, which has been naming Flower and Plant of the Year for eight years. (The 2025 Flower of the Year is ranunculus.)
“Beyond their striking beauty, these choices offer a meaningful gift that nurtures relationships and promotes well-being—exactly what we’re all wishing for in the year ahead,” Palomares adds.
If you need a housewarming gift, you can be sure that this plant will bring your recipient only joy and no headaches. (Take note: If they have cats or dogs, be sure to let them know this one should be kept out of their pets’ reach as it’s toxic to them if ingested, according the ASPCA, or consider a pet-friendly alternative).
To be extra sure you meet with only success and good fortune in your new plant parenting endeavors in 2025, Country Living contributor and gardening expert Arricca Elin SanSone gleaned snake plant care tips from Justin Hancock, a horticulturalist with Costa Farms, one of the largest houseplant growers in the world. “It’s one of those plants that’s great for beginners,” Hancock says.“It almost thrives on neglect.” Read on for his advice.
Should I worry about how much light my snake plant gets?
Unlike many plants, snake plants can take nearly any light level, says Hancock. That means you can tuck it into a dark corner and expect it to do okay, though they’ll grow faster in medium to high light conditions. Actually, it’s a slow-grower anyhow, so whatever size you purchase is the size it will remain for many years. As such, it doesn’t mind being root bound and doesn’t have to be repotted very often, though you can certainly drop it into a more decorative pot to hide the nursery pot it came in, if you like.
Is it okay if I forget to water my snake plant?
Most likely, it will be fine. Snake plants are fairly forgiving on this front. Native to West Africa, the snake plant is used to heat and drought so it doesn’t need coddled. Give it a drink when the top half of the soil is dry— just stick your finger in a few inches so you can tell how it feels. “When you do water, don’t drown it. Give it a just a splash of water,” says Hancock. “You don’t want to saturate the soil because it won’t use moisture fast enough, especially in low light conditions, and can rot if it stays too wet.” You’ll know you’ve overdone it if the stem begins to get mushy and tips over; stop watering and be patient. Only time will tell if the roots have survived to push out new growth eventually.
Does my snake plant need fertilizer?
You don’t have to feed your plant. “It’s helpful to make it grow faster but not entirely necessary,” says Hancock. Any general-purpose houseplant food is fine. Read the product label, but understand that’s the maximum amount that should be given. It’s best to use ¼ to ½ strength the recommended amount or fertilize less frequently, such as once a month or only in the spring.
Are snake plants strictly houseplants?
It’s your choice. Like many other houseplants, your snake plant can go outside once freezing temperatures are behind us. But don’t put it directly in full sun because the foliage will burn and will be permanently scarred, says Hancock. If you do put it outdoors, keep it in mostly shade so you don’t have to reacclimate it to lower light levels again when you have to bring it indoors in the fall. Also, because snake plants can become invasive in certain temperate parts of the country, it’s best to display them in containers, not planted in garden beds.
Where to Buy a Snake Plant
Table Size Snake Plant with Sandstone Planter
Larger size also available.
Costa Farms Snake Plant in Nursery Pot
Also sold in ceramic and woven pots.
Large Snake Plant Laurentii in Grow Pot
Also sold in ceramic pots and in smaller sizes.
