The Hidden Cost Of Houseplants
Did you feel it?
Last week was officially the hottest day of the year here in the UK.
My Peace Lily staged a full dramatic collapse, the Calatheas went crispy at the edges, and I caught my Maranta silently judging me from a shady corner.
But one plant didn’t care.
Didn’t blink. Didn’t sweat. Didn’t even look mildly put out.
That plant? The Snake Plant.
The cool-headed champion of hot weather
Some houseplants get stressed if you move them six inches to the left.
The Snake Plant is not one of them.
If tropical plants are like diva celebrities (demanding misting schedules and emotional support pebbles), then this one’s your no-nonsense mate who shows up in boots, says “alright?” and survives the apocalypse without flinching.
Hot weather? No problem. Dry air? Bring it on.
Missed a few waterings? It barely noticed.
Snake Plants are succulents in disguise, their sword-like leaves store water, their roots don’t like to be soggy, and they’re basically designed to endure droughts with dignity.
A bit of backstory (because this plant’s seen things)
Snake Plants originally come from West Africa, where the soil is gritty, the sun is relentless, and the rain comes in dramatic bursts rather than helpful drizzles.
So the plant adapted like a pro.
- Thick leaves that store water
- Upright shape to save space
- Waxy skin that fends off pests and rot
It’s like the UK’s very own Bear Grylls of houseplants, tough, sharp, and always ready for the unexpected.
But what I love is that it’s not just tough, it’s also meaningful.
In parts of Nigeria, the Snake Plant was used in spiritual rituals for protection and warding off bad energy. In Chinese Feng Shui, it’s seen as a bringer of strong, upright energy and resilience.
Basically, this plant has been respected across cultures for centuries, which makes it feel like more than just another green stick in a pot.
And yes, it’s had an identity crisis.
It used to be known as Sansevieria, named after an 18th-century Italian prince who dabbled in science and probably had fantastic velvet coats.
But plant taxonomists recently reclassified it as Dracaena trifasciata, which technically makes it a cousin of the Dragon Tree.
(Still calling it Sansevieria, though. Old habits.)
Snake Plant care: practically cheating
Here’s how to keep this plant happy, though honestly, you’d have to really try to upset it (I still do from time to time.)
💧 Water
Treat it like a cactus. Let the soil dry out fully between waterings, especially in summer. Watering once every 2–3 weeks is usually plenty, depending on your home.
If the leaves go mushy at the base, you’ve overdone it. If they start puckering or curling, it might be thirsty. But otherwise? Leave it alone. It thrives on neglect.
☀️ Light
Bright light is ideal. But it’ll tolerate low light better than most plants. Perfect for that shady corner you keep trying to fill.
🌡️ Heat & Humidity
It loves the heat. A proper summer plant. Dry air? No issue. It’s the opposite of a humidity diva, no pebble trays, no misting, no fuss.
🪴 Soil & Potting
Use a free-draining cactus or succulent mix, and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Don’t go too big, Snake Plants like being slightly root-bound. If the roots start breaking the pot, fair enough, give it a new home.
🌱 Feeding
A light feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer is fine. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Skip it in winter. This one knows how to hibernate in style.
🧽 Cleaning
The leaves are like little dust magnets. Wipe them down gently with a damp cloth every now and then so they can breathe (and look nice while doing it).
So if you’re looking for a houseplant that won’t throw a tantrum every time the weather changes, or one that’ll actually enjoy this little heatwave, we might’ve found a winner.
And if you already own one, give it a nod of respect the next time you walk past for me.
