Sansevieria trifasciata, or the snake plant, is a low-maintenance, air-purifying houseplant that does not require a lot of sun to survive.
But exactly how fast can you expect it to grow? If you are not noticing any growth, is that an issue?
Growth Rate
The snake plant, also sometimes referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, grows about 4-12 inches per year. However, the growth rate can vary significantly between different sub-species.
Additionally, snake plants will frequently send out 1-2 new leaves every year, usually maxing out at about a total of 6 leaves per rosette.
Factors That Affect Growth
Part of what makes Sansevieria so popular is that they do not need a lot of sun to survive. This makes them ideal as houseplants, particularly in rooms that may not receive as much sun.
That being said, the sun is a necessity to optimize growth. They grow the best with indirect sun throughout the day. Be careful about putting them too close to west-facing or south-facing windows because their leaves will burn. Instead, push them a few feet in from the window so they can still receive the benefits of the sunlight without being burned.
Other factors that affect growth include soil, nutrients, and water. Check out our comprehensive guide on growing Sansevieria
Also, your snake plant may need to be repotted every couple of years. If the pot that it is being grown in is too small, it will inhibit growth. In fact, keeping the roots in a small container is one technique used in bonsai trees to keep the trees small.
Winter Dormancy
These plants will do most of their growth in the non-winter months, so do not be surprised when your plant slows down its growth significantly during the winter months. This is normal and is healthy for the plant to go into a state of dormancy.
What Size Does It Grow To?
Most snake plants grow to a total height of about 2.5-3 feet in length and about 2-3 inches in width. The actual height and width will depend on your growing conditions and your specific cultivar, though.
