Because snake plants are so easy to care for, it is very common to spot them in most gardens and homes. This house plant has long, strap-like leaves that are often variegated with green and white stripes. While the snake plant is not typically known for its flowers, it can actually bloom.
The snake plant flower is a small, tubular bloom that grows on a stalk directly from the center of the plant. The blooms are typically white or cream-colored and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. They close during the day and open back up at night.
Snake Plant Care Guide
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular and common houseplants. A native of Africa, the plant gets its name from its long, slender leaves, which are reminiscent of snakes. It is famous for being hardy and easy to grow. This plant is perfect for beginners because it is difficult to kill and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. They are drought tolerant and can go long periods of time without water. It only needs to be watered biweekly or once every two weeks. Snake plants are not heavy feeders but benefit from occasional fertilization during the spring and summer months. This plant thrives in sandy and well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic.
Snake plants are not susceptible to many pests or diseases, although they can be occasionally bothered by mealybugs, spider mites, or scale.
These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The snake plant is an ideal houseplant for those looking for a low-maintenance plant that is nearly impossible to kill. With its striking architectural shape and interesting variegated leaves, it is also a beautiful addition to any indoor space.
Does a Snake Plant Flower and What Does It Look Like
The snake plant blooms in spring, but this is such a rare event that it is often not seen. Most people have never even seen one in bloom.
If your snake plant blooms, you’ll notice tiny buds strewn along a long blossoming stem on the exceptionally uncommon occasion. This stalk can grow to be three feet tall, sometimes towering over the tip of the snake plant leaves. Snake plants don’t generally have more than one stalk.
The flowers on the upper part of these stalks are tiny tubular blooms that grow in clusters and have slender petals. These tiny blooms, which may be likened to honeysuckle or lily flowers, are most common. Some kinds don’t produce stalks at all. Their blossoms grow in big clusters at the base of the plant.
The blooms look very similar to honeysuckle or small lilies and are very fragrant. They are cream or white in color, sometimes greenish-white or even yellow.
The petals are very pretty and stand out against the dark green leaves. It blooms infrequently, typically only once every year. The flowers only last for about two to four weeks. These beautiful blooms will then transform into orange berries.
How to Get Your Snake Plant to Flower
If you are lucky enough to see a snake plant in a flower, it is definitely a sight to behold. But why does a snake plant bloom so rarely, and how can you get it to flower?
Surprisingly, the snake plant blooms when it is stressed. It gives out a signal that it is in danger and is on the verge of dying. This can be caused by a lack of nutrients, water, or sunlight. If a plant is undernourished, overwatered, or not getting enough light, it may go into survival mode by producing flowers.
When left with very little resources, lack of water and too much sun exposure will make your snake plant spread quickly, causing it to become root-bound. This is what typically prompts the plant to blossom.
So if you want your snake plant to bloom, you need to give it some tough love. You can mimic the conditions of drought and stress by withholding water and giving it more sun exposure. However, don’t forget to give it a little care every now and then, or you may actually kill it.
Final Thoughts
While the snake plant is a common houseplant, its flower is very rare. It blooms during spring, but this event usually only happens when the plant is stressed. It is the plant’s way of announcing that it is being neglected.
So if you want to see pretty honeysuckle-like flowers on your snake plant, you can try mimicking drought conditions by withholding water and giving it more sun exposure. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you may actually harm your plant.