Snake plants (Sansevieria spp.), also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are loved for their hardy nature and air-purifying abilities.
But did you know that these easy-care houseplants can produce beautiful, fragrant blooms? Snake plants rarely bloom, especially indoors, but with the right care, it’s possible to encourage their long flower spikes to emerge—rewarding you with clusters of small, highly fragrant white flowers.
This guide will walk you through why snake plants bloom and how to encourage flowering.
What Do The Flowers Look Like?
Why Do Snake Plants Bloom?
Snake plant blooms are rare because the plant needs to feel slightly stressed to initiate flowering. This happens when conditions are just right—usually involving a combination of age, light, water stress, and environmental factors.
A snake plant in bloom produces long flower stalks covered in clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers that emit a sweet, fragrant aroma, usually in the evening.
How to Make a Snake Plant Bloom
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to encourage your snake plant to flower. Although flowering is uncommon, following these techniques will give you the best chance of success.
1. Let the Plant Become Root-Bound
A root-bound snake plant is more likely to bloom. When the plant has outgrown its pot and the roots are crowded, it enters a stress state that can trigger flowering.
- What to Do:
Keep the plant in a slightly smaller pot with minimal space for the roots to spread. Repot only every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes severely root-bound.
2. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
While snake plants can tolerate low light, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight—and they are more likely to bloom in well-lit conditions.
- What to Do:
Place your plant near a south- or east-facing window where it can receive several hours of indirect light daily. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
3. Reduce Watering (Introduce Mild Stress)
Snake plants don’t like being overwatered. Reducing water and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings mimics dry seasons and can encourage the plant to bloom.
- What to Do:
Water the plant only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. During cooler months, reduce watering even further.
4. Keep the Temperature Consistent
Snake plants prefer temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Sudden fluctuations or exposure to cold drafts can disrupt blooming.
- What to Do:
Keep the plant in a stable environment away from cold drafts or heating vents. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
5. Feed the Plant with Fertilizer
While snake plants don’t require heavy feeding, using a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth and encourage flowering.
- What to Do:
Apply a diluted 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter to allow the plant to rest.
6. Mimic Seasonal Changes
In their native environment, snake plants experience seasonal changes, including periods of drought and lower light. Replicating these conditions indoors can increase the chance of blooming.
- What to Do:
Reduce watering and light during the fall and winter months. In the spring, increase light exposure and watering to simulate the start of a new growing season.
7. Be Patient: Let the Plant Age
Snake plants usually need to be several years old before they flower. Younger plants are less likely to bloom, so patience is key.
- What to Do:
Continue providing consistent care and allow the plant to mature naturally. Flowering is more likely to happen when the plant is well-established.
What to Expect from a Snake Plant Bloom
- Flower Stalk: The snake plant produces a tall flower stalk that can grow up to 2-3 feet high.
- Clusters of Flowers: Tiny, star-shaped flowers form along the stalk in clusters.
- Sweet Fragrance: The flowers release a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance, often most noticeable in the evening.
- Sticky Sap: The flowers sometimes release a sticky nectar as they bloom.
How Often Do Snake Plants Bloom?
Snake plants bloom sporadically, and even with ideal care, flowering may only occur once every few years. There’s no guaranteed way to force a snake plant to bloom, but patience and the right conditions increase the chances.
Caring for a Blooming Snake Plant
- Avoid Moving the Plant: Once the flower stalk appears, avoid moving the plant to prevent disturbing the blooming process.
- Continue Watering Lightly: Maintain light watering to keep the plant healthy but don’t overwater.
- Enjoy the Fragrance: Snake plant flowers are most fragrant in the evening—enjoy the pleasant aroma!
Is It Safe to Keep a Flowering Snake Plant Indoors?
Yes! Snake plant flowers are non-toxic and safe for indoor environments. However, the plant’s leaves are mildly toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach from cats and dogs.
Getting a snake plant to bloom takes patience, but it’s well worth the effort.
