How Do I Keep My Laurentii Snake Plant From Growing Sideways?

Picture this: you’ve got a stunning Laurentii snake plant brightening up your living room, but one day you notice it’s starting to grow a bit sideways. It’s not the end of the world, but you’d rather have it standing tall and proud, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and it’s a pretty common issue that we can fix together.

In this article, we’ll dive into why your snake plant might be leaning and how you can encourage it to grow upright. We’ll cover everything from lighting and watering habits to repotting techniques and a bit of plant psychology. Let’s get your snake plant back on track!

Understanding the Laurentii Snake Plant

Before we jump into solutions, let’s chat a bit about what makes the Laurentii snake plant so special. Also known as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, this plant is famous for its robust nature and striking appearance. It boasts tall, sword-like leaves with vibrant green and yellow variegation, making it a popular choice for plant lovers. Plus, it’s incredibly low maintenance, which is always a win!

One reason snake plants lean could be their natural growth pattern. In the wild, they often grow in dense clusters, supporting one another. When we bring them into our homes, they sometimes need a bit of help to stay upright. The good news is that with a few adjustments, you can encourage your plant to stand tall.

Assessing Light Conditions

Light is a crucial factor in ensuring your snake plant grows upright. While Laurentii snake plants are known for their adaptability, they still have preferences. If your plant is leaning, it might be seeking more light. Let’s explore how to optimize lighting for your snake plant.

Finding the Right Spot

Snake plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. However, if your plant is growing sideways, it might be reaching for light. Try moving it to a brighter spot, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. A north-facing window is usually a safe bet.

Rotating Your Plant

If your plant is exposed to light from one direction, it might start leaning toward the light source. To prevent this, give your snake plant a quarter turn every few weeks. This simple trick encourages even growth and keeps your plant looking symmetrical.

• Place the plant in a well-lit room, ideally near a window with filtered light.
• Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
• Rotate the pot regularly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure.

Watering Wisely

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overwatering, especially with a plant that seems so forgiving. However, too much water can lead to root rot, weakening the plant and causing it to lean. Let’s look at some watering tips to keep your snake plant healthy.

Checking Soil Moisture

Before reaching for the watering can, check the soil moisture. Snake plants prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off for a few days.

Adjusting Water Frequency

Snake plants don’t need frequent watering, especially in winter when their growth slows. Overwatering can lead to soggy soil and floppy leaves. Aim to water your plant every two to three weeks, adjusting based on the season and humidity levels in your home.

• Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
• Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant's growth naturally slows down.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

The pot and soil you choose can significantly impact your plant’s growth habit. A top-heavy plant in a small, lightweight pot is more likely to topple over. Here’s how to choose the best pot and soil for your snake plant.

Opting for a Sturdy Pot

A heavy, wide-based pot can provide stability for your snake plant, preventing it from leaning or tipping over. Consider using a ceramic or clay pot, which offers more weight than plastic options. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Selecting the Right Soil Mix

Snake plants prefer a loose, well-draining soil mix. A cactus or succulent mix works well, as it allows excess water to drain easily and prevents root rot. You can also create your own mix by combining potting soil with sand or perlite.

• Choose a pot that is heavy and stable, such as one made of clay or ceramic.
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating.
• Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend.

Repotting Your Snake Plant

Sometimes, a snake plant outgrows its pot, leading to leaning or floppy growth. Repotting can give your plant more room to spread its roots and stabilize itself. Let’s talk about when and how to repot your snake plant.

Signs It’s Time to Repot

If your snake plant’s roots are circling the pot or growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time for a new home. Repotting every two to three years is usually sufficient, but you can do it sooner if you notice these signs.

The Repotting Process

Choose a pot that’s one size larger than the current one, and have your soil mix ready. Gently remove the plant from its pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Shake off excess soil, place the plant in the new pot, and fill it with fresh soil, ensuring it’s firmly in place.

• Repot your plant every two to three years or when it outgrows its pot.
• Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one.
• Use fresh, well-draining soil and ensure the plant is securely positioned in the new pot.

Staking for Support

Sometimes, a little external support can make all the difference in keeping your snake plant upright. Staking is a simple and effective way to prop up leaning leaves. Here’s how you can do it.

Choosing the Right Stakes

Select stakes that are sturdy enough to support your plant but not so thick that they damage the roots. Bamboo or metal stakes work well. Choose stakes that are slightly taller than the plant to provide adequate support.

Securing Your Plant

Gently insert the stakes into the soil, avoiding the roots. Use soft ties or plant tape to loosely secure the leaves to the stakes. Make sure not to tie them too tightly, as you want to avoid damaging the leaves. Adjust the ties as necessary to accommodate growth.

• Use bamboo or metal stakes that are slightly taller than the plant.
• Insert stakes carefully into the soil, avoiding root damage.
• Use soft ties to loosely secure the plant to the stakes.

Encouraging Upright Growth

Beyond structural support, there are a few tricks to encourage your snake plant to grow upright naturally. Here’s what you can do to help your plant grow tall and proud.

Pruning and Trimming

Pruning can help redirect energy to healthier leaves and encourage upward growth. Trim any damaged or excessively long leaves at the base, using clean, sharp scissors. Regular pruning can help maintain the plant’s shape and prevent leaning.

Providing Balanced Nutrition

While snake plants are not heavy feeders, they do appreciate a bit of fertilizer during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in the spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak, floppy growth.

• Prune damaged or excessively long leaves to maintain the plant's shape.
• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
• Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak growth.

Addressing Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also play a role in your snake plant’s growth pattern. Let’s explore some adjustments you can make to create an ideal environment.

Managing Temperature and Humidity

Snake plants thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C) and prefer moderate humidity. Extreme temperature changes or drafts can stress your plant, leading to leaning. Keep your plant away from heaters, air conditioners, and drafty windows.

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

Good air circulation is important for healthy growth. If your plant is in a crowded or enclosed space, it might struggle to grow upright. Ensure your plant has enough space to “breathe” by avoiding overcrowding with other plants or furniture.

• Maintain temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C) for optimal growth.
• Avoid placing the plant near heaters, air conditioners, or drafts.
• Ensure there is adequate space and air circulation around the plant.

Understanding Your Plant’s Growth Cycle

Finally, understanding your snake plant’s natural growth cycle can help you support its upright growth. Snake plants have periods of active growth and dormancy, and recognizing these phases can guide your care routine.

Recognizing Growth Phases

Snake plants typically grow more actively in the spring and summer months. During this time, focusing on proper lighting, watering, and nutrition can encourage strong, upright growth. In the fall and winter, growth slows, and your plant may need less water and fertilizer.

Adapting Care to Growth Cycles

Adjust your care routine based on the plant’s growth phases. Provide more light and water during active growth, and reduce watering and fertilization during dormancy. Being attuned to your plant’s needs can help you maintain its upright stature year-round.

• Recognize active growth periods in spring and summer.
• Adjust light, water, and nutrition during growth phases.
• Reduce watering and fertilization in fall and winter dormancy.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Laurentii snake plant from growing sideways involves understanding its needs and providing a supportive environment. With the right light, watering habits, and occasional structural support, you can enjoy a beautiful, upright plant.

At Cafe Planta, we’re here to help you with all your plant care needs. Whether you’re looking for new plants, accessories, or just some friendly advice, feel free to reach out to us via email or Instagram. We believe plants bring people together, and we’re excited to share our love of plants with you!