How to Grow Snake Plant Indoors in Winter

How to grow Snake plant indoors in winter is very easy if you control watering, temperature, and light. Many people lose snake plants in winter because the roots start rotting in cold soil. Here I am sharing my real gardening experience, how I keep snake plants healthy during USA winter (December–February).

I have grown snake plants for many years at my home. Every winter I reduce watering, improve sunlight exposure, and avoid cold window areas. By following these techniques, my snake plants stay green, firm, and healthy even when temperatures outside drop below freezing.

What is Snake Plant & Why Good for Indoors?

Scientific name: Sansevieria
Top among indoor plants for removing indoor toxins (NASA Study)
Survives low light, less water
Very beginner-friendly

Based on my experience, snake plant is the best indoor plant for USA homes during winter because it doesn’t need frequent watering like other houseplants.

Quick tips – How to Grow Snake Plant Indoors in Winter

Water every 20–30 days only
Keep indoor temperature above 60°F (15°C)
Best light: Bright indirect sunlight
Avoid keeping near heater vents or cold windows
Use well-draining soil
Do not fertilize in winter

My Experience with Watering in Winter

This is the most sensitive part.

In USA winter, soil dries slowly, so overwatering easily causes root rot.
From my experience, I water only when the top 2–3 inches are completely dry.

For small pots → water once in 25–30 days
For large pots → water once in 35–40 days

Important: Never pour water on leaves. Only water at soil base.

Red flags of extra water:

Leaves turning mushy
Soil smelling rotten
Yellow / soggy leaves

In 2023 winter, one of my snake plants started yellowing because I watered twice in 20 days. After that I understood, in winter “less water equals more health.”

Soil Mix I Use (Best for Winter)

Snake plant needs loose soil. Heavy soil holds water and roots rot.

My recommended mix:

50% normal potting soil
30% perlite
20% cocopeat

Use ready succulent/cactus mix

Why I like this soil?
During winter it dries faster and prevents root damage.

Light Setup in Winter (What Works Indoors)

Snake plant does not need strong sunlight but it does need brightness.

Best indoor placement:

Near East-facing window
Close to South window
Avoid dark corners

If your room is dark:

Use grow light 5–6 hours per day

In winter, I keep my snake plants near the living room window. Even weak sunlight keeps it healthy.

Indoor Temperature & Humidity

Snake plant hates cold.

Best temperature range: 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C)

Avoid these places:

Near cold windows at night
Near heater vents blast drying air
Unheated basement

Snake plant is okay with normal indoor humidity.
No need to mist leaves in winter.

Fertilizing in Winter

In winter, plant growth becomes slow.
So, I don’t fertilize at all.

Feeding resumes in spring (March–April).

Propagation in Winter (My Honest Experience)

Winter propagation is slow but possible.

I have tried:

Leaf cutting in soil → Works slowly (roots in 35–60 days)
Water propagation → Root rot chances are high due to cold

So I recommend: Soil propagation in winter with very light moisture.

Steps I follow:

Cut mature leaf
Air-dry 48 hrs
Plant in dry soil
Water very little

Problems I Have Faced & Solutions

Problem	Reason	Solution
Yellowing Leaves	Too much water	Reduce watering, keep soil dry
Drooping Leaves	Cold exposure	Move to warm area
Root Rot	Heavy soil	Shift to draining soil
Dusty Leaves	Indoor dust	Wipe with cloth