Full Guide To Snake Plant Light Requirements

Sansevierias, with their common names snake plants, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, and viper’s bowstring hemp, are some of the most durable plants you can grow at home. 

Dracaena trifasciata (Sansevieria trifasciata plants) are native to Southern Africa, and their tough nature makes them super easy to care for.

Snake plants growing in window with bright lightPin

These spiky beauties are low maintenance and are hardy plants that can almost thrive on your neglect.

However, most owners aren’t fully aware of the snake plant’s light requirements.

What Are Snake Plant Care Light Requirements?

All snake plant varieties require natural light of medium intensity for growth, with indirect light being the optimal condition. 



They thrive year-round in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.  

They can also grow under artificial lights but won’t show the same growth rate.

Different Snake Plant Light Conditions

Although snake plants can survive in different conditions, creating the right environment for their growth is essential. 

Snake plants can grow in a variety of light intensities, from low to high. However, these succulents prefer medium bright light.

Low Light Conditions

Snake plants can grow in shady corners and low lights. These versatile plants can tolerate lower light conditions, unlike most plants. However, their growth rate can be a little slower in these low-light areas.

If you place your snake plant in a bright shade or a dim corner of your office, it won’t die from the lack of light. 

But it won’t grow as colorful as another of the same kind exposed to indirect sunlight. Remember that when placed in dim light, snake plants will produce more chlorophyll, making the leaf color darker green.

We do think they are a nice plant for bedrooms. Therefore, avoid placing snake plants in rooms without windows or natural light.

NOTE: In low light conditions, watch out for overwatering that can lead to root rot.

Medium Light Conditions

Snake plants ideally grow in medium light. They prefer natural light, making indirect sunlight ideal for growing them.

A perfect spot for snake plants in pots would be near an east-facing window or south-facing window, where plenty of sunlight with enough light intensity enters in the morning. However, keep them away from cold drafts.

The corner or center of a room that doesn’t receive direct light is also the best location for a snake plant.

It will also be less likely to get burned with an ambient humidity above 40 percent. 

High Light Conditions

Snake plants can tolerate high light levels. They will grow in full sun.

However, if your plant has been growing indoors, placing them in full, direct sunlight can burn the dark green leaves and turn their edges yellow. It can also cause the indoor plant to be a little droopy.

Providing your plants with indirect sunlight is always the better choice.

How To Grow Snake Plants With Artificial Light?

These versatile plants can grow indoors with enough artificial lighting. Although you can use artificial lights to grow many houseplants, they can’t replace sunlight full-time.

The several types of artificial lighting have different effects on snake plants’ growth.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent light bulbs contain more blue wavelengths of the light spectrum. The blue light end of the spectrum helps the normal growth of foliage.

You can use them with “warm” or “full-spectrum” light bulbs with more red wavelengths. Root formation needs the red light end. You can also use soft white fluorescent tubes.

Fluorescent light is cool enough to be placed close to your houseplant. Placing the source about a couple of feet away from the foliage can produce the best results. It’s also the most popular and economical choice.

Incandescent Lights

Incandescent lights supply the red wavelengths necessary for the stimulation of root formation. Use incandescent lighting as a supplement to fluorescent light.

For the best balance, try to use one-third incandescent light to two-thirds fluorescent light wattage.

Incandescent lights generate more heat than fluorescent lights. Therefore, place them further away from your plant.

LED Lights

The light-emitting diode (LED) lights are another low-heat light source when sun exposure is less. 

LED technology is new and customizable. You can get LED light bulbs that produce both blue and red wavelengths required for your plant’s growth.

LED lights are long-lasting and energy-efficient. However, they can be a bit more expensive than other choices.

Halogen Lights

Halogen lights provide a full light spectrum. However, they’re less energy-efficient than fluorescent lights. They also generate a lot of heat, so you’d have to place them further away from the plant.

Signs Your Snake Plant Needs More or Less Light

If you notice your snake plant drooping and looking sad with downward sagging leaves, this is a sign it needs more light.

Be careful not to place it in high-intensity direct sunlight all of a sudden. Indirect natural light will do just fine.

If the snake plant leaves start to thin or blacken, this is a sign that your snake plant needs less light. The sharp edges will start getting brown and crispy. 

Move the snake plant to a slightly darker corner to fix that flimsy look.

Wrap Up on Snake Plant Lighting

If you’re a gardening beginner or a forgetful plant lover, you can still enjoy growing your piece of nature with these durable houseplants. Snake plants are beautiful and versatile.

These evergreen low-maintenance plants are super chill and easy to care for. They grow best in medium, natural light. Just make sure to place them in a spot with bright indirect light, and you’ll be fine!

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