Looking for the perfect plants to pair with your resilient snake plant in those dim corners? You’re in the right place. Choosing the right snake plant companion plants can turn a forgotten low-light corner into a lush, thriving display. This guide will help you select friends that share your snake plant’s easy-going nature and love for indirect light.
We’ll cover everything from plant pairings to pot selection. You’ll get clear, simple advice to make your indoor garden a success. Let’s look at some fantastic options that will grow happily alongside your sansevieria.
Snake Plant Companion Plants
Not every plant can handle the low-light conditions where snake plants excel. The best companions are those with similar needs: tolerance for dry soil, low humidity, and infrequent watering. This creates a harmonious pot where all plants are happy.
Here are some top contenders that make excellent partners.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a superstar in low light. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a beautiful contrast to the upright, structured look of snake plants. They both store water in their rhizomes, meaning they have identical watering needs. This makes them a foolproof pair.
- Light: Thrives in very low to bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Why it works: Their care routines are virtually identical, preventing overwatering.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos offers a trailing habit that softens the vertical lines of a snake plant. Its heart-shaped leaves come in many varieties, like golden or marble queen, adding a splash of color or variegation to your arrangement. It’s incredibly forgiving and adapts well to low light.
- Light: Does well in low light, though variegation may fade.
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Why it works: The contrasting growth forms (upright vs. trailing) create visual interest.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. Its broad, dark green leaves provide a wonderful textural difference next to the sword-like leaves of a snake plant. It’s one of the few plants that can survive in very dark corners.
- Light: Extremely tolerant of deep shade.
- Water: Keep soil on the drier side; water sparingly.
- Why it works: Shares the same “set it and forget it” care philosophy.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies bring the bonus of occasional white flowers to a low-light corner. Their lush, drooping foliage complements the stiffness of snake plant leaves. They do like a bit more water than snake plants, so careful placement in a shared pot is key.
- Light: Prefers low to medium, indirect light.
- Water: Enjoys slightly moist soil, but not soggy. It will wilt when thirsty.
- Why it works: Adds a different leaf shape and the potential for blooms.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens offer stunning red, pink, or silver variegation on their leaves. They are slow-growing and appreciate the same warm, stable conditions as snake plants. Modern varieties are very adaptable to low-light conditions.
- Light: Low to medium, indirect light is ideal.
- Water: Water when the top couple inches of soil feel dry.
- Why it works: Introduces beautiful color to a primarily green palette.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A parlor palm adds a soft, feathery texture. Its gentle, arching fronds make a beautiful backdrop for the bold form of a snake plant. It’s a classic low-light palm that grows slowly, perfect for long-term companionship.
- Light: Prefers filtered light and can tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Keep soil consistently lightly moist, but never waterlogged.
- Why it works: The textural contrast between “feathery” and “architectural” is striking.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are cheerful and adaptable. Their grassy, arching leaves offer a fine texture next to snake plants. They produce “pups” or baby plants on long runners, which can add a fun, cascading element to your display.
- Light: Adapts to a wide range, from low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Prefers slightly moist soil in spring/summer, drier in winter.
- Why it works: Both are fantastic air-purifying plants, doubling the benefits.
How to Plant Them Together Successfully
Putting plants together in one container is called companion planting. Doing it right ensures all plants stay healthy. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose the Right Container
Select a pot with drainage holes. This is non-negotiable. Both snake plants and their recommended companions hate sitting in water. The pot should be wide and shallow rather than deep, as these plants have shallow root systems.
Step 2: Use a Suitable Potting Mix
A well-draining soil is crucial. Use a standard cactus or succulent mix. You can also make your own by mixing two parts regular potting soil with one part perlite or coarse sand. This prevents the soil from holding to much moisture.
Step 3: Plan Your Arrangement
Before planting, arrange your plants on the soil surface while they’re still in their nursery pots. Place taller, upright plants like the snake plant in the center or towards the back. Put trailing or shorter plants around the edges.
- Think about color and texture contrast.
- Ensure each plant has a little space to grow.
- Consider the mature size of each plant so they don’t become overcrowded to quickly.
Step 4: Planting and Aftercare
Gently remove each plant from its pot. Loosen the roots slightly. Place them in the prepared holes in your new container and fill in with soil. Water the arrangement thoroughly once, allowing excess water to drain away completely. Then, wait.
Do not water again until the soil is mostly dry. This might take 3-4 weeks in a low-light setting. Overwatering is the fastest way to harm these drought-tolerant plants.
Design Tips for Low-Light Corners
A beautiful arrangement is about more than just plant health. It’s about creating a pleasing visual. Here are some ideas to make your display stand out.
Play with Height and Form
Combine plants of different heights and shapes. Use a tall snake plant as a focal point. Place a medium-sized ZZ plant or Chinese evergreen next to it. Then, let a pothos or spider plant spill over the rim of the pot. This creates layers that are more interesting to look at.
Mix Leaf Textures and Colors
Pair the sleek, smooth leaves of a snake plant with the ruffled leaves of a peace lily. Combine the deep green of a cast iron plant with the variegated cream and green of a pothos. Monochromatic schemes (all green) can be very sophisticated, while a touch of silver or red adds a pop.
Consider the Pot as Part of the Design
Your container contributes to the overall look. A simple, neutral pot (like terracotta, concrete, or a muted glaze) lets the plants be the stars. A bold, colorful pot can turn the entire arrangement into a piece of art. Make sure the pot’s style matches your room’s decor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with easy plants, a few errors can cause problems. Here’s what to watch out for.
Overwatering
This is the number one killer. Low light means soil dries out very slowly. Water based on soil dryness, not a set schedule. Always stick your finger into the soil to check. If it’s damp, wait.
Choosing Plants with Different Needs
Avoid pairing your snake plant with a plant that loves moisture, like a fern or a calathea. They will require frequent watering, which will quickly cause root rot in the snake plant. Sticking to the drought-tolerant list is safest.
Forgetting About Fertilizer (But Not Overdoing It)
Plants in low light grow slower and need less fertilizer. Feeding them to much can lead to weak growth or burned roots. Use a balanced, half-strength liquid fertilizer only once or twice during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Ignoring Pest Checks
While these plants are tough, they can occasionally get pests like mealybugs or spider mites. When you water, take a moment to look under the leaves and along the stems. Catching pests early makes them much easier to manage.
FAQ Section
Can I put a snake plant with a succulent?
Yes, many succulents have similar light and water needs. However, most succulents prefer brighter light than a typical low-light corner provides. In a truly dim spot, the succulent may become leggy and stretched out while the snake plant remains fine. It’s better to choose low-light specialists.
How often should I water a snake plant with companions?
There is no universal schedule. The frequency depends on your home’s temperature, humidity, and light levels. Always check the soil moisture first. In a low-light corner, you may only need to water every 3-6 weeks. When in doubt, it’s safer to underwater.
Do these plant combinations help with air quality?
Yes, many of these plants, including snake plant, pothos, peace lily, and spider plant, are noted for there ability to remove common household toxins from the air. Grouping several together can enhance this beneficial effect in your room.
What if my low-light corner gets no natural light at all?
No plant can survive in complete darkness. If the corner has absolutely no natural light, consider using a small grow light. LED grow bulbs are energy-efficient and can provide enough light to keep your companion plants healthy. Even a few hours a day from a nearby lamp can make a big difference.
Can I use a snake plant as a centerpiece with other plants around it?
Absolutely. A large snake plant in a striking pot makes a wonderful centerpiece. You can surround it with smaller pots containing its companions, like pothos or ZZ plants. This gives you more flexibility to water each plant according to its specific needs, as they aren’t sharing soil.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Keeping your plant community thriving for years requires a little ongoing attention. Here’s what to do as time goes on.
When to Repot
These slow-growing plants can often stay in the same pot for years. Repot only when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, or when the plants become so crowded that growth seems stunted. When you do repot, only go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter).
Cleaning the Leaves
Dust accumulates on leaves, especially in quiet corners, and can block light. Gently wipe the leaves of your snake plant and its companions with a damp cloth every few months. This keeps them photosynthesizing efficiently and looking their best.
Rotating the Pot
Plants naturally grow toward the light. To keep your arrangement looking even and balanced, give the pot a quarter turn every time you water it. This prevents all the plants from leaning in one direction over time.
Creating a grouping of snake plant companion plants is a rewarding way to bring life to a challenging space. By selecting plants with similar care needs and paying attention to design, you can build a low-maintenance, beautiful indoor garden. Remember, the key is to mimic their natural preference for bright, indirect light and infrequent watering—even in your low-light corner. With the right partners, your snake plant will no longer be alone, and that forgotten corner will become a favorite spot of greenery in your home.