Here are the most important things you should do for your snake plant in May to keep it thriving all summer!
May is the sweet spot when a few smart moves for your plant can set the tone for its healthy growth all summer long and beyond. So, what things should you do for your snake plant in May? Don’t worry; we’ve shared everything below!
Things You Should Do For Your Snake Plant in May
1. Reassess the Location
By May, the days are longer, and the sunlight is stronger, which is the perfect time to reassess where your snake plant is sitting. If your plant is away in a low-light corner all winter, it deserves a spring break, too.
Gently move it to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight, like near an east-facing window or a shaded patio outdoors. But avoid blasting it with direct midday sun, which can damage the plant’s health.
Pro Tip: A sudden leap from dim to direct light is a no-no, as it can cause the leaves to appear pale or crispy. So give them a gentle transition. And avoid placing it in these spots!
2. Switch Up the Watering
May isn’t the time to drench your snake plant, but it’s also not for winter’s strict drought mode. As temperatures rise, your snake plant’s soil dries a bit faster. It’s time to check the soil every 10–14 days rather than waiting a full three weeks. In May, you should water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and always drain out the excess.
This month is also perfect to re-establish a healthy rhythm before the peak heat hits. Wean your plant off winter’s sparse watering by giving it just a splash near the edges of the pot the first time. It mimics rainfall and causes the roots to stretch outward and downward, which is perfect preparation for summer root strength.
3. Feed It With a Half-Strength Fertilizer
May is the perfect feeding month for snake plants as their growth cycle wakes up in spring and hits full gear by June. But here’s the catch–snake plants don’t need a heavy meal in May. A diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer (half strength) given once in May is best. Try one of these!
Feeding in May gives the plant the nutrients it needs before summer stress, such as high temperatures and dry spells, kicks in.
4. Wipe Those Leaves
Indoor dust and pollen build up over winter, dulling the natural glow and clogging up your snake plant’s ability to photosynthesize. In five minutes, you can address this using a damp microfiber cloth.
Cleaning leaves in May means better energy conversion, which equals stronger growth and sturdier leaves all summer. Use a tiny dab of neem oil mixed with water for your leaf wipe. It will add shine to your plant and also naturally keep pests away. Here are more tips that will help you!
5. Repot, Only If the Roots Say So
May is ideal for repotting, but only if your snake plant’s roots burst out of the bottom or circle the pot. These plants love being slightly root-bound, but it’s time to upgrade if your pot has more roots than soil.
You should not go overboard with the new pot size—1 to 2 inches wider than the current pot is enough. Why May? It gives the plant time to settle into its new pot before summer kicks in. Also, it won’t suffer transplant shock like it might in high summer or go dormant like it does in winter.
6. Snip, But Do it Strategically
It is great to do a little strategic trimming in May. If your snake plant has any yellowing, damaged, or curled leaves leftover from winter, now’s the time to cut them at the base using sterilized scissors.
During May, your plant is entering active growth and will bounce back better now than if pruned in colder or hotter months. Plus, it sends a message, telling your plant that it’s time to put out new, better-looking leaves. Here’s a quick guide you can read for pruning help!
Pro Tip: If you have a sturdy, healthy leaf growing crooked, slice it off cleanly and propagate it in water or soil.
7. Keep the Snake Plant Outdoors in May
Your snake plant is probably itching to breathe fresh air when May arrives. But you can’t just toss it on the patio and wish it luck, without keeping an eye on it. In May, the nights are no longer frosty, and the days aren’t blazing hot yet. These in-between conditions are ideal for getting your plant used to the change without stressing it out.
For the first few days, let it spend a few hours in a shaded, wind-protected area, then gradually increase the exposure, but always avoid direct afternoon sun. Thanks to the natural airflow and higher light quality, outdoor exposure in May can also help the plant’s color contrast and strengthen its leaf structure.
Well, what are you waiting for? Do these things now, and we guarantee you’ll have a healthier plant in just a couple of weeks!
