If you are planning to pair your snake plant in the same pot as another plant it is important that they like the same free draining soil, lower water levels and small amounts of fertilizer. Snake plants are a great, upright growing plant so can add height to your planting. Pair them with ZZ plants, pothos, spider plant, philodendron, cactus or succulents.
This article will explore the best plant to grow with snake plants in the same pot for both indoors and outdoors.
1. ZZ plant
ZZ plant love the same conditions as snake plants so will pair perfectly together in the same pot. They grow vertically as well so you can grow a tall arrangement to sit at the back of your pot arrangement. Both snake plant and ZZ plant love water around once per month, fertilizer once per year and can survive in low light conditions.
For more on growing ZZ and snake plants together, check out my previous article here: ZZ Plant vs Snake Plant | 6 Key Differences
2. Pothos
Pothos are a great hardy vine that works incredibly well with snake plant in pots. Pothos or Devil’s Ivy is dry tolerant and can survive with the same amount of water as snake plants. They can last up to a month without water as long as they get a deep soak. They can trail down the side of the pot or be trained up a pole.
Pothos are easy to take cuttings from. You can snip off a piece, put it in some water to sprout and you will have a new plant in around 4 weeks.
For more on propagating pothos, check out my previous article here: How long it takes to propagate pothos | 5 Tips for new plants in 4 weeks
3. Spider plant
Spider plant are the perfect companion to the hard snake plant. They grow with almost no attention and only a small amount of water. They can take over the pot quickly so you may need to snip back some of the leaves. Make sure you leave enough room for your snake plant which will grow at a slower rate.
Spider plant will survive in full shade or full sun and will send out spider babies which can be snipped off and planted into new soil to create new plants. They will grow well with snake plant so give them a go. Take care not to plant them in the ground as they can quickly take over.
4. Philodendron
Philodendrons are hardy and can grow well with your snake plant. They don’t mind small amounts of water and grow well in a shady spot. They are an incredibly hardy plant that likes free draining soil like snake plants.
5. Cactus
Cactus pair perfectly with snake plants in pots as they will love a 4 week dry spell followed by deep watering. They love free draining soil and will be happy in cactus soil or a free draining premium potting soil. Both snake plant and cactus are hardy, need little fertilizer and can tolerate full sun.
6. Succulents
Succulents are also the perfect pair with your snake plant in pots. They like free draining soil, watering once per month and are actually tolerant of part shade or full sun. They are a great choice because they come in a variety of shapes and colors and can fill the space leftover in the pot after you plant your snake plant.
Simply poke small succulents into the gaps to fill the pot.
How to choose plants to grow with snake plants
It is important to consider the light conditions, soil. fertilizer needs and water needs of the plants you pair with snake plants.
Light conditions
Light conditions are important. While snake plants are hardy and will tolerate both deep shade and full sun, not all plants are the same. You will need to match the light needs of the other plant rather than the snake plant which is hardy and will adapt.
If you choose ZZ plants for example, make sure you choose a space out of direct sun, if you choose a spider plant then you can go for full sun or even keep the pot outdoors.
Soil conditions
Soil choice is important to keep your snake plant happy. Choose a free draining soil that contains organic matter and slow release fertilizer. I like to use a premium all purpose potting soil but snake plants will grow in cactus soil. If you are pairing with cactus or succulents this can be the best choice for those plants and the snake plant will still grow well.
Fertilizer
Making sure the plants like the same amount of fertilizer is important. Snake plants survive well with a yearly dose if slow release indoor plant food so choose a plant that likes the same. I like to use an all purpose indoor plant food for snake plants. Other plants that love a yearly dose of fertilizer include ZZ plants, succulents and cactus.
Other plants like pothos and spider plants will survive with fertilizer just once per year so will be happy sharing the pot with your snake plant.
Water
Watering needs are an important consideration when choosing your snake plant companion. Snake plants grow well with a deep water once per month so the partner you choose must be drought tolerant. Many plants will survive with a monthly deep water so try out succulents, cactus and ZZ plants.
Best plants to grow with snake plant outdoors
Snake plants will grow well outdoors an if you plant them in a pot they can share the space. If you want to keep the pot in a shady spot, plant them with shade lovers like clivia. You can also choose full sun lovers like dracaena, society garlic, succulents, cactus and even bird of paradise.
6 Best Companion Plants for Snake Plants in Pots | Summary
Snake plants are hardy and will share the space with lots of different plants. Choose a plant that is drought hardy, likes free draining soil and only needs fertilizer once per year. I like indoor plants like ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) and pothos. But you could also choose succulents, cactus or even dracaena.
Happy growing.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.