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Snake plant care
Dracaena trifasciata · Asparagaceae
Also called Sansevieria trifasciata, Mother-in-law's tongue, Good luck plant.
A stiff, upright plant from tropical Africa, long sold as Sansevieria trifasciata until the genus was folded into Dracaena. Its sword-shaped leaves carry dark green cross bands and grow from a thick underground rhizome. It handles dry air, low light and neglect better than almost any other houseplant, but not wet soil.
Light
Bright IndirectWatering
Every 2 weeksDifficulty
EasyPets
Toxic to cats and dogsHeight indoors
0.6-1.2 m
Growth
Moderate
TemperatureUnconfirmed
15-29 °C
Not below 10 °C
Humidity
30% - 50%
Fine in dry rooms
Soil pH
6.0-8.0
Neutral soil
Native to
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Congo - Brazzaville
- Congo - Kinshasa
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Nigeria
- Tanzania
Through the year
Let the soil dry out completely before watering; in winter once every 1 to 2 months is enough. Keep water out of the centre of the rosette.
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Spring
Every 2 weeksRepot or divide if the roots fill the pot, then resume feeding.
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Summer
Every 2 weeksWater only after the soil has fully dried; a shady spot outdoors is fine.
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Autumn
MonthlyCut back on water as growth slows and stop feeding.
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Winter
MonthlyWater every month or two and keep it away from cold windows.
Feeding
Every 4 weeks in spring and summer. All-purpose liquid fertilizer at half strength. Do not feed in autumn or winter.
Care tips
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Use a fast-draining mix
A cactus mix or a potting mix with extra perlite keeps the roots from staying wet.
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Pick a heavy, wide pot
Tall plants topple easily when the soil is dry; a clay pot wider than it is tall helps.
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Divide crowded plants
Split the rhizome into sections with leaves when the pot is full, or root leaf pieces in moist mix.
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Keep out of hot sun
It likes bright rooms but strong afternoon sun through glass can scorch the leaves.
Common problems
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Root rot
What you seeLeaves turn soft, yellow or mushy at the base and may fall over.
What to doRemove rotten leaves and roots, repot into dry cactus mix and water far less often.
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Mealybugs
What you seeWhite, waxy fluff at the base of the leaves.
What to doWipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and check again every week.
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Spider mites
What you seeFine pale speckling on the leaves, sometimes with thin webbing.
What to doWipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat with insecticidal soap until the mites are gone.
Pets
Is snake plant safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains saponins; eating it causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Good to know
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The name trifasciata means three bands, after the stripes across the leaves, though most leaves show more than three.
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Mature plants can send up spikes of small, fragrant greenish-white flowers, but this rarely happens indoors.
