Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Also called: Mother-in-law's Tongue, Sansevieria
Snake Plant. Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata and commonly called snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, is a stemless evergreen native to tropical West Africa. Stiff, upright sword-shaped leaves with bands of dark and silvery green make it one of the most architectural and forgiving of all houseplants — tolerating weeks of neglect, low light, and dry air.
Growing & care
- Light: low to bright indirect. Direct sun is tolerated outdoors in summer with gradual acclimation.
- Water: sparingly. Let soil dry completely between waterings — every 2–4 weeks is typical, less in winter.
- Soil: cactus or succulent mix, or any potting soil amended with 30% perlite or pumice.
- Pot: terracotta is ideal because it breathes; ceramic and plastic hold water longer and demand stricter restraint.
- Temperature: 60–85°F. Damage begins below 50°F.
- Repot: rarely. Snake plants flower more reliably when slightly pot-bound.
Propagation
Divide rhizomes when repotting — simply pull apart sections that include both leaves and white underground rhizome. Single leaves cut into 3-inch sections and stuck cut-side-down in moist soil will root in 4–8 weeks, but variegated cultivars revert to solid green when propagated this way; only division preserves variegation.
Common problems
Root rot from overwatering is the single most common death cause — when in doubt, water less. Mushy crown or yellowing at the soil line indicates rot; unpot, cut away rot, and repot in dry mix. Brown leaf tips usually mean cold damage or chemical burn from tap water. Snake plants contain saponins and are toxic to dogs and cats: place out of reach.
Snake Plant — seeds, tools & books
Native range
Native range not recorded for this plant. Often a non-native cultivar or naturalized garden plant.
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