Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Also called Mother-in-law's tongue, Sansevieria, Viper's bowstring hemp.

Upright, sword-like leaves in bold bands. The most forgiving houseplant there is — low light, low water, no problem.

  • LightBright shade
  • WaterLow
  • Beginner friendly
  • Toxic to pets
  • Copes with low light
Tall, stiff snake plant leaves with dark green cross-bands and yellow edges.
Photo: David E Mead on Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication). Resized and converted to WebP.

Key facts

Light
Bright, indirect lightTolerates low light but grows fastest in bright, indirect light. Avoid sudden moves into harsh sun.
Water
Let the soil dry out completely. Every 2–4 weeks in summer; every 1–2 months in winter.
Soil
Free-draining cactus or succulent mix. It likes being a bit snug in its pot.
Pets
Toxic to petsMildly toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). Can cause nausea and vomiting if chewed.What to do if a pet eats a plant
Difficulty
Beginner friendly

More details

Temperature
Keep above 50°F (10°C). Not frost hardy.
Growing season
Spring and summer.
Size
1–4 ft (30–120 cm) tall, depending on variety.
Propagate from
Division, Leaf cuttings
Native to
Tropical West Africa.

Why people love it

If you’ve ever “killed every plant you’ve ever owned”, start here. Snake plants handle dim corners, missed waterings, and dry air. Their architectural leaves look great in modern spaces. Varieties range from tall, yellow-edged ‘Laurentii’ to compact, bird’s-nest forms.

Care in a nutshell

  • The main way to kill it is overwatering. If in doubt, wait another week.
  • Low light is fine, not ideal. It survives in dim rooms, but grows slowly. Water less often there.
  • Divide when it bursts the pot. Its thick underground stems (rhizomes) can crack plastic pots. Split it into sections, each with roots and leaves.

Watch out for

  • Soft, mushy leaf bases or a bad smell: root rot. Cut away rotten parts and repot in dry mix.
  • Wrinkled, curling leaves: it’s genuinely thirsty, or its roots have rotted and can’t drink. Check the roots.

Fun fact: Snake plants were reclassified from Sansevieria into the genus Dracaena in 2017, based on DNA studies.

Next steps

Learn the basics behind this care card, or check a problem.

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