Light
Bright, indirect light is best. It tolerates low light far better than most succulents, even a dim corner, but it pays for it. Growth slows right down, and in deep shade new leaves come in long, weak and dark, with the pale bands fading out. A little direct sun indoors is fine. Outdoors, keep it out of hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves.
Water
Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil is dry all the way through. Water less in low light, and much less in winter, when every month or two is often enough. Pour the water onto the soil, not into the center of the rosette. Water trapped there can start leaf spots and rot.
Soil & pots
Use a fast-draining mix, such as cactus mix or potting mix with extra perlite, in a pot with a drainage hole. Pick a heavy pot that's wider than it is tall. Tall leaves make it top-heavy, and the thick roots can split a thin plastic pot. It likes being snug, so repot only every few years.
Temperature
Ordinary room temperatures suit it, roughly 60–85°F (16–29°C). Keep it away from cold drafts and chilly windows in winter. Cold damage shows up a week or more later as pale, water-soaked patches. It can spend summer outside once nights stay above 55°F (13°C), in bright shade.
Is snake plant safe for pets?
Toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins. Chewing it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Propagation
Snake plants are easy to multiply. Division is quickest. At repotting time, cut the clump apart so each piece has its own leaves and roots. Plain green plants also grow from leaf sections, but slowly.
- Cut a healthy leaf into sections a few inches long. Notch the bottom of each so you know which end is down.
- Push each section, bottom end down, about an inch into barely moist, well-drained mix. Upside-down sections won't root.
- Keep it warm and only just moist. Wet mix rots cuttings.
- Roots form in 4–6 weeks. New leaves can take a few more months to show.
Common problems
FAQ
Are snake plants toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists snake plant as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. NC State rates the severity as low, but keep it out of reach and call your vet if your pet eats some.
Can a snake plant live in low light?
Yes. It tolerates low light better than most succulents, though it grows very slowly there and needs less water. In deep shade new leaves grow long, weak and dark, so if it starts to flop, move it somewhere brighter.
How often should I water a snake plant?
Only when the soil is dry all the way through. That's less often than you'd think, especially in winter, when every month or two is often enough.
Is a snake plant a Sansevieria or a Dracaena?
Same plant, two names. Botanists moved it from Sansevieria into Dracaena in 2017, and Kew's Plants of the World Online now accepts Dracaena trifasciata. It's still widely sold as Sansevieria.
Why are my snake plant's leaves falling over?
Most often root rot from too much water. Check for soft, mushy leaf bases and wet soil. Leaves that are long and thin and flop without going soft point to too little light instead.
Sources
- Snake Plant: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb.: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Dracaena trifasciata: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
- Dracaena trifasciata: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Sansevieria trifasciata (mother-in-law's tongue): RHS
- Snake Plant, a Forgiving, Low-Maintenance Houseplant: Penn State Extension
- Sansevieria Production Guide (Foliage Plant Note RH-91-30): UF/IFAS, archived copy
- Sansevieria Is a Stylish House Plant for Everyone: Mississippi State University Extension
- Snake Plant: A Striking and Durable Houseplant: UGA Extension
- Houseplants for the Dorm Room: University of Vermont Extension
- A Houseplant Anyone Can Grow: Mother-in-Law's Tongue: University of Illinois Extension