The complete guide to caring for your snake plant (Dracaena/Sansevieria trifasciata)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish plant for home, you’ve found it! Snake plants are super resilient, can live in relatively low light and can tolerate drought-like conditions (perfect if you are a chronic under waterer!)
The snake plant (officially named Dracaena trifasciata, formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata) is part of the Asparagaceae family, native to West Africa. Although it was reclassified as Dracaena trifasciata back in 2017, you’ll still see snake plants referred to as Sansevieria or by their common names: snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue.
Snake plants have long, sword-shaped leaves that can grow upright or in a rosette pattern. They come in various shades of green, with some varieties that have yellow edges or variegated patterns.
Snake plant varieties
There are many different snake plant varieties that you might come across. Each has its own distinct leaf shape, size, and coloration, from tall, cylindrical leaves to short, wider leaves with striking patterns. Here are a few common snake plant varieties:
- Dracaena trifasciata (Mother-in-law’s tongue): This is the most common and recognizable variety, with tall, sword-shaped leaves with green and yellow variegation.
- Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ (Bird’s nest snake plant): This variety is a smaller, more compact plant with flat leaves that are dark green in color with cream stripes.
- Dracaena moonshine: Also known as the silver snake plant, it has wide, flat, silvery-green leaves that grow upright.
- Dracaena boncellensis (Boncel snake plant): This compact variety has short, stubby green leaves with dark green crossbands.
- Dracaena angolensi (African spear plant): This snake plant has long, round, thin leaves that can either bend outward from the central crown or stand upright.
- Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (Striped mother-in-law’s tongue): This variegated variety has flat, sword-like leaves that have a green pattern with yellow edges.
- **Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’: The leaves of the twisted sister have horizontal stripes with yellow variegated edges that twist and curl, unlike the straight, upright leaves of other snake plants.
There are many others that I could add to this list, but regardless of the variety, snake plants share similar care requirements.
Note: Snakes plants can be toxic to pets if ingested, so be sure to keep them out of reach!
How to care for your snake plant
Light requirements:
Snake plants are highly adaptable to different lighting conditions. While they can survive in relatively low light, they will thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your snake plant in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the leaves. (Learn more about light requirements for your plants here!)
Water requirements:
One of the key factors in snake plant care is to avoid overwatering. Snake plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering, typically every two to four weeks depending on the season and your home environment. With this plant, it’s definitely better to underwater than overwater because they are very susceptible to root rot if kept too moist. (Get more tips on how to water your plants here!)
Soil requirements:
Snake plants are not super picky about soil as long as it’s well-draining. A cactus or succulent potting mix works well, or you can create your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, perlite, orchid bark and even a little coarse sand. Repot your snake plant every two to three years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Choose a slightly larger pot if the plant becomes root-bound. Finally, you can also add some houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks (according to package directions) in the spring and summer months.
Temperature and humidity requirements:
Snake plants are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) to as high as 85°F (29°C). They prefer moderate humidity levels but usually do just fine in regular home environments.
Troubleshooting issues with your snake plant
- Yellowing leaves: This can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight. Check out my post all about yellow leaves then adjust your watering schedule and light conditions as necessary.
- Soft, mushy yellow or brown leaves: Snake plants are very susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Soft, mushy leaves are a sign of overwatering and root rot. They usually turn yellow and then brown at the base of the leaf. Allow the soil to dry out completely and adjust your watering frequency.
- Brown tips on leaves: Brown tips are often caused by underwatering, low humidity, use of tap water or excess fertilizer. Snake plants are usually pretty resilient so if you’re seeing brown tips, ask yourself if you’ve been letting your plant dry out too much, or if there’s been a change in their environment. Also, avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to fertilizer burn.
- Pests: While snake plants are relatively pest-resistant, they can occasionally attract spider mites or mealybugs. If you see any signs of pests, isolate your plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Stunted growth: If your snake plant is not growing or producing new leaves, it’s usually due to insufficient light or overcrowded roots. Move your plant to a brighter location or consider repotting it into a larger container if you think it might be rootbound.
How to propagate your snake plant
One of the great things about snake plants is how easy they are to propagate. You’ll be most successful propagating a mature plant during growth season (spring and summer.) Here are two simple methods for propagating snake plants:
Leaf cuttings:
Using a sharp, clean knife or scissors, cut a healthy leaf from your snake plant right at the base. Cut the leaf into several sections, each about 2-3 inches long, keeping track of the direction of growth. Cut a small triangle notch at the bottom of each section, then allow the cuttings to callus over for a day or two. Place the cuttings in a jar of water, making sure that the base is submerged in water. Place the jar in a bright area and change the water every week or two.
Once the cuttings have developed roots that are an inch or so in length, they can be planted in a pot with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and place the pot in a warm, brightly lit area. (Note: Snake plants are quite slow to root and the process can take several months. Cuttings can also be rooted directly in soil if preferred.)
Division:
Mature snake plants will produce offshoots or pups that can be divided from the mother plant. I prefer to wait until the baby plants are 4-6 inches tall and looking like a healthy little plant before separating them. To do this, remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the offshoots/rhizomes. Try not to damage the roots to much. Make sure each baby plant that you’re separating has several healthy leaves and roots attached. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining potting mix, water thoroughly, and place in a warm, brightly lit location.
Fun facts about snake plants
Snake plants improve indoor air quality
Like pothos plants, snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. They can help remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air, making them an excellent choice for your indoor space.
Snake plants are resilient
Snake plants are incredibly resilient and can withstand neglect better than most houseplants. They can survive in low light conditions, tolerate infrequent watering, and are resistant to pests and diseases, which is why they’re often called “beginner” house plants. To help your snake plant thrive however, try to provide it with the best environment you can!
Conclusion
Snake plants are a great plant to bring that plant vibe into your home with minimal effort. A large snake plant is perfect to bring some green to the corner of your room (provided it still gets some light.) Alternatively, a small snake plant is cute in your bedroom or on your desk! When you treat a snake plant well, you’ll even be rewarded with the cutest snake plant pups!
