Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake Plant Plant Features
If you're looking for an easy-care houseplant, you can't do much better than snake plant. This hardy indoor is still popular today -- generations of gardeners have called it a favorite -- because of how adaptable it is to a wide range of growing conditions. Most snake plant varieties have stiff, upright, sword-like leaves that may be banded or edged in gray, silver, or gold. Snake plant's architectural nature makes it a natural choice for modern and contemporary interior designs. It's one of the best houseplants around!
Fun Fact: Botanists have reclassified snake plant from Sansevieria to Dracaena. While it's scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata, most plant parents still call it a Sansevieria.
Note: Snake plant can be invasive when planted outdoors in some frost-free areas; check local restrictions before putting it in your landscape.
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Snake Plant Growing Instructions
How to Care for Snake Plant
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is one of the most forgiving houseplants around. It handles a wide range of conditions, bounces back from neglect, and stays handsome with almost no effort. Here is what it needs to thrive.
Light
Snake plant tolerates low light better than most houseplants, but it grows fastest and looks its best in bright light. A spot near a window with filtered sun is ideal. Direct sun for long stretches can scorch the leaves if your plant isn’t used to it, so avoid placing it against a south-facing window unless you’ve acclimated it or use a sheer curtain to soften the sun.
Watering
If your snake plant comes in a Wick & Grow® planter, the self-watering system takes the guesswork out of watering; the Waterwick® draws moisture up from the reservoir as the plant needs it, which prevents over- or underwatering. Refill the reservoir when it runs low and you are done.
If you water it traditionally, wait until at least the top inch of potting mix dries out completely before watering again. Snake plants are known for their drought tolerance and are far more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering, so err on the side of dry.
Humidity
Snake plant is comfortable at normal household humidity levels (30 to 50 percent relative humidity) and does not require misting or a humidifier. It handles dry indoor air; a common issue in heated or air-conditioned rooms; without complaint.
Pruning
Snake plants rarely need pruning. It is a slow grower and will not become unruly under normal indoor conditions. If a leaf is damaged, yellowing, or has brown tips that bother you, cut it off at the base using clean, sharp scissors or a knife. That is all the pruning this plant will ever ask for.
Tip
Keep the foliage looking sharp and the plant performing well by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. This practice removes accumulated dust from the broad, flat surfaces of the snake plant, which otherwise reduces the efficiency with which the plant absorbs light.
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Water
Low water needs
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Light
Indoors: High light
Indoors: Low light
Indoors: Medium light
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Colors
Green
Variegated
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Special Features
Purifies the air
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Snake Plant
CalatheaSnake plant is a natural with calathea; its texture and fun color looks beautiful paired with variegated calathea varieties.
Fern, Houseplant
Contrast ferns' soft foliage with the stiff structure of snake plant.
Colorful Aglaonema
Red aglaonema offers colorful foliage that looks stunning with any snake plant (especially silvery varieties such as Moonshine snake plant).
Q&A
Why Is Snake Plant Sometimes Called Sansevieria?Snake plants were previously classified in the genus Sansevieria but are now classified as Dracaena. The familiar snake plant is now scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata, although plant labels and garden centers may still use the name Sansevieria trifasciata. Both names refer to the same plant
What Do Snake Plants Look Like?
Most snake plants have stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves that give them a strong architectural appearance. Depending on the variety, the foliage may be solid green or patterned with bands, stripes, or edges of gray, silver, white, yellow, or gold.
Are All Snake Plants Tall?
No. Snake plant varieties range from compact tabletop plants to large floor plants that grow several feet tall. Their different heights, leaf shapes, and colors make it possible to find a snake plant for spaces ranging from desks and shelves to entryways and living rooms.
Which Snake Plant Variety Should I Choose?
Choose a variety based on the size, shape, and foliage color that best fit your space. Compact varieties work well on tabletops and shelves, while taller varieties provide vertical interest as floor plants. Snake plants are available with green, silver, white, yellow, or gold markings.
Can Snake Plants Grow Outdoors?
Snake plants can grow outdoors where temperatures remain warm, but they may spread beyond garden boundaries and become invasive in some frost-free areas. Check local restrictions before planting a snake plant in the landscape.
