If you think you can’t keep a houseplant alive, the snake plant will change your mind. Common in doctor’s offices, hotel lobbies, and stores, it’s prized for being virtually foolproof and low maintenance. Whether you’re new to plants or have a seasoned collection, this upright, spear-shaped beauty is a reliable choice. Below we explain what makes the snake plant so popular and how to care for one with minimal effort.
There are many varieties of snake plants, but this piece focuses on the most familiar cultivar: Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’. The Laurentii variety is recognizable by its stiff, sword-like leaves with yellow margins.
Table of Contents
Toggle
Snake Plant: Quick Facts
Quick reference for the snake plant:
- Latin name: Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Common names: Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Devil’s Tongue, Saint George’s Sword, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, Spear Plant
- Native to: West Africa
- Light: Prefers medium indirect light, tolerates low light
- Watering: About every 2 weeks or when soil is dry
- Soil: Well-draining mix (cactus, palm, or succulent soil)
- Humidity: Average household humidity
- Temperature: Ideal 70–90°F (21–32°C)
- Cold hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11
Snake Plant Benefits
Beyond its attractive appearance and ease of care, the snake plant offers some notable benefits. Research has shown that it can help improve indoor air quality by filtering certain pollutants. It also performs a greater amount of nighttime CO2-to-oxygen conversion than many houseplants, which is why some people place it in bedrooms.
In Feng Shui, snake plants are often used to invite positive energy and good fortune. Placing one near an entrance is said to help block negative energy from entering a home.
What Is The Snake Plant Also Called?
Common nicknames for the snake plant include:
- Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
- Devil’s Tongue
- Saint George’s Sword
- Viper’s Bowstring Hemp
- Spear Plant
The plant’s scientific name changed after genetic research: it was long sold as Sansevieria trifasciata and is now classified as Dracaena trifasciata, though both names are still used in the trade.
How To Care For A Snake Plant
Snake plants are succulents that tolerate a wide range of conditions, which makes them excellent starter plants. They require minimal attention; follow these straightforward care tips to keep yours healthy.
Light
Snake plants tolerate most lighting situations but prefer medium, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves; too little light can slow growth and dull color. They remain one of the best choices for low-light spots.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During spring and summer you can water roughly every two weeks; in winter reduce watering. Some owners wait a month between waterings. Check soil moisture with a finger—if it’s still damp, wait. Crisp, brittle leaves indicate it’s time to water.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining mix. Store-bought snake plants are usually fine for a year or two; when repotting or planting cuttings, choose a cactus, palm, or succulent mix. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Repotting
Snake plants grow slowly and rarely need repotting. Refresh soil every 1–2 years if desired; a full repot may be needed only every 3–5 years. When roots appear from drainage holes, choose a pot a few inches larger in diameter. Terracotta or clay pots are suitable because they help wick excess moisture from the soil.
Other regular care
Small routine tasks help snake plants thrive:
- Dust leaves: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust that can block light and reduce photosynthesis.
- Rotate the pot: Turn the pot occasionally so all sides receive light and growth stays balanced.
- Fertilize sparingly: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season according to label instructions—typically every 2–4 weeks if you choose to fertilize.
- Prune: Remove damaged or dead leaves at the soil line with clean, sharp scissors to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.
How to Propagate A Snake Plant
Propagating snake plants is simple and rewarding. You can create new plants from leaf cuttings in a few steps.
Step 1: Take a leaf cutting
Use clean scissors to cut a healthy leaf at the soil line. You don’t need to find a node—snake plants root from the leaf tissue. Cutting a small V notch at the base can expose more surface area for rooting.
Step 2: Root in water
Place the cutting in a clear container with a couple of inches of water and set it in bright, indirect light. Change the water every 1–2 weeks. You can root multiple cuttings together for an attractive display.
Step 3: Transfer to soil
Once roots reach about an inch long, pot the cutting in loose, well-draining soil. Continue regular care as you would for a mature plant.
Common Snake Plant Issues
Snake plants are hardy but can still show signs of stress. Here are common problems and how to address them.
- Yellow or brown leaves: Often caused by overwatering. Let soil dry thoroughly and reduce watering frequency. If roots are rotted, repot with fresh mix and trim affected roots. Overfertilizing can also cause yellowing—cut back on feedings.
- Sunburned or spotted leaves: Too much direct sun. Move the plant to a spot with more indirect light.
- Drooping or wilting leaves: Could be due to poor light, overwatering, or compacted/poor soil. Adjust light and watering; repot if soil is not draining well.
- Pests: Watch for aphids, gnats, mealybugs, and spider mites. Remove pests by hand when possible and treat with an appropriate horticultural oil if needed.
Other Snake Plant FAQs
Are snake plants toxic to pets?
Snake plants contain saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. Keep plants out of reach of pets and small children that might chew leaves.
Why are snake plants so popular?
They’re easy to care for, tolerate low light, have striking variegated foliage, and offer air-purifying qualities. Those traits make them a top choice for beginners and busy plant owners alike.
Can snake plants live outside?
Yes, in warm, dry climates they can live outdoors. They are hardy in USDA zones 9–11 and do not tolerate frost or prolonged temperatures below about 50°F (10°C). In cooler regions, keep them as indoor plants or move them indoors for winter.
Do snake plants flower?
They can produce small, fragrant white or yellow flowers, but indoor specimens rarely bloom. Flowering often indicates stress or a mature, well-established plant. Forcing flowering by neglect risks harming the plant, so proceed with caution.
What other types of snake plants are there?
Besides the tall Laurentii, other common cultivars include the compact Bird’s Nest (Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’) and the curving-leaf Twisted Sister. Related species include Dracaena patens, Dracaena pearsonii (short, horn-like leaves), and Dracaena masoniana (wide leaves).
More Plant Guides
If you’d like to expand your houseplant knowledge, explore additional care guides covering low-light plants, air-purifying varieties, pothos, fiddle leaf figs, and more.