How often should I water it?

Only water when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2 to 4 weeks.

Can it grow in low light?

Yes, it is one of the most shade tolerant houseplants available.

Plant guide

Sansevieria.

Dracaena trifasciata

Pronounced drah-KEE-nah try-fas-ee-AH-tah

Also known as Snake plant, Mother-in-law's tongue, Viper's bowstring hemp, Snake Sansevieria, Bowstring hemp, Good luck plant, Mother-in-law's nose

Dracaena trifasciata — Photo by Lauren Bosch (CC0) via gbif

This is a tough, architectural plant that thrives on neglect. It features stiff, sword shaped leaves that grow vertically. It is a fantastic choice for beginners or low light spots.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent perennial.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Indoor light: Low light
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: Up to 120 cm tall.
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely in cultivation, usually late winter or early spring.

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. Keep an eye out for mushy leaves, which signal overwatering. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust free.

Watering: Always ensure the soil is bone dry before adding more water.
Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove damaged or dead leaves at the base as needed.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound or breaks its container.
Soil: Well draining succulent or cactus mix.
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral.
Temperature: 15 to 29°C
Humidity: 30 to 50%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years or more.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The pot begins to bulge or crack from root pressure.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The leaves contain saponins which cause mouth irritation, drooling, and nausea if eaten.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the leaves are a choking hazard and toxic if chewed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable airborne allergy risks associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is toxic if ingested and should never be consumed by humans or pets.

How to identify it

Stiff, upright, sword shaped leaves
Horizontal banding across foliage
Deep green to silver variegation
Thick, succulent leaf texture

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.3m
Leaves: dark green, light green, yellow, evergreen
Flowers: white, greenish white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: orange, Rarely produced

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
Brown Leaf EdgesUncommon
Soft RotUncommon

By symptom

Check your sansevieria from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm indoor spot and reduce watering significantly during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers and prefers a snug fit, so do not use a pot that is too large.

Leaf cuttings

Cut a healthy leaf into 3 inch sections.
Allow the cut ends to callous for two days.
Insert the calloused end into moist potting mix.
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs together to prevent accidental overwatering of this drought tolerant species.

Grows well with

ZZ Plant — They share similar low light and low water requirements.
Pothos — They provide a nice contrast in leaf shape and growth habit.

Similar species

Cylindrical Snake Plant — It has similar care needs but features round, spear like leaves.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical West Africa.
Conservation: This species is not currently threatened and is widely cultivated globally.

It grows in dry, rocky soils in its native habitat, relying on its thick leaves to store water during long droughts.

Value to wildlife: night blooming nectar source
Pollinators: moths
Uses: indoor air purification, low light decor, minimalist landscaping

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water it?: Only water when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2 to 4 weeks.
Can it grow in low light?: Yes, it is one of the most shade tolerant houseplants available.

Where the name comes from

The name Dracaena comes from the Greek word drakaina meaning female dragon, referring to the red resin of some species. The epithet trifasciata refers to the three distinct bands of color on the leaves.

Good to know

It was formerly classified as Sansevieria trifasciata.
It is often called snake plant due to the leaf pattern.
It is incredibly drought tolerant and thrives on neglect.
The plant is considered lucky in some cultures.

Also in

Keep your sansevieria growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.