Plant Identifier

Snake plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Also known as Mother-in-law's tongue, Sansevieria

Upright, sword-like leaves and a near-indestructible reputation. It tolerates low light and forgetful watering better than almost any houseplant. Formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata.

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to
Tropical West Africa
Plant type
Succulent perennial
Care level
Easy
Pets
Toxic to cats & dogs
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Photo: Mokkie, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

How to care for snake plant

Light

Anything from low light to bright, indirect light. Grows fastest in bright light.

Water

Let the soil dry out completely, then water — about every 2–4 weeks, even less in winter.

Humidity

Normal household humidity is fine.

Temperature

15–29 °C (60–85 °F). Keep above 10 °C (50 °F).

Soil

Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.

Fertilizer

Diluted cactus fertilizer 2–3 times during spring and summer.

Common problems

Soft, mushy leaf bases
Overwatering and rot. Remove affected leaves, let the soil dry out and water far less often.
Wrinkled or curling leaves
The plant is thirsty. Give it a thorough watering.
Leaves flopping over
Too little light or too much water.

Propagation

Divide the rhizomes when repotting, or root leaf sections in soil.

Related guides

Overwatering vs. underwatering: how to tell the difference Both can cause yellow or drooping leaves. Here is how to read the signs and fix the real problem. 4 min read

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Written by the Plant Identifier Editorial Team · Last updated September 24, 2026 · Toxicity based on the ASPCA plant lists.