The snake plant (botanically Dracaena trifasciata, long known as Sansevieria) is the houseplant for people who are sure they kill houseplants. Its stiff, upright leaves store water, it shrugs off low light, and it only needs watering occasionally. If you want one nearly indestructible plant to start with, this is it.
Light
Snake plants are famously adaptable. They grow happily in bright indirect light and tolerate low-light corners that most plants hate, which is why they're a favorite for offices and hallways. Brighter light simply means faster growth and stronger variegation; low light means slow, steady growth. Just avoid harsh, prolonged direct sun, which can bleach the leaves.
Water
The number-one rule: when in doubt, don't water. Snake plants store water in their thick leaves and rot easily if kept wet. Let the soil dry out completely, then water thoroughly and drain. In practice that's roughly every 2-3 weeks in summer and as little as once a month in winter. Overwatering is the only common way to kill one.
Soil & potting
Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with drainage holes. These plants like to be a little snug and rarely need repotting, every 2-3 years, or when the roots crack the pot, is plenty.
Temperature & humidity
Normal room conditions are perfect. Keep them above 50°F and away from cold drafts; they have no special humidity needs.
Common problems & fixes
- Mushy, falling leaves: overwatering and root rot, let it dry fully and cut back watering.
- Wrinkled leaves: the rare case of underwatering, give it a thorough drink.
- Drooping outward: often too little light; move it somewhere brighter.
Propagation
Snake plants are easy to multiply. Divide the rhizomes at repotting, or cut a leaf into sections and let them callus before planting in soil. (Note: leaf cuttings of variegated types revert to plain green, divide instead to keep the pattern.)
Is the snake plant pet safe?
No, it's mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. For pet households, see our pet-friendly houseplants guide.
Shop easy houseplants
Pick up a Snake Plant, or browse more nearly-unkillable picks in our beginner houseplants guide and shop all live plants.
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