Snake plant #1

Dracaena trifasciata (syn. Sansevieria trifasciata)

#1 of 2 you own

Mild irritant☀ Low–bright indirectEasy care

Check in 2 days· Jul 15

Check on this date, but water only when soil is almost fully dry.

Every 14 daysLast watered: 2026-07-01

This is a soil-check date, not an automatic watering date.

Overview

Summary, origin & habitat: A durable rhizomatous succulent perennial native to central Africa. It is one of the most tolerant common houseplants and is grown mainly for architectural upright foliage.
Interesting facts: It may flower after mild stress or when root-bound, but flowering is unpredictable indoors.
Name story: Trifasciata means “three-banded,” referring to transverse leaf striping. The older genus name Sansevieria is still widely used. “Mother-in-law’s tongue” refers to the sharp leaves.
History & legends: Often associated in popular folklore and feng shui practice with protection, resilience and good fortune. Its toughness has made it a classic office and household plant.

Light: Low light to bright indirect light; tolerates a few hours of sun after acclimation.
Temperature: 60–85°F (16–29°C); can tolerate about 50°F if kept dry.
Watering: Check on this date, but water only when soil is almost fully dry.
Fertilizing: Feed only 1–2 times from spring through summer with diluted cactus or houseplant fertilizer. Do not feed in winter.
Toughness: High
Difficulty: Easy
Maintenance: Low
Maintenance notes: Highly tolerant of missed watering and low light. The main risk is overwatering and cold, wet soil.

Mature height: Usually 2–4 ft
Mature spread: About 1–2 ft; expands by rhizomes
Leaf colors: Dark and gray-green transverse bands; color varies by cultivar.
Leaf type / form: Thick, upright, sword-shaped succulent leaves arising from underground rhizomes.
Best planting / repotting time: Year-round indoors; divide and repot in spring or early summer.
Bloom time: Winter in its native habitat; rare and irregular indoors.
Flower color: Small greenish-white to cream, often fragrant.

Toxic if eaten?: Yes (usually mild)
Who is affected: People, cats and dogs
Possible effects: Saponins may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; the sap may irritate skin.

Pruning: Remove a damaged leaf completely at the soil line. Cutting only the tip leaves a permanent flat scar.
Propagation: Division is fastest. Leaf cuttings work for green plants, but variegated cultivars may lose their pattern.
Repotting: Repot every 2–4 years or when rhizomes crowd or crack the pot. A snug pot and gritty, fast-draining mix are preferred.

Adaptation strategy: Succulent leaves and rhizomes store water. CAM photosynthesis reduces daytime water loss, helping the plant survive drought, heat and infrequent watering.
Ecological application: Useful in drought-tolerant containers and as a groundcover in frost-free climates, but it can spread aggressively outdoors in warm regions.