All Plants

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Plant Type
Evergreen, perennial
Mature Size
Six inches to 8 feet tall
Sun exposure
Shade to partial sun
Soil Type
Sandy, well-drained
Soil PH
Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
Bloom Time
Spring (blooms are rare)
Flower Color
White
Hardiness Zones
9–11 (USDA)
Native Area
West Africa (tropical)
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs
Snake Plant

Introduction

The Snake Plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata or Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is an evergreen perennial plant with a long history of use in home décor. This unique and exotic succulent has been highly valued for its ability to withstand dry conditions, low light levels, and extreme temperatures. With its striking foliage and interesting form, the Snake Plant adds interest to any room while removing airborne toxins such as formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, and benzene. Its thick leaves can be thin or wide depending on the type; some varieties have vibrant yellow edges outlining their deep green hue. The Snake Plant is a great choice for those looking for an easy-care houseplant that requires minimal watering and thrives in almost any environment. It makes an excellent addition to any home or office space due to its air-purifying properties and unique look. Furthermore, this plant is incredibly resilient making it ideal for even the most novice gardener!

Plant Care

Snake plants are a low-maintenance and easy to care for succulent plant. They are tolerant of most conditions and will thrive in bright indirect light, normal room temperatures, and soil that is kept moist but not overly saturated. Watering should be done when the soil appears dry to the touch. To add a boost of nutrients, fertilizer can be added to the soil about once every three months. Proper humidity levels are beneficial for snake plants but not necessary; however, temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained throughout the year. With minimal effort and care, snake plants can grow strong and healthy for many years!

Light

Snake plants prefer brightly lit areas but direct sunlight should be avoided since it can cause sunburns on the leaves. For best results, keep your snake plant in an east or west facing window or somewhere else where it will receive bright indirect light all day long. If there is not enough natural light available in your home, you can supplement with artificial lighting like grow lights.

Soil

Snake plants prefer well-draining soil that is slightly sandy with some organic material mixed in. Since they are drought tolerant succulents, they don't need overly saturated soils. A good potting mix for snake plants consists of two parts potting soil to one part sand or perlite - this ensures that the roots won't become waterlogged and rot away.

Water

Snake plants have low water needs so it is important to make sure their soil isn't too wet or too dry at any given time. The best way to do this is by allowing the topsoil layer to get fairly dry before watering again - usually every 7-10 days depending on environment conditions such as temperature and humidity levels. It's also important not to overwater which can lead to root rot and other issues; if you're unsure about whether your snake plant needs water or not feel free to stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep - if it feels dry then it's time for another drink!

Temperature & Humidity

Although these two factors aren't strictly necessary for a healthy snake plant they will help it thrive by providing consistent environmental conditions throughout the year. Temperature wise, ideal growing conditions range from 65°F (18°C) up to around 80°F (27°C). Humidity levels should stay between 50% - 70%, which can easily be achieved by keeping a humidifier near your plant if needed during drier months of the year like wintertime.

Fertilizer

Though not strictly required either, adding fertilizer at least once every three months can give your snake plant a much needed boost of nutrients and help them grow faster and healthier than ever before! When choosing fertilizer make sure that you go with one specifically designed for cacti/succulents as this will help avoid overfeeding which may result in leaf burn or other issues down the line; however even with regular fertilizing it's still important to remember not to overdo it since too many nutrients can lead to root burn which could ultimately kill off your beloved Snake Plant!

Plant Types

Pruning

Propagating

Potting and Repotting

Common Pests

Common Issues

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