Sansevieria trifasciata

Snake Plant

●

Taxonomy

Common Names

Snake PlantMother-in-Law's TongueSaint George's SwordViper's Bowstring Hemp

Context

nativeRegion

West Africa (especially Nigeria and Congo)

usdaZones

10-12 (as outdoor perennial); commonly grown indoors elsewhere.

companionPlants

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Dracaena spp., Aloe vera

culturalUses

Used as an ornamental plant, air purifier, and in some regions, for fiber extraction and traditional medicine.

Care

LightPrefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low light conditions.

WateringAllow soil to dry out between waterings; water sparingly, especially in winter.

SoilWell-draining, sandy or cactus mix soil is ideal.

FertilizerFeed monthly during growing season (spring-summer) with a diluted balanced fertilizer.

HumidityAverage household humidity; very tolerant of dry air.

TemperatureThrives between 15-29°C (60-85°F); avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

HabitUpright, stiff, sword-like leaves arranged in a rosette.

Mature SizeTypically 30-100 cm (1-3 ft) tall; can reach up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in optimal conditions.

Growth RateSlow to moderate growth rate.

BloomingRarely blooms indoors; produces fragrant, white-green flowers on mature plants.

DormancySlight slowing of growth in winter; reduce watering accordingly.

MethodsLeaf cuttings, Division, Rhizome cuttings

DifficultyEasy

Best SeasonSpring or early summer

PruningRemove damaged or dead leaves as needed.

RepottingRepot every 2-3 years, or when rootbound.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to root rot if overwatered; occasionally mealybugs or spider mites.

ToxicityMildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

No public plants yet.