New to Sansevieria care? Learn the basics of watering, sunlight, and maintenance to help your snake plant flourish.
Snake plants are an evergreen choice for hardy and drought-tolerant houseplants. Sansevieria can go weeks without water in low and medium lighting conditions, but they thrive in bright light. Do you already have one but feel lost about its care? Keep reading—you’ll be on the right track in no time.
Snake Plants – Key Facts
| Common Name | Mother-in-law plant, mother-in-law’s tongue |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena trifasciata |
| Plant Type | Evergreen perennial typically grown as a houseplant |
| Mature Size | 2-5 ft. tall as a houseplant |
| Sun Exposure | Sun to partly shady |
| Soil Type | Sandy and well-drained |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 9–11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | West Africa |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Best for | Beginners |
Snake Plant Information
With over 70 species, snake plants aren’t just survivors—they’re full of surprises. NASA once ranked them among the top air-purifying plants, filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air. While they can’t replace fresh airflow, they’re great natural helpers for cleaner homes.
On rare occasions, they bloom with tiny, fragrant white flowers—usually when stressed or rootbound. Many never see this, but if you do, it’s worth bragging about!
Propagation
Pot Size
Dracaena trifasciata prefers wide, shallow pots with plenty of drainage holes. Choose a pot made from ceramic, terracotta, or clay, as strong roots can crack and break plastic pots. Terracotta pots eliminate excess moisture, which can help prevent overwatering. The new container should be 1–2 inches wider than the current one.
Tip: Snake plants actually like being slightly rootbound, so don’t rush to repot them unless the pot is cracking or roots are spilling out.
Requirements of Snake Plants
Light
Snake plants need 8 to 10 hours of indirect sunlight per day. And they can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight. Low-light conditions can be another alternative, but you won’t get much growth. An east-facing window or one near a south- or west-facing window can help achieve healthy growth.
Soil
Snake plants prefer a loose, well-drained potting soil mix. They do well in sandier soil and thrive in all-purpose cactus potting mix. Avoid soil mixes with a high percentage of peat, which can retain too much water.
Watering
Water only when the soil is bone dry. Deep watering works best, but overwatering can be fatal. In winter, check every two weeks; often, once a month is enough. If the leaves look brittle and dry, that’s your cue to water.
Temperature and Humidity
Snake plants grow best in warm temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. Keep plants away from cold drafts; they hate frost, and prolonged exposure to less than 50°F can kill the plant. They’ll do fine with average household humidity between 30% and 50%.
Taking Care of Snake Plants
Fertilizer
Feed your snake plant once in spring and once in mid-summer with a balanced, slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in winter. Consider this a special party for them in summer, rather than a necessity, they’ll still thrive without it.
Pruning
Prune snake plants during the growing season to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning in winter as it can cause stress. To control height, remove the tallest leaves at the soil line with a sterile cutting tool. You can remove damaged leaves at any time.
Repotting
Repot every three to five years in spring, or when roots peek out of drainage holes. If water rushes out too quickly, roots are tightly packed, or the pot tips over from weight—it’s time to move up a size.
Common Pests
Snake plants are vulnerable to common houseplant pests such as scales, gnats, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Most of them can be removed by hand or with a gentle spray of water. You can treat infestations with neem oil.
This is how easy it is to care for a snake plant—whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Give them just enough attention, and they’ll reward you with bold growth that stands tall and proud. How far have you come in this journey?
