Snake Plant: A Forgiving, Low-maintenance Houseplant

Snake plant is a long-lived, unfussy, succulent houseplant also known as mother-in-law's tongue. Having historically been in the genus Sansevieria, with the advancement in genetic research snake plant has been reclassified into the genus Dracaena. The genus Dracaena also includes such commonly known houseplants as Madagascar dragon tree, corn plant, and lucky bamboo. This article concerns the plants in the former genus Sansevieria.

There are more than 70 species of snake plant originating in Africa, southern Asia, and Madagascar. With the variation of height, form, color, and leaf structure represented in the different species and cultivars, you should be able to find a place in your home or office for this fascinating plant.

This plant has "easy" requirements. It needs well-drained soil. Choose a cactus potting mix or one with perlite. Water only when it is dry. You can kill it by overwatering, but you can neglect to water it for a month or so, and it will be no worse for wear.

Snake plant enjoys bright indirect light but tolerates low-light areas very well. Keep it out of the direct sun, as it can burn. It is best to choose a heavy pot for the taller varieties because the weight of the leaves can topple the plant over, especially when the soil is dry. This plant doesn't mind being snug in its container. But beware that it can break a clay pot if it gets too rootbound. Choose only containers with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Dust the leaves occasionally. If there is damage to a particular leaf, remove it by cutting it off at the soil level. For a more robust plant, fertilize monthly during the growing season with an all-purpose fertilizer at half strength.

Few pests and diseases bother this hardy plant. Due to overwatering, root rot is a common affliction of snake plants. Mealybugs and spider mites occasionally bother this plant.

Snake plant is a pass-along plant, as it is easy to propagate. While you can take leaf cuttings to begin new plants, it is most easily propagated by division. After a few years, the plant will create offspring. Remove the plants from the container, divide them, and repot with new soil. It likes to be repotted with fresh potting media every 5 years or so. I have had a Dracaena trifasciata for more than 20 years. I have only repotted it once, after it had been in my home for 15 years. However, my Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ must be repotted every 3 years. I have gifted dozens of these plants.

If you have a pet, please note that all species of snake plant are toxic as they contain saponin toxins.

There are more than 70 species of snake plants and even more cultivars. With the increased popularity of this plant, different varieties are common at your local garden center or through shopping online.

Dracaena trifasciata is available in several cultivars. They have long, strong upright swordlike leaves that end in a point. Happy in the corner of a room, table, or shelf, they provide an excellent vertical accent or architectural statement, not spreading out much beyond the perimeter of the container. The straight species has green leaves with darker green, irregular, horizontal variegation, and can grow up to 4 feet tall. The look of the leaves is the origin of its common name, "snake plant." This species was formerly Sansevieria trifasciata.

• Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii' has bright yellow/golden bands along the margin (the rim/edge) of the variegated green leaves.
• Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonglow' has broader silvery-green leaves with a narrow dark green band along the leaf margin and minimal variegation.
• Dracaena trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation' has unusual vertical white striping in the leaves, which grow to 36 inches tall. The leaves are narrower than most in the cultivars in this species, at 1 to 2 inches.
• Dracaena trifasciata 'Hahnii' is a dwarf rosette species growing to only 6 inches. The common name is "bird's nest snake plant." This cheery plant can grow in a low bowl and is small enough for your desktop, coffee table, or bookshelf.
• Dracaena trifasciata 'Golden Hahnii' is a dwarf rosette and has leaves with a broad golden band along the margins. It grows up to 7 inches.

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonglow’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, Dracaena trifasciata Photo credit: Susan Marquesen

Dracaena angolensis is an interesting species with rounded tubular stems that end in a quite-sharp barb. It is also called "spear snake plant" or "cigar snake plant." Some plants in this species can spread up to 3 feet beyond the perimeter of the container. This species deserves the space to be a focal point. This species was formerly Sansevieria cylindrica.

• Dracaena angolensis var. patula 'Boncel', with a nickname of "starfish," spreads from its base like a fan on one flat plane. It has thicker and shorter leaves than the straight species.

Dracaena angolensis  Photo credit: Susan Marquesen

Dracaena hanningtonii

• Dracaena hanningtonii 'Samurai Dwarf' is a dwarf cultivar that thrives almost anywhere. It slowly grows to 6 inches. The leaves are thick, short, V-shaped, and have red edges. They arise from the stem in an alternating pattern, creating a circular form when viewed from above. This was formerly known as Sansevieria ehrenbergii.

Dracaena pethera would be a distinctive addition to your snake plant collection, happily gracing a plant stand. This species is unique among snake plants in that it grows by underground rhizomes. This species was formerly Sansevieria kirkii.

• Dracaena pethera 'Coppertone' is an unusually-colored procumbent rosette variety, broader than it is tall. Its wide wavy-edged leaves are variegated dark green and copper. It grows to 8 inches in diameter.
• Dracaena pethera 'Silver Blue' has stiff blue-grey variegated foliage with red and white tinges. The leaves are 4 inches wide and up to 12 inches long. The rosette plant only reaches a height of 6 inches.

Dracaena bacularis 'Fernwood Mikado' has narrow, upright, dark green variegated leaves. It becomes dense as it matures. The plant provides a beautiful presence on a desk or table. It is a favorite of mine.

Dracaena masoniana is also called "shark fin" or "whale fin" due to the wide paddle-like leaves that can grow up to 10 inches wide and 4 feet long. The dark green leaves have attractive white blotches and purple margins. It is striking. This species was formerly Sansevieria masoniana.

Whichever snake plant you choose to bring into your home, it will provide years of interest with minimal care.