Sansevieria Trifasciata or Snake Plant Care is now actually called Dracaena Trifasciata. It’s probably one of the most popular sansevieria varieties. Commonly referred to as the Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue and often confused with Sansevieria zeylanica. The leaves are dark green in color with light gray-green cross-bands and can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 inches wide.
Water
Water the snake plant thoroughly to evenly moisten the soil surface. Allow the soil to dry in between waterings.
Light
Grows in medium to low light but will thrive in bright light.
Humidity
Does not require any extra humidity
Temperature
70-90°F (21 to 32°C) Not cold hardy
Soil
Prefers a well draining potting soil
Fertilizer
Use balanced liquid fertilizer in spring when new growth is evident. Dilute the product to about half-strength.
Size
Plant grows up to 48″ (120 cm) tall
Special Features
Purifies the air
Colors
Green, dark green. grey-green
Scientific Name
Sansevieria Trifasciata or Dracaena Trifasciata
Common Name
Mother-in-law’s tongue, Mother-in-law’s Nose, Saint George’s Sword, African Bowstring Hemp, Snake Plant, Dracaena Trifasciata
Pronunciation
san-se-VEER-ee-uh try-fas-ee-AY-tuh or dra-SEE-nah try-fas-ee-AY-tuh
Pests
Mealy bugs/Spider mites
Common Problems
The Snake Plant is prone to root rot if overwatered.
Toxicity
Can be toxic to dogs and cats
The Snake Plant is a very common succulent, and is a great choice for beginners. It thrives on neglect, doing well in low-light, making it perfect for offices and homes. A favorite among beginners and enthusiasts alike. Sansevieria has wide leaves that grow straight up, tapering to a point at the top.
Sansevieria trifasciata tends to need less water than other succulents. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Arrowhead Plants (Syngonium podophyllum) tolerate average room humidity. Prefers high humidity 60%-90%. To keep your Arrowhead happy, mist with water regularly.
It’s hard to find a succulent that’s easier to care for than the Snake Plant. Grows in medium to low light but will thrive in bright light. Low-light conditions make it a perfect plant for an office, bedroom, guest room, or an area of your home that needs a little greenery. It also converts CO2 into oxygen at night, purifying the air while you sleep. Studies have shown Snake Plants also remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals from the air.
Plant it in a pot with a well-draining sandy or cactus mixture. Any well draining potting medium will do as Snake Plants are not fussy about soil conditions. They tolerate a pH range of 4.5 to 8.5, with 5.5 to 7.5 being optimum.
Feed with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer in spring when new growth is evident. Dilute the product to about half-strength. Repeat the application in late summer. Follow the packaging instructions for proper amounts.
Snake Plant Propagation
How to Propagate Sansevieria trifasciata Snake Plant
Propagating Sansevieria is almost as easy as it is to grow. This can be done a few different ways. Watch our Snake Plant division and Water Propagation video here. Below we discuss a few propagation options.
Leaf Propagation
Remove a healthy leaf from the main plant and cut it into 2-3 inch sections. Make sure you remember which portion is supposed to be on top. Allow cuttings to callous for several days before placing in well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Water Propagation
Using sharp scissors, remove a healthy leaf from the main plant. Cut it into 2-3 inch sections. Fill a container with just enough water to cover the lower. Place in indirect light, changing the water every several days.
Divisions
Sansevieria grow from rhizomes (a root-like organ).This forms a large mass under the soil, where the leaves grow up from. The rhizome can be carefully divided using very sharp scissors.
Be sure the section removed has at least one healthy leaf growing from the rhizome. Allow it to dry for a day, then replant in well-draining soil. Wait to water until several days after planting. For more info on Snake Plant Propagation read our post here.
When your Snake Plant is not growing as fast as it should it may need some fresh soil. If it takes a while to drain out the plant pot’s drainage holes that could be another indication to swap out some more nutrient rich soil. Water gathering on the surface of the potting mix is also never a good sign. Repot every few years or when roots are very dense. Add fresh soil or fertilizer in between repotting.
Related Articles:
Sansevieria Hahnii – Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
Silver Hahnii Sansevieria – Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
Sansevieria Black Star Hahnii – Bird’s Nest
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