Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata
#2 of the top 100
How to care
Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, is a hardy and low-maintenance houseplant. It is well-suited for indoor environments due to its ability to tolerate low light and infrequent watering. This plant is known for its upright, sword-like leaves with variegated patterns. It is an excellent choice for beginners and can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins.
Light Preference
Part Shade
Full Shade
Size
- Height
- 1 m – 1.5 m
- Spread
- 0.1 m – 0.5 m
- Years
- 5 – 10
Preferred soil
Loam
Sand
Alkaline
Neutral
Propagation
Cutting
Division
Life Cycle
Perennial
Lives for more than two years.
Leaves
- Evergreen
- Green
- Unusual Foliage Color
Flowers
- Inconspicuous
- White
Toxic to
- LeafCatsModerate · Ingestion
- LeafDogsModerate · Ingestion
Informational only — not veterinary or medical advice. Missing data does not mean a plant is safe.
Other names
- Mother-in-law's tongue
- Saint george's sword
- Viper's bowstring hemp
Botanical Synonyms
- Sansevieria laurentii
- Sansevieria trifasciata
- Sansevieria zeylanica
Taxonomy
- Order
- Asparagales
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Dracaena