snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue)
Dracaena trifasciata
Evergreen perennial with stiff, upright sword-shaped leaves often variegated; drought- and low-light-tolerant succulent houseplant, popular for easy indoor care.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Contains saponins; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs. Seek veterinary advice if pet consumes leaves.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place the snake plant in bright, indirect light for best growth. It tolerates low light but will grow slowly; avoid prolonged direct midday sun which can scorch leaves. East or north windows are ideal.
Water
Allow the top 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) of soil to dry before watering. Water thoroughly then let excess drain. In winter, reduce frequency; never let the plant sit in water to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Snake plants prefer low to average indoor humidity. Typical home humidity (30–50%) is fine. Avoid misting; improve dry air tolerance by placing away from humid bathrooms.
Temperature
Keep between 10–32°C (50–90°F). Avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and cold drafts; stable warm indoor temps produce best growth.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Soft, mushy base or collapsing leaves
Cause: Overwatering or waterlogged soil causing root and rhizome rot
Solution: Stop watering, remove plant from pot, trim rotten roots, repot into fresh, fast-draining mix and reduce watering frequency
Brown leaf tips or edges
Cause: Underwatering, salt buildup, or low humidity
Solution: Flush soil to remove salts, water more evenly allowing partial drying between waterings, trim damaged tips
Pale, stretched leaves (etiolation)
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light or closer to a bright window; rotate pot regularly for even growth
Sticky residue, cottony or scaly pests
Cause: Infestation by mealybugs, scale or spider mites
Solution: Isolate plant, wipe leaves with alcohol swabs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat treatments until gone
✂️How to Propagate snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue)
Propagation is straightforward by division, offsets or leaf cuttings. For division: remove plant, separate rhizome clusters with healthy roots, replant. For offsets: gently detach pups with roots and pot. For leaf cuttings: cut a healthy leaf into sections, let callus 1–2 days, insert upright in moist, well-draining mix and keep lightly moist until roots form (weeks to months).
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Asparagaceae
Native to: Native to West Africa, particularly Nigeria and surrounding regions in tropical Africa.
Natural Habitat: Grows in dry, rocky soils and open forests; adapted to drought and low nutrients, often in understory or on slopes where drainage is excellent and sunlight is filtered.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Water very sparingly and keep in cool, draft-free spot. Provide bright indirect light; avoid fertilizing until spring to prevent weak new growth.
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin monthly light feeding. Repot or divide if rootbound and refresh topsoil for renewed growth.
Summer
Increase watering slightly when actively growing, avoid direct hot sun; ensure excellent drainage and watch for pests in warm months.
Fall
Reduce feeding and water gradually as growth slows. Check for crowded roots and plan repotting or division in spring, not fall.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my snake plant?
Typically every 2–8 weeks depending on light, temperature and pot size; let the top 2–5 cm dry out between waterings.
Can snake plants handle low light?
Yes, they tolerate low light but will grow slower and may lose vigor; bright indirect light yields best appearance.
Is snake plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, it contains saponins that can cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhea if ingested; contact a vet if ingestion occurs.
How do I propagate a snake plant?
Use division or offsets for fastest results; leaf cuttings also work but root slowly. Keep cuttings slightly moist until rooted.
Why are my snake plant leaves bending or floppy?
Often due to overwatering, weak light, or aging rhizomes; check soil moisture, improve light and trim damaged leaves.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025