Snake Plant

Quick facts

• Light: Low to bright indirect (very flexible) · Water: Sparingly
• Difficulty: Easy — the hardest to kill except by overwatering
• Pet-safe: ❌ No

Description

Stiff, upright, sword-like leaves — often banded grey-green with yellow margins. An architectural, slow-growing succulent-type plant that tolerates neglect, low light, and dry air better than almost anything. Recently reclassified from Sansevieria into Dracaena.

Care

• Light: Anything from low light to bright indirect; brightest light gives the strongest color.
• Water: The #1 rule — water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely, then water and drain. In low light, that may be every 3–6 weeks. When in doubt, don’t.
• Soil & potting: Fast-draining cactus/succulent mix; drainage hole mandatory.
• Humidity & temperature: Low humidity is fine; keep above ~55°F.
• Feeding: Minimal — a little in summer.
• Propagation: Division, or leaf cuttings (note: cuttings of variegated types revert to plain green).

Propagation

Best by division — separate the rhizome at repotting (this keeps variegation). Leaf cuttings also root (cut a leaf into sections, plant right-side-up in soil or water), but cuttings of variegated types revert to plain green. See Propagation Basics.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs — contains saponins that cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten. Source: ASPCA.

Common ailments, afflictions & pests

Click any item for how to identify and treat it.

• Root Rot — overwhelmingly the most common problem. Soft, mushy, falling-over leaves and a foul smell = overwatering. See Watering & Root Health.
• Mealybugs — occasional white fuzz at leaf bases.
• Spider Mites — uncommon, but possible in hot dry conditions.
• Wrinkled, curling leaves? That’s underwatering (much rarer than overwatering here).

See also: Diagnose a Problem.

Sources

• iNaturalist · Wikipedia