Snake Plant Care
Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Low to bright indirect. Tolerates a dim corner, grows faster near a window. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is fully dry. About every 2β3 weeks; monthly in winter. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Fast-draining. Our Arid Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 15β29Β°C. Keep away from cold drafts below 10Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Any. Normal home air is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Low light OK |
| π Grows to | 30 cm to 1.2 m indoors, depending on variety. |
Snake plants are the plant we recommend most often to people who say they kill everything. They store water in their thick, upright leaves, cope with Victoria's dark winters, and forgive a missed watering (or five). The one thing they won't forgive is soggy soil.
Light + placement
A snake plant will live in a north-facing room or a few metres back from a window, but it grows slowly there. For new leaves and stronger colour, give it bright, indirect light: near an east or west window, or set back from a south window. Avoid moving a plant from a dark corner straight into hot afternoon sun, as the leaves can scorch. More on reading your light in our Lighting Guide.
Watering
Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole, then let the soil dry out all the way before watering again. In most homes that's every 2β3 weeks from spring to fall and about once a month in winter. If you're not sure, wait another week.
- Check with a finger or a moisture meter pushed to the bottom of the pot.
- Soft, mushy or yellow leaves at the base mean too much water.
- Wrinkled or curling leaves mean it's thirsty.
Soil + repotting
Use a gritty, fast-draining mix like our Arid Potting Mix, and a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta helps the soil dry faster. Snake plants like being a little root-bound, so repot every 2β3 years or when roots crack the pot, going up just one size.
Feeding + upkeep
Feed once a month from April to September with a houseplant fertilizer at half strength, and skip feeding in fall and winter. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every month or two so they can soak up light. Cut damaged leaves off at the soil line with clean scissors.
Propagation
Divide a crowded plant when you repot, keeping roots on each section. You can also root leaf cuttings in water or soil, but variegated types like 'Laurentii' lose their yellow edge when grown from a leaf cutting; division keeps it. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, mushy base; leaves falling over | Overwatering, root rot | Unpot, cut away black roots, repot in dry Arid mix. Water less. |
| Wrinkled, curling leaves | Thirsty | Water deeply; it should firm up in a few days. |
| Brown, crispy tips | Uneven watering or very dry heat | Trim tips with clean scissors; water more consistently. |
| Leaves flopping, pale or stretched | Not enough light | Move closer to a window. |
| Little flies around the soil | Fungus gnats from damp soil | Let it dry out. See How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for all of these, including the cylindrical Fernwood and the compact Bird's Nest types. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Can a snake plant live in a room with no windows?
Not long-term. It will tolerate a dim room, but it needs some natural light or a grow light for 8+ hours a day.
Is a snake plant safe for cats and dogs?
No. It's mildly toxic and can cause drooling or an upset stomach if chewed. See Easy Pet-Safe Houseplants for alternatives.
Do snake plants really clean the air?
They absorb small amounts of some compounds, but you'd need a jungle of them to change a room's air. Buy one because it's beautiful and easy.
Why is my snake plant not growing?
Most likely low light or winter. They grow in spurts in spring and summer and can sit still for months in a dim spot.
Should I mist my snake plant?
No. It doesn't need humidity, and water sitting in the leaf rosette can cause rot.
Snake Plant care kit
- Arid Potting Mix: Our fast-draining Soil Bar mix for plants that like to dry out.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- BIOS Natural Plant Food: Easy monthly feed for the growing season.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Monstera Β· Bird of Paradise Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Fiddle Leaf Fig Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Ficus Amstel King Β· Dracaena Marginata Β· All plant care β