The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is an easy-to-care-for, drought-tolerant plant. This tough plant is known for its durability and ability to survive in low light conditions.  

Now, whether you call it a snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, or by its botanical name, Dracaena Trifasciata, (previously called Sansevieria), it is a wonderful addition to any room. 

While this plant is easy to care for, there are a few things to be mindful of to keep it healthy.

This article will focus on what you need to know about caring for your snake plant indoors. From watering tips to fertilizing information, we’ve got you covered.

Background

Initially called Sansevieria, this plant was renamed Dracaena Trifasciata, due to molecular reasons. The name Sansevieria originated in 1768 after the Italian botanist Valerio Sanseverino classified this species he had brought back from Egypt. The name later became the generic name.

With its origins in tropical Africa and Madagascar, this plant is now widely popular worldwide due to its hardiness and ease of care.

As previously outlined, it’s also known as mother-in-law’s tongue and is a popular choice for those looking for an easy-to-care-for plant.

This tough and durable plant has bold colors, stiff, upright foliage, and a waxy appearance. It can be grown indoors easily and makes a good choice for plant novices.

Light

While snake plants prefer bright indirect light, they are very tolerant of low light conditions, making them ideal for those with limited lighting in their home. 

Now, if your plant starts getting leggy and stretching towards the light source, it will benefit from more light exposure. So, if you notice that your plant is not getting enough light, move it to a brighter location. However, be sure to do this gradually, as sudden changes in lighting can cause your plant stress and may damage it.

Watering

One of the most important aspects of caring for an indoor snake plant is watering. These plants have low water requirements, and when over-watered they can rot quickly. 

In terms of how often to water your snake plant, for most indoor conditions, you should only water it every one to two weeks. If you live in a particularly dry climate, or if your home is very warm, you may need to water more frequently.

When watering your plant, be sure to use room temperature water and avoid getting the leaves or soil too wet, as this can cause rot to occur. If you notice that your plant is starting to wilt, even after watering, it is likely that the roots are waterlogged, and you should allow the plant to dry out completely before watering again.

Now, if you’re wondering how much water to give your snake plant, it is best to err on the side of too little rather than too much. Water your plant until the soil is moistened, but not soggy. If the leaves of your plant start to droop, this is a sign that it needs more water.

Soil Requirements

Another important aspect of caring for this plant is ensuring that it has the right soil conditions. The best soil for snake plants is a lightweight, well-draining soil mixture that is slightly acidic. A good potting soil, such as a palm and cactus mix, works well for these plants.

Fertilizer

To maintain the health and vibrancy of your plant, it is important to use a high-quality fertilizer, such as an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. These plants are slow-growing and do not require a lot of fertilizer, so you only need to fertilize once every one to two months during the growing season. 

Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as over-fertilizing can damage your plant.

Repotting

As mentioned, the snake plant is slow growing and such, does not require frequent repotting. In fact, you only need to repot your plant every one to two years, or when it becomes pot bound. When repotting, be sure to use a high-quality potting mix and a well-draining pot.

If you notice that your plant is starting to become root-bound, or if the soil becomes extremely dry, repotting your plant may be necessary. When repotting, simply remove the plant from its current pot and gently loosen the roots before placing it in a new pot with fresh potting soil.

When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as these plants do not need a lot of space to grow. 

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for snake plants, but if you notice that yours is starting to become too leggy, or if the center starts to die out, you may want to trim it back. To do this, remove the dead or dying leaves with sharp shears. You can do this at any time of year but be sure to sterilize your shears before and after use to avoid spreading disease.

Snake plants are very tolerant of pruning, so you can trim them back as much as you like without damaging the plant.

Temperature

Your snake plant is cold and drought tolerant, so it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. However, the preferred room temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 23°C). 

If the temperature gets too extreme, you may notice your plant begin to wilt or discolor. In these cases, move the plant to a cooler location.

Also, if the humidity level gets too low, you may notice your plant’s leaves begin to turn brown and brittle. In these cases, move your plant to an area in your home with higher humidity, such as the bathroom. 

Propagation

Propagation of snake plants can be accomplished by dividing the plant or by taking cuttings. To divide a snake plant, remove the plant from its pot and carefully divide the root ball into two or three sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and one root. Then, replant each section in separate pots with fresh potting soil.

To propagate snake plants from cuttings, remove a few leaves from the plant and leave them for a few days to get calloused. Then, plant the leaves in a pot with fresh potting soil and water them regularly. In a few weeks, you should see new shoots beginning to grow.

Lifespan of the snake plant?

On average, snake plants can live for many years if they are looked after properly. Some varieties can live for up to 10-20 years, while others can live even longer. To prolong the lifespan of your plant, provide it with proper lighting, water, and soil. 

Is this plant toxic to pets?

Dracaena Trifasciata (Sansevieria) plants are toxic to pets if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. If you think your pet has ingested a snake plant, you should take them to the vet immediately. 

To prevent your pet from ingesting a sansevieria plant, it is best to keep them away from the plant and make sure that they do not have access to it. 

How many varieties of snake plants are there?

There are over 70 different varieties of Dracaena Trifasciata (Sansevieria), all of which vary in appearance. Some common varieties include:

Dracaena Trifasciata (Sansevieria Trifasciata):

This variety is also known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue. It is characterized by its stiff, upright leaves that have a wavy margin. The leaves are also variegated with green, yellow, and white stripes.

Dracaena Angolenis (Sansevieria Cylindrica):

This variety is characterized by its curved, bulb-shaped leaves that are striped with green and yellow.

Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’ (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’):

This variety is a dwarf snake plant that only grows to about 6 inches tall. It is characterized by its small, round leaves that are variegated with green, yellow, and white stripes.

Summary

While snake plants are considered tough, durable, and able to survive for years, or even decades, caring for them properly is important. So, with the right care and attention, your snake plant will thrive and provide you with many years of enjoyment.