Snake Plants 1 to 27 of 27 total
Snake Plants 1 to 27 of 27 total
Snake Plants
Drought Tolerant
Low-light Tolerant
Easy To Propagate
Low Maintenance
Why We Love Snake Plants
Snake Plants are the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant—tough, drought-friendly, and happy in low light. Their sleek, upright leaves add an instant modern look to any room.
About Snake Plants
Genus
Species
Family
Dracaena
Dracaena trifasciata (syn. Sansevieria trifasciata), Dracaena angolensis (syn. Sansevieria cylindrica), Dracaena masoniana, Dracaena stuckyi
Asparagaceae
Common Names:
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Saint George's Sword
Native To:
Africa (mainly West Africa), South Asia, and Madagascar
Plant Type:
Houseplants
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
9 - 11
Flower Color:
White, greenish-white
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring to Summer (Rare)
Growth Habit:
Upright, Clumping
Attracts:
Good Fortune
Tolerates:
Drought, Low Light, Poor Soil, Neglect
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Snake Plants Indoors
Snake plants, currently classified in the Dracaena genus, are prized for their architectural beauty and unique upright growth habit. Unlike many houseplants, they tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making them ideal for beginners or those with less time for maintenance. Their sturdy, sword-like leaves come in variegated patterns and tall and dwarf forms. With minimal care needs, snake plants are excellent for homes, offices, or any indoor setting.
For a hardy houseplant that helps clean indoor air, consider adding the snake plant to your collection. It filters pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene, and uniquely releases oxygen at night to support a more restful environment. You can position a single specimen in a striking planter for a sculptural accent or arrange several together to form a natural divider. This succulent also aligns with feng shui concepts by inviting uplifting energy and promoting a calmer mood.
Types of Snake Plants
| Type | Scientific Name | Native | Flowers | Habit | Uses | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue | Dracaena trifasciata (syn. Sansevieria trifasciata) | Tropical West Africa (Nigeria → Congo) | Green-to-cream tubular, sometimes fragrant | Erect clumping rosette of flat, sword-like evergreen leaves 2–6 ft tall | Houseplant, interior ground-cover, bow-string fiber, air-purifier | Bold gray-green variegation, thrives on neglect, tolerates very low light & drought, mildly toxic |
| African Spear / Cylindrical Snake Plant | Dracaena angolensis (syn. Sansevieria cylindrica) | Angola & adjoining S. Africa | White-pink fragrant tubes on tall raceme | Upright sub-cylindrical spears to 7 ft from basal rosette | Patio/indoor accent, container succulent, traditional fiber | Cylindrical striped leaves (often braided), extreme drought tolerance, survives low light, pet-toxic |
| Stucky’s Spear / Spear Sansevieria | Dracaena stuckyi (syn. Sansevieria stuckyi) | Mozambique, Tanzania, S Kenya | Yellow-white, fragrant, tubular | Clumping, distichous clusters of stout spears 4–6 ft; rhizomatous | Sculptural indoor/outdoor succulent, xeric landscapes | Tall channel-lined leaves, slow-growing, thrives root-bound, drought & heat hardy, toxic if eaten |
| Whale Fin Snake Plant | Dracaena masoniana (syn. Sansevieria masoniana) | DR Congo (Central Africa) | White scented clusters on central stalk | Single, very broad paddle-leafed clumps 3–5 ft H × 1–2 ft W | Statement houseplant, air-cleaner, low-care specimen | 8–10 in wide mottled “whale-fin” leaves, tolerates shade & drought, slow growth, sap & leaves mildly toxic |
Snake Plant Care
Snake plants require well-draining soil; a cactus or succulent mix is ideal. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Bright, indirect light is best, though they can tolerate low light conditions. Fertilize lightly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Snake plants are easy to multiply by dividing established rhizomes or rooting leaf segments. They can grow outdoors in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11), requiring partial sun and gritty soil to stay healthy. Yellow leaves often indicate overwatering, direct sun damage, or pests like scale and fungus gnats, which respond well to horticultural oil and diatomaceous earth. Repot these plants every 4-5 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Learn More About Snake Plants
Growing Snake Plant Outdoors
Snake plants, known for their adaptability, can be moved outdoors in late spring when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. This transition allows them to receive increased sunlight, which enhances leaf patterns and accelerates growth. However, it's crucial to introduce them to direct sunlight gradually over one to two weeks to prevent leaf burn.
When relocating snake plants back indoors during fall, reverse the process by slowly reducing their light exposure. This step helps them adjust to indoor conditions and minimizes stress. Before bringing them inside, inspect for pests and clean the foliage to avoid indoor infestations. Additionally, ensure the soil is well-draining, as soil dries out more slowly indoors and snake plants are susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Learn More About Snake Plants Outdoors
