Plants

Snake plant care: watering, light & more

Scientific name: Dracaena trifasciata · Common name: Snake plant

Stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves carry grey-green bands. It is also sold as Sansevieria trifasciata.

Editorial revision: 2026-10-01

Care at a glance

Light: It tolerates several exposures; indoors choose filtered light and protect it from strong summer sun.
Watering: Use a free-draining mix and let it dry before watering again. Winter wet is a particular risk.

Stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves carry grey-green bands. It is also sold as Sansevieria trifasciata.

It tolerates several exposures; indoors choose filtered light and protect it from strong summer sun.

Use a free-draining mix and let it dry before watering again. Winter wet is a particular risk.

Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.

Keep the pot frost-free; tropical humidity is unnecessary.

Prioritise a very free-draining mix and a pot with holes. Heavy mix that remains wet for weeks raises root risk.

Feed sparingly during active growth if needed; do not fertilise a plant weakened by overwatering.

If the leaf bases soften, check the roots and drainage before watering again.

ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it; contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

No fixed schedule: RHS advises repotting when the plant becomes pot-bound.