Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) is a near-indestructible houseplant with stiff, upright leaves. Penn State Extension describes the straight species as growing up to 4 feet tall, with compact forms such as ‘Hahnii’ only about 6 inches tall, and says it tolerates low light and long gaps between waterings. NC State lists it as hardy in zones 10 to 12 and rates its toxicity as low severity, with saponins that are toxic to cats, dogs, horses and children.
Snake Plant at a glance
| Type | Houseplant |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Low to bright indirect light |
| Plant spacing | 8 in |
| Row spacing | 8 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Offsets appear after a few years; leaf cuttings root in a few weeks |
| How to start | Plant snake plant in cactus mix or a perlite mix in a pot with drainage holes, give it bright indirect light, water only when the soil is dry, and keep it away from pets because it is toxic |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant snake plant
Snake plant is a year-round houseplant, so the key timing is seasonal watering. Colorado State says to water thoroughly in spring and summer, then let the soil dry slightly, and in fall and winter give just enough water to keep the soil from drying out completely. NC State suggests watering as seldom as every one to two months in winter. Use your frost dates if you move it outdoors in summer, and the growing zone finder to see whether it can live outside year-round (zones 10 to 12).
How to plant snake plant
- Light: bright indirect light is ideal, but it tolerates low light well; markings fade in low light (Penn State, Colorado State). Keep it out of direct sun, which can burn the leaves.
- Soil and pot: well-drained soil such as a cactus mix or a mix containing perlite, in a pot with drainage holes. Use a heavy clay or ceramic pot for taller varieties, since the leaf weight can tip the plant.
- Watering: water only when the soil is dry; avoid pouring water into the center of the leaf rosette (Colorado State).
Caring for snake plant
Overwatering is the one thing that kills it: root rot is the most common problem (Penn State), and NC State warns that the roots rot if overwatered. A snake plant can go about a month without water with no harm. See the garden watering calculator and the overwatering checker.
Feed monthly during the growing season with an all-purpose fertilizer at half strength (Penn State). It tolerates a snug pot, but a rootbound plant can crack a clay pot; repot about every 5 years with fresh mix. Dust the leaves occasionally and cut damaged leaves off at soil level. Mealybugs and spider mites occasionally appear; see the pest identifier and the yellow leaf identifier.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Low-light corners, offices and bright rooms; combine with other drought-tolerant houseplants such as jade plant and ZZ plant |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Soggy soil, pouring water into the leaf rosette and homes with curious pets |
Saponins make all snake plants toxic to pets; keep them out of reach. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mushy base, yellowing leaves | Soft, collapsing leaves from the base | Root rot from overwatering is the most common problem; let the soil dry completely and use a cactus mix. See the overwatering checker. |
| Faded markings | Stripes and patterns turn plain green | Markings fade in low light; move to brighter indirect light. |
| Tipping pot | Tall plant topples over | Leaf weight can tip the plant, especially when the soil is dry; use a heavy clay or ceramic pot. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Division is the easiest way to propagate: offsets appear after a few years, so remove the plant from its pot, separate the clumps and repot them in fresh soil (Penn State). Leaf cuttings also work: cut leaves into horizontal sections, insert them in potting mix, cover with a clear bag with a few holes and keep them warm in medium light; sections root in a few weeks (Colorado State). Note that cuttings of variegated types may lose their variegation. Safety: ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and drooling, and the sap may irritate skin (NC State); keep it away from pets and children.
Plan your snake plant
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant snake plants?
Space snake plants 8 inches apart in rows 8 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant snake plant?
Plant it at the same depth as in its previous pot, in a well-drained cactus mix in a pot with drainage holes.
How long do snake plants take to grow?
Offsets appear after a few years; leaf cuttings root in a few weeks. Repot about every 5 years.
How much water do snake plants need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Only when the soil is dry; as seldom as every 1-2 months in winter.
How often should I water a snake plant?
Only when the soil is dry; it can go about a month without water, and needs much less in winter.
Is a snake plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, saponins make all snake plants toxic to pets.
How do I propagate a snake plant?
Divide the clumps into fresh soil, or root horizontal leaf sections in potting mix.