Snake plant · Dracaena trifasciata

The snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is a houseplant with upright, stiff leaves that store water. Its botanical name today is Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata.

Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata
Plant family: Asparagaceae
Identification: Species
Growth and life cycle: You get an evergreen perennial with upright, fleshy leaves that store water. New shoots grow from the base through rhizomes beneath the potting mix.
Choosing a pot: Choose a stable pot with drainage holes, just a little larger than the root ball, not a much larger container. If you add a decorative outer pot, make sure you can take the plant pot out and empty the water easily.
Light: Bright, indirect light
When to water: Before watering, use a wooden skewer to check that the potting mix is dry deeper down too, and that the pot feels light when lifted. Only then water until water comes out of the drainage holes, and empty the saucer or decorative outer pot. Soft, yellow leaves together with wet potting mix suggest overwatering. Wrinkled leaves together with very dry potting mix may indicate thirst.
Potting mix and drainage: Choose an airy potting mix for cacti and succulents that does not stay soaked for long. The pot needs open drainage holes, with no standing water underneath.
Feeding: You can feed lightly when you see new growth in spring and summer. Skip feeding when growth stops, in winter, or when the plant shows signs of rot.
Pruning and tidying: Wipe dust off the leaves with a damp cloth, and leave healthy leaves untrimmed. You can remove a leaf that has rotted or dried out completely near the base with a clean tool.
The first few days at home: Remove the wrapping and check that the drainage holes are open. Place near a bright window, away from air conditioner drafts, and check the potting mix below the surface before watering. Keep it in its current pot as long as it drains and is not significantly crowded.
What to watch for: If you notice a soft base, yellowing leaves, or a bad smell from the potting mix, check for excess water and rot. Pale, dry patches after moving the plant into the sun can indicate scorching.
Placement and climate: Indoors, choose a bright spot away from air conditioner drafts and hot window glass; there is no need to mist the leaves, even when the air is dry. On a balcony, protect it from midday sun in summer, and from prolonged rain and temperatures below about 10 degrees in winter.
Propagation: You can propagate it by separating an offshoot with its own roots when repotting. This also preserves the leaf pattern of the parent plant.
Around pets: Keep away from pets
Around cats: Keep away from pets
Around dogs: Keep away from pets
Care level: Easy to care for