Project Description
Sansevieria trifasciata
Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law Plant
“Snake Plant” is a very common succulent, and one that is perfect for beginners! It thrives on neglect, doing well in low-light, making it perfect for growing indoors. It is a favorite among beginners and enthusiasts alike. “Snake Plant” has wide leaves that grow straight up, tapering to a point at the top.
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Quick Look:
Partial shade
Can be grown indoors
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 48″ (120 cm) tall
Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by offsets
Can be toxic to dogs and cats
Actively grows in Spring and Fall
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Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Sansevieria trifasciata “Snake Plant”
It’s hard to find a succulent that’s easier to care for! “Snake Plant” thrives in low-light, making it a perfect plant for a bedroom, guest room, or area of your home that needs a little greenery.
Watering
Sansevieria trifasciata tends to need a bit less water than other succulents. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
“Snake Plant” grows best in low light, so adding this succulent to your bedroom is perfect. It also converts CO2 into oxygen at night, purifying the air while you sleep. Not only that, but studies show this simple plant also removes formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals from the air!
Plant in well-draining soil.
Pairs Well With
Video
How to Propagate Sansevieria trifasciata “Snake Plant”
Propagating “Snake Plant” is almost as easy as it is to grow! It is one succulent that does well with water propagation.
Leaves
Remove a healthy leaf from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing in well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Water Propagation
Using sharp, sterile scissors, remove a healthy leaf from the main plant, and place it in a tall container. Fill the container with just enough water to cover the leaf several inches. Place in indirect light, changing the water every several days.
Divisions
Sansevieria grow from a large root-like organ called a rhizome. This forms a large mass under the soil, where the leaves grow up from. The rhizome can be carefully divided using very sharp scissors or a garden saw.
Be sure the section removed has at least one healthy leaf growing from the rhizome. Allow it to dry for a day, then replant in well-draining soil. Wait to water until several days after planting.
From readers like you…
My 7 yr old!
Currently starting one from a piece of leaf! So excited!!!
Some of my Sansevieria
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Does the snake plant leaves sometimes not open leaving bamboo-like sticks (look like fingers) growing straight up? They look like the plant on the bottom shelf, left front corner on the three-tier shelf (stand) on this website.
I’m not sure which picture you mean, but there is a type of Sansevieria that grows that way – it’s called Sansevieria cylindrica.
I have bought it 3 times and it rots even when not watering! I think it might absorb bad energy as well. I always place them in my bedroom, and after the first one rotted, I thought I had overwatered. I bought a second one, same thing, the third one I simply did not water until the soil was completely dry, I left for the weekend and did not water, came back and found it rotten. (Insert crying emoji). I am buying again!
It could be the type of soil it’s planted in — do you have it in a gritty mix? And does the pot have a drainage hole? Those things might help. Good luck! 🙂