Plant care guide
Snake plant / mother-in-law’s tongue
Dracaena trifasciata · Asparagaceae
A drought-tolerant succulent-like perennial with stiff, sword-shaped leaves patterned in gray-green horizontal bands. It grows from underground rhizomes and commonly produces offsets, including the smaller plant beside the main pot.
Plant care
- Light
- Bright indirect light is ideal, but it tolerates lower light. Gentle sun is suitable; acclimate it gradually to strong direct sun to prevent scorching.
- Watering
- Usually every 2–4 weeks during active growth and less often in cool or low-light conditions. Check several centimeters deep and toward the bottom of the pot; water thoroughly only when the mix is almost or completely dry. Empty the saucer afterward.
- Soil
- Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix amended with coarse perlite, pumice, or grit; use a pot with drainage holes.
- Humidity
- Normal household humidity; avoid persistently wet foliage and stagnant, humid conditions.
- Temperature
- About 15–30°C; protect from frost and prolonged temperatures below 10°C.
- Toxicity
- Toxic if chewed by cats or dogs and may cause gastrointestinal upset; mildly irritating to people if ingested.