Dracaena trifasciata
Also known as: Snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue
The snake plant: upright banded swords that tolerate neglect, low light and dry air better than almost any houseplant. It belongs to the Dracaena genus, comes from West Africa (Nigeria to Congo), stays around 60–120 cm tall, clumping via rhizomes, and tolerates USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Dracaena
- Origin: West Africa (Nigeria to Congo)
- Mature size: 60–120 cm tall, clumping via rhizomes
- Hardiness: USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Dracaena
- Origin
- West Africa (Nigeria to Congo)
- Mature size
- 60–120 cm tall, clumping via rhizomes
- Growth habit
- Upright sword-like banded leaves from rhizomes
- Leaf colour
- Dark green with grey-green zebra bands
- Flower colour
- Greenish-white honey-scented (rare indoors)
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic to pets
- Other names
- Snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue
About the Dracaena trifasciata
The snake plant: upright banded swords that tolerate neglect, low light and dry air better than almost any houseplant. Its only enemy is overwatering. Formerly Sansevieria trifasciata, reclassified into Dracaena.
Care and cultivation
Grow in a fast-draining cactus mix with at least 50% mineral grit (pumice or perlite). Water deeply only when the soil has dried completely, then pour away any water left in the saucer. Full morning sun keeps the rosette tight and colours vivid; in very hot climates give light afternoon shade. Remove spent flower stalks and dried lower leaves to discourage mealybugs. Light: Bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; colours deepen with more sun. Water: Soak-and-dry; about every 10–14 days in spring and fall, less in winter. Use a Fast-draining cactus/succulent mix, 50% mineral grit.
Description
Dracaena trifasciata is a Dracaena succulent from West Africa (Nigeria to Congo). The snake plant: upright banded swords that tolerate neglect, low light and dry air better than almost any houseplant. Its only enemy is overwatering. Formerly Sansevieria trifasciata, reclassified into Dracaena.
Identification
Look for: Dark green with grey-green zebra bands leaves in a 60–120 cm tall, clumping via rhizomes form. Also answers to Snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue. The genus is Dracaena, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Snake plant'.
Common problems
Mealybugs in leaf axils (wipe with alcohol swab) • Etiolation (stretching) in low light • Powdery farina smudges if touched — it does not grow back • Crown rot if water pools in the rosette •
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Dracaena trifasciata?
Soak-and-dry; about every 10–14 days in spring and fall, less in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Dracaena trifasciata need?
Bright light with a few hours of direct morning sun; colours deepen with more sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Dracaena trifasciata, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.