Also known as African Bowstring Hemp · Bowstring Hemp · Good Luck Plant
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as Snake Plant, is a resilient succulent houseplant. It features upright, sword-like leaves with distinctive patterns and tolerates d
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sun.
40% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; drought tolerant.
20% intensity
Well-draining potting mix, ideally for succulents or cacti.
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures; protect from cold drafts.
60% intensity
House Plant, Indoor, Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during growing season.
20% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) if ingested by pets or humans. Skin irritation is also possible.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Snake plants are highly drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems, leading to root rot.
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then wait until the top few centimeters of soil are dry before watering again. Reduce frequency significantly in winter.
Pruning is generally minimal for snake plants. Remove any yellow, damaged, or diseased leaves at the base with clean, sharp shears.
You can also prune to control height or shape by cutting the tallest leaves down to the desired level. This encourages new growth from the rhizome.
Snake plants are easily propagated by leaf cuttings or division. For leaf cuttings, cut a healthy leaf into 5-10 cm sections, let them callus for a few days, then plant in well-draining soil or water.
Division involves separating offsets (pups) from the main plant, ensuring each section has roots.
Repotting is rarely needed as snake plants prefer to be somewhat root-bound. Repot only when the plant is severely pot-bound, roots are emerging from drainage holes, or the pot is cracking.
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one and use fresh, well-draining succulent potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Where Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Dracaena |
| Species | Dracaena trifasciata |
Similar in genus Dracaena
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
