Dracaena trifasciata
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena Trifasciata

Photo · (c) leewarren, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) COURTESY INATURALIST
ON THIS PLANT

Dracaena trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names. Until 2017, it was known under the synonym Sansevieria trifasciata.

CARE GUIDE

How to keep Dracaena Trifasciata.

Water

These plants are relatively drought-tolerant and do not need a fixed watering schedule. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and only water them when the soil feels dry once more. In the winter, you can cut back the frequency to once a month.

Humidity

This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.

Temperature

Snake plants thrive in warmer climates between 70-90°F (21-32°C). They tolerate moderately low temperatures. But any lower than 50°F (10°C) and your snake plant will likely struggle and eventually die. They prefer average room humidity, so keep them away from damaging cold drafts.

Fertilizer

Feed your snake plant with a slow-release balanced liquid fertilizer every month during its growing season. Alternatively, you can use a mild cactus fertilizer. Stop feeding your plant during the winter.

Pruning

Snake plants are praised for their ornamental variegated leaves. Prune any faded or yellow leaves every few months for healthy growth and to maintain a neat plant. Remove damaged leaves to stimulate new growth. Do this during its growing season to avoid stressing it out.

Toxicity

Snake plants show low to no toxicity in humans and are considered non-toxic. However, they are mildly toxic to pets and may cause nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, numbness, and swelling if ingested.

Further reading →

The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Evergreen perennial
Genus
Dracaena
Family
Asparagaceae
Hardiness Zone
9 through 11
Bloom Time
Spring (blooms are rare)
Native Area
Tropical West Africa
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Snake plant en Mother in laws tongue en Mother-in-law's tongue en Viper's bowstring hemp en Snake Sansevieria en Bowstring hemp en Good luck plant en Mother-in-law's nose en African bowstring hemp en Serpentaria en Lengua de suegra en Sansevieria trifasciata reclassified en Espada-de-são-jorge en Espada-de-Iansã en Vipers bowstring hemp en Espada-de-santa-bárbara en பாம்புக் கற்றாழை en Curarina en St. George's Sword en పాంకూసం ar سانسوریا، زبان مادر شوهر،
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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