Sansevieria is called the 'snake plant' but caring for it is easy with these steps

AMES, Iowa – Sansevieria, also known as snake plant, St. George’s sword or mother-in-law's tongue, is a resilient houseplant that is grown for its striking appearance and low maintenance needs. Its tall, sword-like leaves and unique variegation make a beautiful addition to most indoor spaces. This hardy plant is known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions on these highly adaptable indoor plants.

What types of sansevieria are commonly grown indoors?

The group of plants known as sansevieria is comprised of the species and cultivars formerly classified in the genus Sansevieria. Despite being reclassified to the genus Dracaena, this group of plants is still widely called sansevieria.

The most common species in homes is the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), a species native to tropical West Africa. The long sword-like leaves grow from the ground in rosettes and come in a variety of colors and patterns. One of the most popular varieties, laurentii, has striking gold bands running vertically along the leaf edge. Other varieties have unique patterns and colors in dark green, light green, white and silver. Popular varieties include ‘Black Gold,’ ‘Moonshine,’ ‘Metallica,’ ‘Silver Queen,’ ‘Futura Robusta’ and ‘Bantel's Sensation.’

Bird’s nest types, such as ‘Hahnii,’ have rosettes of much shorter leaves, typically less than 8 inches long, forming a funnel shape.

Other species of sansevieria found at well-stocked garden centers include the African spear (Dracaena angolensis, syn: Sansevieria cylindrica) with long, stiff cylindrical leaves that grow in a fan pattern. Whale fin (Dracaena masoniana) has wide (8+ inches), stiff, dark green leaves. This species is often found in garden centers with just one or two large leaves.

How do I care for sansevieria?

Sansevieria prefers bright, indirect light. This is light bright enough to cast a shadow but not directly in the sun's rays. Plants tolerate low light levels very well, although this can lead to muted leaf coloration and patterns.

Plant in a well-drained potting soil, such as cactus mix or potting soil amended with perlite. Water plants only after the soil has completely dried out. The quickest (and sometimes the only) way to kill a sansevieria is to overwater it. Plants can go weeks, sometimes months, without water, but if plants stay wet, root rot develops, causing leaves to turn yellow and collapse, eventually leading to plant death. Wet conditions can be caused by frequent watering, using containers that don’t have drainage holes or allowing water to sit in saucers or outer pots.

Grow plants in average home temperatures, although they prefer it a little warmer (70-90 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal). Avoid cold drafts, especially in winter. Frequent fertilizing is not necessary, but using an all-purpose fertilizer at half or quarter strength in the spring promotes healthy growth.

How do I propagate sansevieria?

Sansevieria is easily propagated by leaf section cuttings and division. To propagate by cuttings, cut a leaf into 3-inch to 4-inch sections, dip the lower cut end in rooting hormone, and insert the leaf piece into perlite or other rooting media. Place in a warm, bright, indirect light location with high humidity. Use a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity. Check frequently and moisten the media as needed. New roots will form, followed by a small plantlet after about two months. When the new plant is several inches tall, pot it in regular potting soil.

Cultivars with variegated leaf edges, such as laurentii, lose their interesting coloration when propagated by cuttings. The variegation in these cultivars is created from a chimera, which is an uncommon way for variegation to form. To maintain the leaf pattern, propagate by division. Separate clumps or rosettes of leaves by cutting the thick underground rhizome, making sure each section has both roots and shoots. Pot up the new plants immediately and give them good care until fully re-established. While sansevieria doesn’t mind being a bit crowded in its container, division helps manage excessively pot-bound plants.

Is sansevieria toxic to pets or people?

Sansevierias are mildly toxic to humans and pets. Plants contain saponins, which cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. All species of sansevierias should never be ingested and should be kept out of reach of children, dogs and cats.

Do sansevierias flower?

It is rare for sansevieria to flower when grown as a houseplant. When provided with abundant light and good fertility, sansevieria may produce flowers. Flowers form along a long stalk that arises from the base of the rosette. The cream-to-greenish-white tubular flowers have strap-like petals that curl back to reveal prominent stamens. The flowers typically have a sticky texture and a pleasant scent, especially at night, that is similar to vanilla or jasmine.

This article originally appeared on Farm Forum: Care for Sansevieria, the 'snake plant' with a 'dragon wing'