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Snake Plant care

Sansevieria

Snake Plant — Sansevieria houseplant

The nearly indestructible one. Tall, architectural swords of green that tolerate low light and forgotten waterings. The perfect plant if you've killed everything else.

Heads up — Snake Plant is toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA data. Keep it out of reach of pets, and check our toxicity checker for pet-safe alternatives.

Light

Snake plants survive anywhere from low corners to bright light. They're happiest in bright indirect light, where they grow steadily.

They can take some direct sun, but variegated types lose their pattern in low light over time.

Water

This is where most people go wrong: snake plants want to dry out completely between waterings. In winter you might water once a month. Less is more.

When you do water, soak it, then let it go dry again. Never let it sit in soggy soil.

Soil & pot

Use a fast-draining mix — cactus soil or potting mix with plenty of perlite. A drainage hole is mandatory. These are top-heavy, so use a sturdy pot.

Humidity & temperature

It doesn't care about humidity. Keep it warm — 65–85°F — and away from cold drafts, which can scar the leaves.

Propagation

Divide it at the roots, or cut a leaf into sections and root them in soil. Leaf cuttings take a while, but they work.

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Common snake plant problems

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AskThumbs provides general educational hobby information, not guarantees. Plant and pet outcomes depend on factors we can't see. Use at your own risk. For a sick pet, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.