This easygoing, good-for-beginners plant looks striking with its flame-like shape, each leaf a separate green, stripy tongue growing directly out of the soil. These thick, succulent leaves love direct sun but can adapt to any light level, and thrive with infrequent watering, all of which makes them very easy to care for. This variety's leaves have striking waves of silvery variegation horizontally striping the centres. A perfect plant for houseplant beginners, this Snake Plant is easy to care for and easy to love.
Scientific Name
Sansevieria zeylanica (San Severo plant from Ceylon (Sri Lanka))
Synonyms: Aloe hyacinthoides var. zeylanica, Aloe zeylanica, Dracaena zeylanica (current correct classification), Acyntha zeylanica, Cordyline zeylanica, Sansevieria ensifolia, Sansevieria grandicuspis, Sansevieria indica, Sansevieria pumila
Originally identified in 1753 as Aloe hyacinthoides var. zeylanica, it was reclassified as its own species, Aloe zeylanica, in 1762. In 1799 it was reclassified again, this time into a different genus, becoming Sansevieria zeylanica. Following more recent DNA analysis, along with many others in the Sansevieria genus, it has now been reclassified again, so the current accepted scientific name is Dracaena zeylanica.
Common Name
Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Devil's Tongue, Snake Tongue, St. George's Sword
Origin
Originating in Asia, this plant is native to India and Sri Lanka, and possibly present in Myanmar and Thailand.
Light
Snake plants are hugely flexible with lighting, as the positioning of their leaves allows them to maximise any light. While they can survive even in the dimmest of rooms, they will thrive best in bright, indirect light, but you can even place them in direct sun as long as you let them build a tolerance gradually!
Water
Allow the soil to totally dry out between waters. Be especially careful if your Snake Plant is in a darker spot as it will need much less frequent watering there than on a sunny windowsill.
Humidity
Low humidity is ideal for Snake Plants, though an occational hose down to keep the leaves dust-free will be appreciated. Just make sure they thoroughly dry out afterwards!
Soil
Use a well-draining soil; a blend for cacti and succulents (with sand and grit) would work well here. For an extra boost you can mix in bark as well which the plant will appreciate! Repot every three years in Spring as the plant grows. It doesn't mind being pot-bound for a while but will put out more new growth when it has more space!
Food
Feed every two months using a diluted fertiliser; one designed for cacti or just for houseplants generally will work fine. Make sure to water first to avoid burning the plant's roots.
Temperature
Temperatures of about 12-32°C are great- make sure it doesn't drop below 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips
Snake Plants are great at growing in a variety of light levels, but make sure you tailor both your expectations and your watering schedule to the light level. You will need to water more in a bright location, and the plant will probably grow better too; in a dimmer location, water less and expect slower growth!
