How to Care for Sansevieria Houseplants

Sansevierias are enjoyed for their striking upright leaves and air-purifying talents. Whether you’re a seasoned caretaker or just stepping into plant parenthood, their low-maintenance nature and unique appearance make them an excellent choice for any indoor space.

Family: Asparagaceae

Genus: Dracaena

Commonly: snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, devil’s tongue

Grower’s note: Sansevierias were recently reclassified into the Dracaena genus - since these plants are still commonly known as Sansevierias, we’ll continue calling them this to avoid any confusion!

WATER

• Sansevierias are drought-tolerant and incredibly forgiving when it comes to watering! Depending on lighting conditions, some Sansevierias can go at least a month (or two!) between soaks.
• Be cautious not to overwater as they are prone to root rot in consistently wet conditions.

LIGHT

• These plants are known for their resilience to less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Though they prefer bright, indirect light like any other houseplant, they will tolerate just about anything without issue!

HUMIDITY & TEMP

• Sansevierias are not picky about humidity or temperature levels and can thrive in typical indoor conditions.

SOIL

• A well-draining soil that doesn’t trap excess moisture would be best. Some chunky mediums like perlite and orchid bark are great additions to any mix!
• Repot every 3-4 years to refresh nutrients and give your plant room to grow.

FERTILIZATION

• Sansevierias are not heavy feeders and prefer to be fed sparingly during the growing season. You can skip fertilization in the fall and winter!

PESTS

• These plants are relatively pest-resistant but it’s still a good practice to inspect for unwanted guests regularly.
• Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep the surface clean and shiny ✨

PRUNING & PROPPING

• Some Sansevieria varieties can be propagated with leaf cuttings! Check out Propagation 101 for the how-to.