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.
THE SCIENCE
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!
THE BASICS
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.
THE NITTY GRITTY
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 ✨
OTHER DEETS
PRUNING & PROPPING
Some Sansevieria varieties can be propagated with leaf cuttings! Check out Propagation 101 for the how-to.
