Snake plant Dracaena trifasciata
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asparagaceae family, native to Tropical West Africa (Nigeria to the Congo). It grows 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Snake plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 143–429 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical West Africa (Nigeria to the Congo) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇳 India |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed in Queensland and NSW), US (Florida and Hawaii, naturalised): check local rules before planting |
Is Snake plant toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Saponins in the leaves cause nausea, vomiting and drooling if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Snake plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Snake plant
- How far apart should I plant Snake plant?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Snake plant need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Snake plant need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Snake plant?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Snake plant flower?
- About 143–429 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks.
- Is Snake plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Saponins in the leaves cause nausea, vomiting and drooling if eaten.
- What grows well with Snake plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Snake plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Outdoors only in frost-free climates (about zone 10b and warmer); a common houseplant elsewhere. Rarely flowers; rots in cold wet soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana