Snake plant care guide
Sansevieria trifasciata
Quick answer
Water your snake plant when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often.
- WateringWhen the soil has dried out completely
- LightLow light tolerant
- Climate15–35 °C (59–95 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
When the soil has dried out completely
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Low light tolerant
Snake plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your snake plant every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a liquid houseplant or cactus fertilizer, diluted as its label directs, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate15–35 °C (59–95 °F)
Humidity30–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 15–35 °C (59–95 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full snake plant toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a snake plant?
Water your snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 24 to 36 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a snake plant need?
Snake plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is snake plant safe for cats and dogs?
The source reports nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep snake plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like cast-iron plant or parlor palm.
Why is my snake plant turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · homotypic synonym Sansevieria trifasciata · classification · Taxonomic synonymy · link to Dracaena trifasciata
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLow-light tolerance · partial sun · dry-down · winter watering · low humidity · cool temperature · pests and root rot
- Royal Horticultural Society15–24°C (59–75 °F) · low humidity · sun to light shade · free-draining compost · dry-down · pet warning · Full sun to light shade · free-draining peat-free compost · above-10°C (50 °F) warning
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity to dogs and cats · saponins · clinical signs
- How we check our plant advice
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