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Sansevieria

Common name: Cylindrical snake plant · Spear sansevieria · African spear

Sansevieria A genus of stiff-leaved succulents from Africa and southern Asia, now often merged into Dracaena by botanists. Snake plants are famously hard to kill, tolerating low light and long stretches without water, which made them fixtures of homes and offices for over a century. They thrive on neglect and resent overwatering above all.

Care summary

Sun Low to bright light, tolerates some direct sun
Water Very sparingly; let soil dry fully
Soil Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • Its round leaves can be braided together while young — a common ornamental treatment.
  • In its native Angola the leaves can grow taller than a person.
  • It stores water in its leaves and can go weeks without watering.

Common problems

    • Let soil dry fully between waterings
    • Use a gritty, fast-draining mix
    • Discard mushy roots and repot
    • Dab insects with rubbing alcohol
    • Wipe leaf bases with soapy water
    • Isolate infested plants immediately
    • Keep above ten degrees Celsius
    • Move away from cold windowsills
    • Cut out frost-damaged tissue