Snake plant

Stiff, sword-like leaves rise in clusters, each marked with irregular bands of green. Some cultivars have yellow edges; others are almost silver. Snake plant is a succulent perennial, storing water in its fleshy leaves. You may still find it labelled Sansevieria trifasciata, its former botanical name. Its measured growth is part of its charm, not a problem to fix.

Light

Bright indirect; tolerates less

Water

Let the mix dry throughout

Habit

Upright, clumping

Pets

Toxic if eaten

Give it light, not a dark cupboard

Bright indirect light makes a good starting point. Snake plant can tolerate lower light, though it grows more slowly and uses less water there. Some direct sun is possible after gradual acclimatisation; do not move a plant straight from a dim shop into a hot, sunny window. Protect it from cold draughts and cold glass.

Wait for a genuinely dry pot

A dry surface alone is not enough. Check deeper with a wooden skewer and compare the weight of the pot with its weight after watering. The mix should dry throughout before the next drink. In cool conditions or lower light, that can take much longer than expected. When it is ready, water the mix thoroughly, allow it to drain, and empty any outer pot. Avoid leaving water pooled between the leaves.

Make room for air at the roots

Use a fast-draining potting mix suitable for succulents and a pot with drainage holes. An oversized container holds more wet mix than a small root system can use. Soft, yellowing leaves or a collapsing base can signal rot, especially when the soil stays wet. Wrinkling may indicate dehydration, but inspect the root conditions before assuming thirst. Watch for mealybugs in leaf crevices and spider mites on the leaves. Healthy new growth should feel firm.

Reference consulted: NC State Extension · Dracaena trifasciata.