Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Snake Plant is the upright houseplant with flat leaves marked by pale crossbands. It is also widely called mother-in-law’s tongue.

Appearance

Growth form: Stiff leaves rise in clumps from underground stems.
Leaves: The flat leaves can reach about 4 ft (1.2 m) and show alternating green crossbands; some forms have yellow edges.

Its leaves are round like spears in cross section. Snake Plant has broad, flat leaves.

Its leaves are much broader and paddle-shaped. Snake Plant usually has several narrower, upright blades.

Three snake plant leaf shapes

Typical habitats: Homes
Containers
Range: It is native to tropical Africa. In the United States it is widely grown indoors and can grow outdoors in 10–12.

Care: Use well-drained soil and let it dry between waterings; excess water can rot the roots.
Propagation: It can be divided or grown from leaf cuttings.
Toxicity: Eating it can cause stomach upset in people and pets.

About the name: This species is also called Dracaena trifasciata.
Varieties and forms: The yellow-edged ‘Laurentii’ and compact bird’s-nest forms are common cultivated choices.

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