Scientific Name
Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb.
Synonym(s)
Dracaena trifasciata subsp. trifasciata, Sansevieria trifasciata
Common Name(s)
Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Mother-in-Law's Nose, Saint George's Sword, African Bowstring Hemp
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dracaena
Etymology
The specific epithet "trifasciata" (pronounced "try-fask-ee-AH-tuh") means "marked with three bands; trifasciated" and refers to the unique, banded pattern on the leaves of this species.
Origin
Dracaena trifasciata is native to tropical West Africa, from Nigeria east to the Congo.
Description
Dracaena trifasciata, formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is a succulent plant with erect or slightly spreading, sword-shaped leaves that rise stiffly from a thick rhizome, forming a rosette. The leaves are whitish-green with dark green bands and entire green margins. They are broadly linear and can measure up to 3.3 feet (1 m) in length and 2.8 inches (7 cm) in width.
The small, fragrant flowers are pale greenish or greenish-white and appear on mature plants in spring, followed by bright orange or reddish berries.
Subspecies of Dracaena trifasciata
- Dracaena trifasciata subsp. sikawae
- Dracaena trifasciata subsp. trifasciata
Cultivars of Dracaena trifasciata
- Dracaena trifasciata 'Golden Hahnii'
- Dracaena trifasciata 'Hahnii'
- Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii'
- Dracaena trifasciata 'Twisted Sister'
How to Grow and Care for Dracaena trifasciata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Place Sansevierias in moderately bright or filtered light. Good locations include a spot in front of a north-facing window or the front of a bright, sunny window covered by a sheer curtain. Although the plant tolerates low light, bright light brings out the leaves' colors. However, intense light may cause the leaves' edges to turn yellow.
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering, then water deeply until water runs out of the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain, and then discard the remaining water in the saucer. Never let the soil become soggy, nor let the pot stand in water. Water sparingly throughout the winter. Like most succulent plants, Sansevieria stores water in its leaves; however, it can rot quickly in excessively wet soil.
Place the Sansevieria at an average room temperature. Protect the plant from drafts and cold temperatures, as it can be damaged when the temperature falls below 50°F (10°C).
Feed the plant once every three weeks throughout the summer. Use a general-purpose fertilizer for houseplants diluted to half the strength suggested on the container. Sansevieria is a light feeder, and excessive fertilizer can cause the leaves to fall over.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Sansevieria."
Links
- Back to genus Dracaena
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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