Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is one of the most decorative plants in existence. Its leaves have beautiful shades of green, so much so that many interesting cultivars have been created. It was also known under the synonym of Sansevieria trifasciata. All about how to care snake plants in this article.
Moreover, due to its small size, it can be kept both in gardens and in pots throughout its life.
How to Care Snake Plants
Dracaena, is also known with other names like “mother-in-law’s tongue”, “St. George’s sword” or “snake plant”, and that belongs to the genus Sansevieria of the botanical family Asparagaceae, is an herbaceous, perennial plant and native rhizome of Africa that can reach 55” (140cm) in height. It is characterized by having fleshy and flat, concave, or flat leaves growing in a rosette. The inflorescences are shaped like a spike or a bunch, and the flowers are white. The fruit is a berry in whose interior is the seeds.
Snake Plant Care Light
The first thing we have to consider is the location. It is a plant that survives well in the shade, so we can have it both indoors and outdoors in a semi-shade without any problem. This plant can withstand temperatures ranging from 41 – 86 °F (5 – 30 °C) without any problem. It is necessary to put it to the light at least once a week so that it can develop well. However, it grows better if most of the time it is in semi-shade.
It is necessary to be careful with the pets and to put it in a place where it is not dangerous for these animals since it is very poisonous for them.
Snake Plant Watering
It is necessary to have as an indicator that the soil is completely dry. When there is no more humidity, it is necessary to water again. If you keep it wet, it will eventually rot. Watering should be increased a little more in the summer.
Snake Plant Care Substrate and Fertilizer
If you want to have it in the garden and the soil is very compact, I advise making a hole big enough to fit a block (of the rectangular ones), introduce this block and plant the plant in the hole with universal culture substrate mixed with perlite.
In spring and summer, fertilize with cactus and crass fertilizers, following the instructions on the package.
Potted Snake Plant
It is important that the pot where we plant it has a substrate rich in organic matter. Three-quarters of coarse sand should be added to improve drainage. It is important that the plant does not accumulate water for irrigation.
If you want to transplant this pot you have to wait for the spring season. You should also know that you should change the pot when it breaks due to the number of shoots or when you notice the roots coming out of the drainage holes. If you have transplanted the plant, it is better to increase the watering at the beginning.
Why is my Snake Plant Turning Yellow?
If we observe that the leaves start to rot at the base and we see brown or yellow spots, it is a sign that the plant is rotting due to excess water.
To solve this, we must remove the plant, cut the parts of the rhizome that are affected, and let it dry for a few days. We remove the damaged leaves with a knife, sprinkle the cuts made with sulfur, and plant it again.
Uses of the Dracaena trifasciata
It is used above all for its ornamental value. It is easy to take care of, can be potted throughout its life, and looks great in any corner. But also, NASA cataloged the species as an air-purifying plant, since it eliminates toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Comments are closed.