The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a favored indoor plant due to its striking, upright foliage and resilience. This hardy plant tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for novice and experienced plant owners. Proper placement ensures the plant flourishes. Consideration of light, temperature, and household safety will guide the choice of an optimal location.
Optimal Light Conditions for Placement
While the snake plant is famous for its low-light tolerance, its growth and coloration are significantly enhanced when placed in bright, indirect light. This preferred condition encourages the plant to photosynthesize efficiently, leading to faster growth and more vibrant leaf patterns. Placing the plant a few feet away from a south-facing window, or directly near an east or west-facing window, typically provides this balance.
North-facing windows offer the least intense light and are suitable if the goal is survival, though growth will be minimal and slow. For windows that receive harsh, direct sun, such as south-facing ones during midday, a sheer curtain should be used to diffuse the light. Direct, intense sunlight can cause the plant’s leaves to develop bleached or scorched patches.
A plant receiving insufficient light will display visual cues that signal its struggle. In low-light conditions, leaves may lose their vibrant variegation. Growth will also become stretched out as the plant attempts to reach a light source, a process called etiolation. A simple “shadow test”—observing if your hand casts a soft, faint shadow near the plant—can confirm if the light is bright enough.
Avoiding Environmental Extremes
The snake plant is native to warm, arid regions, meaning its placement should protect it from unstable temperature fluctuations, especially cold drafts. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F and 85°F, which is well within the comfort range of most homes. Temperatures consistently below 50°F can cause the plant to enter a state of stress, potentially leading to irreversible chill damage.
Avoid positioning the plant near exterior doors or drafty windows, especially during the winter months, as sudden blasts of cold air can shock the plant. Since the succulent leaves hold water, exposure to very low temperatures can cause the cell structure to freeze and burst, resulting in mushy, damaged tissue.
Placement directly in the path of heating registers, radiators, or air conditioning vents should also be avoided. These direct air flows create localized environmental extremes that rapidly dry out the foliage and soil. Avoiding constant exposure to dry, forced air helps maintain the plant’s overall health.
Safety Considerations for Household Placement
A final consideration for placement involves the safety of household inhabitants, particularly pets and small children. Snake plants contain natural chemical compounds called saponins, which are mildly toxic if ingested. When chewed, these saponins can cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, in both humans and animals.
Due to this mild toxicity, the plant should be placed in areas that are physically inaccessible to curious pets and toddlers. Practical solutions include positioning the plant on high shelves, mantels, or sturdy plant stands that are out of reach. For areas where a plant is placed on the floor, the pot and stand must be stable and heavy enough to prevent accidental tipping.
If a plant is accidentally knocked over, the weight of the soil and container can also pose a hazard. For homes with determined pets or children, placing the plant in a room that can be closed off, such as a home office, may be the safest option.