Snake plant
Sansevieria trifasciata (Agavaceae)
Also called Golden Bird's Nest, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Good Luck Plant.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Saponins.
Signs to watch for: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Source: ASPCA entry "Snake Plant", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Best
- Bright indirect 10+ mol
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Snake plant adapts to almost any light, from dim interiors to sun; Iowa State notes it prefers moderate light, and NC State suggests a spot with only a few hours of direct sun while noting it tolerates very low light.
Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.
On our scale it grows well from about 6 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Let the soil dry completely between waterings and water only sparingly in winter; overwatering is the main cause of failure.
Illinois Extension lists it among houseplants for low light.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Calathea medium light
- Guzmania bromeliad medium light
- Kentia palm medium light
- Prayer plant medium light
- Ripple peperomia medium light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Snake Plant"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Dracaena trifasciata (Snake Plant)"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Mother-in-Law Tongue | Houseplants"
- Light and care: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, "Easy Low-Maintenance Houseplants"