Dracaena trifasciata
A drought-tolerant houseplant known for its stiff, upright leaves.
Dracaena trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp, among other names. It is widely kept as a houseplant due to its tolerance of low light and irregular watering.
- scientific_name
- Dracaena trifasciata
- family
- Asparagaceae
- native_range
- Tropical West Africa (Nigeria to Congo)
- common_names
- Snake plant, Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, viper's bowstring hemp
- height
- 70–90 cm typical, up to 2 m in optimal conditions
- toxicity
- Mildly toxic to dogs and cats (contains saponins)
Lore & Background
Dracaena trifasciata is an evergreen perennial that forms dense strands via creeping rhizomes. Its stiff leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette, with mature leaves dark green and light gray-green cross-banding, typically 70–90 cm long. The specific epithet trifasciata means 'with three bundles.' The plant uses crassulacean acid metabolism, opening its stomata only at night to reduce water loss, allowing it to withstand drought. Its flowers, which are difficult to induce outside its natural environment, vary from greenish white to cream-colored, some fragrant at night.
Reader's Guide
Dracaena trifasciata is significant as a popular ornamental plant, grown outdoors in warmer climates and indoors as a houseplant in cooler regions. Its ease of care—tolerating low light and needing infrequent watering—makes it a common recommendation for beginners. The NASA Clean Air Study found it can filter indoor air, but its rate is too slow for practical use. The plant has cultural importance: in Africa, yellow-edged varieties are associated with the orisha Ọya and Ògún; in Brazil, it is used as espada de São Jorge to ward off evil and plays a role in Umbanda. Numerous cultivars exist, including 'Hahnii' and 'Laurentii', some of which have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The plant yields bowstring hemp fiber and is considered a potential weed in Australia.
Did You Know?
- Its leaves can reach heights above 2 m in optimal conditions.
- The plant opens its stomata only at night to prevent water loss.
- In Brazil, it is called espada de São Jorge and is grown to ward off evil.
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