Dracaena (Dragon Tree & Snake Plant)

Q: How should I water dragon trees and snake plants?

Cane Dracaena such as D. fragrans can be watered when the upper mix has partly dried. Snake plants usually need the mix to dry much farther through the pot before watering again. Let excess water drain in both cases.

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine’

From €12,00

Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata 'Black Coral' leaf detail on white background.

5 for 4

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Coral’

€13,25

5 for 4

Dracaena trifasciata 'Superba'

€12,75

Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’

From €9,75

Dracaena zeylanica

From €14,50

5 for 4

Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii'

From €13,25

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Warneckii’

€9,75

Close-up of Dracaena ‘Lemon Surprise’ leaves striped yellow, lime and green

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Surprise’

€9,75

Dracaena angolensis ‘Twister’

€14,50

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Compacta’

From €8,50

Close-up of Dracaena 'Hahnii Golden Edge' leaves.

5 for 4

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii Golden Edge’

€8,50

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Hawaiian Sunshine’

€106,75

5 for 4

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

From €9,75

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Janet Lind’

From €31,25

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Janet Craig’

€67,25

Dracaena angolensis

€40,75

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Golden Coast’

€39,75

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Straight' leaf close-up on white background.

5 for 4

Dracaena angolensis ‘Straight’

€40,75

5 for 4

Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’

From €67,25

Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata 'Metallica' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena zebraSold out

Dracaena reflexa 'Song Of India' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’Sold out

Dracaena fragrans 'Malaika' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena fragrans ‘Malaika’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) zeylanica 'Fan' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena zeylanica ‘Fan’Sold out

Dracaena pethera (Sansevieria) var. pulchra 'Coppertone' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena pethera ‘Coppertone’Sold out

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Star Rose' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena ‘Star Rose’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata 'Silver Flame' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silver Flame’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) zeylanica 'Narrow' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena zeylanica ‘Narrow’Sold out

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Star Canary' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena ‘Star Canary’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata 'Silver Mist' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silver Mist’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata 'Night Shade' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena trifasciata 'Night Shade'Sold out

Dracaena surculosa close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena surculosaSold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) masoniana 'Victoria' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena masoniana ‘Victoria’Sold out

Dracaena reflexa 'Song of Jamaica' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of Jamaica’Sold out

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Torch' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena ‘Torch’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata 'Golden Diamond' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Golden Diamond’Sold out

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Rocket' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena angolensis ‘Rocket’Sold out

Dracaena draco close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena dracoSold out

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Magenta' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Magenta’Sold out

Dracaena fragrans 'Ulises' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena fragrans ‘Ulises’Sold out

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Inti' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena angolensis ‘Inti’Sold out

Dracaena angolensis (Sansevieria cylindrica) 'Spaghetti' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena ‘Spaghetti’Sold out

Dracaena fragrans 'Cintho' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena ‘Cintho’Sold out

Dracaena (Sansevieria) perrotii 'Samurai' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena hanningtonii ‘Samurai’Sold out

Dracaena fragrans 'Burundi' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena fragrans ‘Burundii’Sold out

Dracaena reflexa 'Anita' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’Sold out

Dracaena fragrans 'Surprise' leaf detail on white background.

Dracaena fragrans ‘Surprise’Sold out

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Red' close-up of leaf on white background.

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Red’Sold out

Dracaena surculosa var. surculosa 'Florida beauty' leaf close-up on white background.

Dracaena surculosa var. surculosa ‘Florida Beauty’Sold out

Asparagaceae

Dracaena (Dragon Tree & Snake Plant)

Dragon trees grow as woody or cane-forming plants in warm regions, with leaves gathered toward the ends of stems. Snake plants originate from environments where their thick, upright leaves store moisture through dry periods.

Plants long sold as Sansevieria are now included in Dracaena, so both common names appear in the collection. Their contrasting growth habits remain easy to recognise.

Botanical Profile

Plants long sold as Sansevieria are now included in Dracaena, so both common names appear in the collection. Their contrasting growth habits remain easy to recognise.

Details & Care

Dracaena and snake plants

Dracaena fragrans grows upright canes with crowns of long green or variegated leaves. ‘Warneckii’ has pale stripes, while ‘Compacta’ forms denser foliage. Snake plants such as Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine’ carry firm, silver-green leaf fans, and ‘Black Coral’ has darker banded blades.

Cane-forming dragon trees gradually grow taller as their lower leaves age. Snake plants develop new shoots around the base, making upright clusters. Both groups can be grown in indoor rooms, with light and watering chosen for the type.

Many cane Dracaena prefer bright indirect daylight and water after the upper mix has partly dried. Snake plants usually need a longer drying period between waterings. Their leaves can cause digestive irritation if eaten by cats or dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dracaena and Snake Plants

Why are snake plants sold as Dracaena?

The plants traditionally called Sansevieria are now classified in Dracaena. Both names still appear in shops, so Dracaena trifasciata may also be labelled Sansevieria trifasciata.

What light do dragon trees and snake plants need?

Cane-forming dragon trees generally grow well in bright indirect daylight. Many snake plants also tolerate medium or lower indirect light, although their growth is slower there.

How should I water dragon trees and snake plants?

Cane Dracaena such as D. fragrans can be watered when the upper mix has partly dried. Snake plants usually need the mix to dry much farther through the pot before watering again. Let excess water drain in both cases.

Do snake plants keep growing in lower light?

Many snake plants remain healthy in moderate indirect daylight but make fewer new leaves in dimmer rooms. Bright indirect light is useful for compact growth and clear leaf markings.

Are Dracaena and snake plants safe around pets?

Common Dracaena and snake plants are harmful to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep them away from pets that investigate houseplants.