page_title: Dracaena trifasciata
section_title: Cultivation and uses
hierarchical_section_title: Dracaena trifasciata / Cultivation and uses
caption_attribution_description: English: sansevieria trifasciata
context_page_description: 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. Until 2017, it was known under the synonym Sansevieria trifasciata.
context_section_description: Like some other members of its genus, D. trifasciata yields bowstring hemp, a strong plant fiber once used to make bowstrings.
  It is now used predominantly as an ornamental plant, outdoors in warmer climates, and indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates. It is popular as a houseplant because it is tolerant of low light levels and irregular watering; during winter it needs only one watering every couple of months. It will rot easily if overwatered. It is commonly recommended to beginners interested in cultivating houseplants for its easy care.  
  The NASA Clean Air Study found D. trifasciata has potential to filter indoor air, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins involved in the effects of sick building syndrome. However, its rate of filtration is too slow for practical indoor use.
  It can be propagated by cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. The first method has the disadvantage that the variegation will be lost.
  D. trifasciata is considered by some authorities as a potential weed in Australia, although widely used as an ornamental, in both the tropics outdoors in both pots and garden beds and as an indoor plant in temperate areas.
  The plant contains saponins which are mildly toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to gastrointestinal upset if consumed.
caption: In flower
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