Golden Birds Nest Dracaena trifasciata

Snake plant is an erect, clumping, broadleaf evergreen houseplant in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family. It is native to Africa. 

Place in a location where it will receive direct sunlight only part of the day, 2 to 6 hours, as it will tolerate very low light. Well-drained soil and careful watering is a must; do not overwater, as the roots will rot. In spring to autumn allow the soil to dry between waterings. In winter only water every one to two months. It tolerates low humidity and cool temperatures around 50 degrees. This plant is quite durable, easily grown, and difficult to kill.

In its native habitat it blooms in the winter but as a houseplant, it rarely blooms. Snake plant is a clean air plant, as it helps improve air quality. NASA found in the 1970s that certain common houseplants could actually remove pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from a room rather efficiently, and further study supports this. 

Snake plant is grown in containers and is used as ground cover filler in interior landscape designs.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.