Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
The plant that survives the people who forget they own plants. Tolerates almost any light - the one thing it won't forgive is too much water.
Photo: Kari Shea / Unsplash What this plant actually wants.
Best window: Anywhere - even a few metres back from a north window works.
This is the general recommendation. When you map your actual windows in Planterra, the app compares each one against this plant's lux range and tells you which of your specific spots are best - accounting for depth from the glass, obstructions, and how the light shifts by season.
What usually goes wrong.
Mushy, yellowing base
Almost always overwatering. The rhizomes store water like a succulent - let the soil dry completely before watering again, and use a pot with drainage.
Leaves splitting or curling
Usually low humidity or a cold draft rather than underwatering. Check it isn't sitting near an AC vent or a drafty window.
Yellow leaf edges
Either direct sun scorch or fertiliser buildup. Move it back from harsh direct light, or flush the soil with water to clear mineral buildup.
Slow or no visible growth
Normal - Snake Plants are slow growers even in ideal conditions. Don't respond by watering more; that's the one mistake that actually kills it.
If you send me a Snake Plant photo, I check the base of the leaves first for softness - that's overwatering, not light. This plant tolerates my dimmest light rating cheerfully; it's water that gets it every time.
Add this plant to Planterra.
Free to try. No signup. Your plant, tracked from the first photo.