Fact Sheet FPS-534
October, 1999
Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnii1
Edward F. Gilman2
Introduction
Birds Nest is a stiff, vase-like, herbaceous perennial that
attains a height of about 6 inches. Its simple, elliptic leaves are
arranged in a rosette. These attractive leaves are dark green
with light green, irregular bands that run across the leafs width.
The flowers of this plant are green and white and occur
periodically throughout the year. Small berries follow the
flowers, but these fruits are unnoticeable.
General Information
Scientific name: Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnii
Pronunciation: san-sev-VEER-ree-uh try-fash-shee-AY-tuh
Common name(s): Dwarf Snake Plant
Family: Agavaceae
Plant type: herbaceous; ground cover
USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Fig. 1)
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: suitable for growing indoors; ground cover; edging
Availablity: generally available in many areas within its
hardiness range
Description
Height: 0 to .5 feet
Spread: .5 to 1 feet
Plant habit: upright
Plant density: moderate
Growth rate: slow
Texture: coarse
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: basal rosette
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: linear
Leaf venation: parallel
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 12 to 18 inches; more than 36 inches
Leaf color: variegated
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: white; green
Flower characteristic: pleasant fragrance; flowers periodically
throughout the year
Fruit
Fruit shape: oval
Fruit length: less than .5 inch
Fruit cover: fleshy
Fruit color: red
Fruit characteristic: persists on the plant
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Current year stem/twig color: not applicable
1.
This document is Fact Sheet FPS-534, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October, 1999 Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2.
Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University
of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean
Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnii -- Dwarf Snake Plant
Page 2
Figure 1. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Current year stem/twig thickness: not applicable
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun; plant
grows in the shade
Soil tolerances: alkaline; clay; sand; acidic; loam
Drought tolerance: high
Soil salt tolerances: good
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Invasive potential: potentially invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
Birds Nest is occasionally used in the landscape as a
ground cover, especially in dry, desert-like gardens. Their
small size and drought tolerance makes them suited for a rock
garden. It is also very attractive when used in containers placed
indoors or outdoors.
This plant is not particular as to light level and is tolerant
of most well-drained soils. It will endure periods of drought
and tolerates moderate amounts of salt spray. Birds Nest
should not be grown outdoors in the northern regions of Florida
due to its cold tenderness. Overwatering this plant will cause
it to develop root rot.
Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnii is propagated by leaf
cuttings and division.
Pests and Diseases
This plant has no insect or disease pests that are a major
concern. Chewing insects may occasionally cause problems.
October 1999
Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnii -- Dwarf Snake Plant
Page 3
October 1999
