There are many stunning snake plants out there, but the Jaboa snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, is a lovely specimen with statuesque good looks and beautiful variegation. Broad, sword-shaped foliage emerges from the ground and stands up to 3 feet tall. The thin leaves have abstract horizontal stripes in dark and light green shades that look like they were quickly scribbled on the foliage using a dull crayon. Jaboa care is effortless, and this is possibly the easiest of all easy-care houseplants, making it an excellent choice for newbies and experienced plant owners who just want something hands-off and stylish.
The Jaboa is a Sansevieria, or rather, it was until this genus was reclassified as Dracaena. Jaboas are technically Dracaena, but they closely align with Sansevieria care.
Jaboa Snake Plant Light Needs
Jaboas are utility players that can live in just about any amount of light, although expect the best results when grown in bright, indirect sunlight. This leafy beauty can live in lower light, but it will grow slowly. It’s worth noting that Sansevierias are slow-growing plants under ideal conditions, so while adding greenery to a low-light corner is appealing, growth will move at a glacial pace.
How Often to Water Jaboa Snake Plants
Getting a handle on when to water can be tricky for new plant owners, and this is perhaps the aspect that makes Jaboa snake plant care so easy. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering your Jaboa Sansevieria. This plant has low water needs, and it’s common to water actively growing plants every two weeks.
Growth slows in the winter when the plant is dormant. Expect to water our Jaboa monthly during the winter.
Snake plants are drought-tolerant, so they are okay waiting for a drink. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to water, check back in another day. The immediate environment will impact how quickly the soil dries out, so consider the sunlight and humidity when checking on the plant.
Best Soil for Jaboas
Potting mixes for succulents or cacti work well for Jaboa snake plant care. This beauty needs well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
Temperature for Jaboa Snake Plants
Warm temperatures are best for the Jaboa. Anything between 60° and 85° F is comfortable for the plant. Cold temperatures are a problem, so keep the plant away from vents, drafty windows, and exterior doors, especially during the winter.
Jaboa Snake Plant Humidity
In keeping with their low-maintenance care needs, Jaboa snake plants prefer low to average humidity. Air moisture between 30% to 50% is suitable. Sansevieria can tolerate high humidity; however, damp air will impact how often the plant needs water.
Jaboa Fertilizer
Fertilizer supports new growth, but it’s unnecessary. Sansevieria can grow just fine without help, but a dose of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in the spring will help this plant start the growing season strong.
Pruning Jaboa Snake Plants
Remove the occasional dead leaf and trim away any damage, but generally, pruning is not a big part of Jaboa snake plant care.
When to Repot Jaboas
Repot Jaboa snake plants when the roots show through the drainage holes. If you don’t remember the last time the plant was repotted, or if it’s been a few years, go ahead and repot. All snake plants are content being slightly rootbound, but they do eventually need a bigger container to promote growth.
Choose a container that is one to two inches larger and has drainage. Since this plant can go years between being repotted, the soil may become compacted. Use a trowel or stick to gently loosen the soil every so often. Annually top off the container with fresh soil as needed on the years the plant is not repotted.
Jaboa Snake Plant Propagation
Snake plant propagation is easy. The Jaboa can be propagated by dividing the plant when repotting. Division is simply separating the main plant into smaller plants. When repotting divided plants, select containers one to two inches larger than the root ball.
Jaboa snake plants can propagate themselves, although this is sort of the same as division. The plant will send out offshoots or pups when it’s ready. Those pups can be removed from the mother plant when they are a few inches tall. Clear away soil to expose the roots and cut the root connecting the offshoot to the main plant. Let the cut end of the offshoot callous over before planting the pup in a container. The main plant is fine, and nothing further is needed.
Lastly, Jaboas can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Remove a leaf, and trim that leaf into 3- to 4-inch sections. Let the cut ends dry out for a few days before placing the cut ends in soil or water. Retain the orientation of the cuttings so the bottom of the leave is placed in the soil or water. Roots will not form from the top.
Are Jaboas Pet Friendly?
The only downside to Jaboa snake plants is that they are not pet friendly. Snake plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing or ingesting Sansevieria will cause your pet to become ill, so take care when featuring these plants in your home.
Jaboa Snake Plant Styling Tips
Jaboas are easy to style because they look amazing however you display them. Small plants look fantastic on an end table or console table, while mature plants make lovely floor plants, or give them some extra height with a plant stand.
Jaboa Care Tips
Sansevieria are lovely, low-maintenance houseplants that elevate the look of your space. The Sansevieria trifasciata or Jaboa is a timeless stunner with tall, thin foliage and interesting variegation. Jaboa snake plant care is easy and mostly requires you to leave the plant alone, making this an excellent option for new or lazy plant owners.