Asparagaceae
Dracaena trifasciata
Snake Plant
Herb, Tuber, Succulent
25 medium available right now.
About
This evergreen perennial forms dense clumps of stiff, upright, sword-shaped, succulent leaves, typically dark green with light grey-green cross-banding, often edged in yellow. Native to tropical West Africa, it can reach over 2 metres tall in optimal conditions, though often smaller in cultivation. It is well-known for its air-purifying qualities, removing toxins and releasing oxygen at night, and was historically used for bowstring hemp.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi Coast gardens in partial sun to bright indirect light, protected from hot afternoon sun, thriving in well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. Plant as a specimen, groundcover, or filler in the landscape, with a spacing of 2-3 feet if used as groundcover, or keep in pots to manage its invasive potential.
Growing notes
A slow-growing plant, it is highly drought-resistant and requires infrequent watering; allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot, especially reducing water in cooler months. This low-maintenance species prefers warm temperatures between 15.5-29.4°C and can be mildly toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and children.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: ncsu.edu, wikipedia.org, phytopharmajournal.com, healthline.com, heyrooted.com, socfindoconservation.co.id. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.