At a glance
| Plant | Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata (listed by ASPCA as Sansevieria trifasciata)) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Dogs | Toxic |
| Toxic principle | saponins |
| Signs ASPCA lists | nausea; vomiting; diarrhea |
| ASPCA page | Snake Plant, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
ASPCA files snake plant under its older name, Sansevieria trifasciata, and also calls it mother-in-law’s tongue, golden bird’s nest and good luck plant. Botanists have since moved Sansevieria into Dracaena, which is why NC State lists it as Dracaena trifasciata.
The move lines up with the toxicity: ASPCA lists the Dracaena genus as toxic to cats and dogs, also because of saponins.
Look-alikes
- Spider plant: non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs (ASPCA). Also has long, strappy, often striped leaves, but they cascade, and the plant sends out long runners with baby plants. Snake plant grows upright in clumps.
Care basics
Light: Best with 2 to 6 hours of direct sun a day, but it puts up with very low light.
Soil and water: From spring to autumn, let the soil dry out between waterings. In winter, water only every one to two months. Too much water rots the roots.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Dracaena trifasciata.
If your pet ate some
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, as soon as you can. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
