Moonshine Snake Plant

Scientific Name: Dracaena Trifasciata Moonshine, Sansevieria Moonshine

Common Name: Moonshine Snake Plant, Mother In Law’s Tongue

Moonshine Snake Plant is a beautiful variety of the snake plant. With the silvery-white to bright green leaves, there are a few specific Moonshine Snake Plant care items you need to know to keep these leaves that same intricate color. Being a Snake Plant succulent, caring for this plant is very easy as it’s low-maintenance. Whether it’s your first houseplant you’ve ever owned or you have a green thumb, this is one you are sure to love having in your home!

Quick Care Overview

Common NameMoonshine Snake Plant, Mother In Law’s Tongue
Scientific NameDracaena Trifasciata Moonshine, Sansevieria Moonshine
FamilyAsparagaceae
OriginAfrica
IdentificationDistinct upright silvery white spear-like leaves
HeightUp to 2 feet tall
Soil2 parts potting mix 1 part sand 1 part perlite
WaterLet dry out completely before watering
Temperature55-85F
SunlightBright indirect sunlight
Toxic to Cats & DogsYes
Toxic to HumansYes
PestsMealybugs and spider mites
DiseasesNematodes, root rot, fungal diseases

Below we will dive deep into how to care for Moonshine Snake Plant.

Moonshine Snake Plant Care

Moonshine Snake Plant History

Dracaena Trifasciata, otherwise known as the moonshine snake plant, has quickly become a favorite amongst home gardeners due to its beautiful foliage and air purifying properties. The Moonshine Snake Plant is a lovely addition to place in the bedroom, as it purifies the air and disperses oxygen at night, which may improve your quality of sleep. Belonging to the succulent family, the Moonshine Snake Plant has unique, thick, upward stretching vertical leaves, and brings a peaceful ambiance to the room. This snake plant cultivar is native to the tropical region of West Africa.

Sansevieria Now Dracaena

The Snake Plant has been around since the early 1700s and it has been classified under the family of Sansevieria ever since. As of 2018, Sansevierias are now classified under the genus Dracaena. It is a pretty big change as there are many different varieties, so we may use the terms Dracaena and Sansevieria here and there. Although we will try to call it what it actually is now, Dracaena!

Moonshine Snake Plant Identification

Having very distinct, upright foliage, this Snake Plant has silvery-white spear-shaped leaves that make this plant appear to be bathing in the moonlight—the colors of the foliage shift from silvery-white to deep, emerald green and have a dark-green margin. The Moonshine Snake Plant is a succulent so the leaves are thick in order to store water like other succulents.

Moonshine Snake Plant Growth Facts

This slow-growing, evergreen succulent is said to thrive on neglect and is perfect for compact spaces. 

How Big Does a Moonshine Snake Plant Get?

The Moonshine Snake Plant will grow up to two feet tall and three to four feet wide.

Caring for Moonshine Snake Plant

Moonshine Snake Plant Care

Moonshine Snake Plant care is a very easy plant to care for. Easily adapting to a wide range of light conditions and being very hardy, this plant is desirable for bedrooms and offices. 

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Moonshine Snake Plant Soil

This Snake Plant thrives in a loose, sandy growing medium. A suitable succulent potting mix may be created by combining two parts standard potting mix to one part sand and one part perlite. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Fertilizer

Dracaena Trifasciata Moonshine does not require much fertilizer, although a light feeding once during the summer months will boost this plants growth. However, ensure that you do not overfertilize and that you follow all label instructions. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Watering

The Moonshine Snake Plant does not require frequent watering as it is a succulent and stores water in its leaves. Ensure that the plants’ soil has become completely dry before watering. This Snake Plant will likely only need to be watered every 4-6 weeks, depending on growing conditions. Do not allow this plant to sit in standing water and ensure that its pot has proper drainage. Be sure not to give the Moonshine Snake Plant too much water as this can lead to fungal and bacterial issues. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Light Requirements

This very easy-to-care-for plant can tolerate a large variety of lighting conditions. Full sun or partial shade will be fine for this plant, but they need indirect light over direct sunlight. Do not allow too much intense sunlight to cast on your Moonshine Snake Plant, as the leaves will be quick to burn. If your plant becomes almost entirely dark green rather than silvery, it can indicate that your plant needs more light to flourish and keep its beautiful color, but it will continue to survive in low-light conditions. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Temperature & Humidity

Being a tropical plant, this Moonshine Snake Plant prefers an indoor temperature between 55-85F. However, this plant is very hardy and can handle a bit of temperature fluctuation. In addition, being native to Africa, this plant is accustomed to surviving through both rain seasons and long dry seasons. Therefore, this plant does not require extra humidity, and misting or raising humidity levels for this plant is not suggested—the leaves of this plant like to remain as dry as possible.

Repotting Moonshine Snake Plant

This plant enjoys having a tight fitting container and will not need to be repotted often. It may even burst out of its pot! However, when roots are overcrowded and poking through the drainage holes, or around every three years, you should repot your snake plant. Carefully remove your plant from its container, place it in a pot that is one size larger, add potting soil, tamp, and water thoroughly. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Maintenance & Pruning

The Moonshine Snake Plant does not need to be pruned often. However, if you would like to reduce its height or remove discolored leaves, you may remove some of its leaves. To prune, take sterilized shears, cut the undesired leaf at the base at the soil line and remove them. Periodically, removing discolored leaves will improve the health of your plant. 

Dracaena Trifasciata Moonshine Care

Moonshine Snake Plant Propagation

Propagation of the Sansevieria Moonshine Plants is straightforward and may be done either by root division, stem cuttings in water, or leaf cuttings in soil. Root division may be done by dividing your plant into smaller sections by disentangling the root ball and replanting the sections into their own container.

Moonshine Snake Plant Division Propagation

Root division is going to be the fastest way to get a new Moonshine Snake Plant. To do this, simply take the plant out of its container and brush off all of the soil so you can visibly see the roots. You will be able to see the rhizomes by the roots. In order to create healthy new snake plants, keep at least two rhizomes together with at least one leaf. Plant this in a clean container with loose, sandy soil. Give it a good water and place in bright indirect light.

Moonshine Snake Plant Stem Cuttings Propagation

To take stem cuttings from the Moonshine Snake Plant, cut a leaf at the base near the soil line using clean shears. Allow the cuttings to callus overnight and then repot in loose, sandy soil the following day. In several weeks, roots should appear, and you should see new leaves emerging within a few months.

Moonshine Snake Plant In Water Propagation

If you want to watch new Moonshine Snake Plant babies grow, it will be a better experience to propagate them in water. To do this, cut a leaf off the mother plant near the soil line with sterile scissors. Place directly into a jar of water. Be sure the bottom quarter of the leaf is submerged in water. Change the water with distilled water twice a week. Roots should develop within a few weeks.

Moonshine Snake Plant Toxicity

Caution should be used when handling the Moonshine Snake Plant as it is toxic to humans and pets. Don’t ingest this plant and wash hands after handling this dracaena as it can cause skin irritation.

Toxicity to Humans

The Moonshine Snake Plant is considered toxic and should not be ingested. Symptoms of ingestion include upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

Moonshine Snake Plant is toxic to pets, although not fatal. The saponins present in this plant will cause digestive upset to animals. Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control if you believe your pet has ingested this plant. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Problems

Moonshine Snake Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing of the leaves is often a sign of underwatering, exposure to too much direct sunlight, or overfertilization. It also may be indicative of root disease. Be sure to only fertilize once a year, give it adequate indirect light, and water when the top two inches of the soil become dry.

Moonshine Snake Plant Leaves Turning Brown

When the foliage of the Moonshine Snake Plant turns brown it is often indicative of either pest infestation, disease, or leaf burn from too much direct sunlight. Check for proper water drainage, look at the undersides of the leaves for bugs, and move to a new spot in your home if its receiving too much light.

Moonshine Snake Plant Diseases

While this plant is relatively disease-resistant, it still may be affected by root rot, nematodes, fungal, and/or bacterial disease. Most diseases can be prevented through proper care and not overwatering. 

Moonshine Snake Plant Pests

Moonshine Snake Plants don’t often have pest problems due to their waxy coating. However, they may experience issues with spider mites or mealybugs. Upon identifying an infestation, place the plant by itself, and spray with insecticidal soap, following all label instructions. 

FAQ

Is Moonshine Snake Plant Rare?

Dracaena Moonshine is a rare houseplant, so if you have wanted one for a while and are able to get your hands on one, get it!

How Often Should I Water My Moonshine Snake Plant?

Being a succulent, the Moonshine Snake Plant can handle long periods without water. Only water the Dracaena Moonshine when the soil becomes dry.

How Tall Do Moonshine Snake Plants Grow?

Moonshine Snake Plants grow to be up to 2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

How Do You Root a Moonshine Snake Plant?

Moonshine Snake Plants can be propagated by root division, stem cuttings in soil, and stem cuttings in water. The quickest way to get a new moonshine snake plant is by dividing the mother plant at the root.

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