Is a Snake Plant a Succulent?
They may not look like your typical succulent, but snake plants actually share many succulent traits — especially when it comes to care.
They may not look like your typical succulent, but snake plants actually share many succulent traits — especially when it comes to care.
Yes, snake plants (Sansevieria, now Dracaena trifasciata) are considered succulents.
They store water in their thick, upright leaves and have adapted to dry, arid climates — just like other popular succulents such as echeveria or aloe.
That means snake plants thrive with similar care routines: infrequent watering, well-draining soil, and plenty of bright, indirect light.
While they don’t have the classic “rosette” shape many succulents do, their low-maintenance, drought-tolerant nature puts them squarely in the succulent category.
Understanding this matters because:
You can use succulent soil for better drainage.
They pair well with other succulents if planted carefully.
It prevents common issues like overwatering and root rot.
Knowing that your snake plant is a succulent can change how you care for it — and help it live longer, look better, and maybe even bloom.
🌵 Did you know?
Snake plants can survive up to six weeks without water thanks to their succulent-like water storage.
Since snake plants are classified as succulents, they benefit from care routines designed for drought-tolerant plants.
The key is less water, better soil, and lots of light — but without the harsh desert conditions some succulents need.
If you’ve already had success with other succulents, you’ll find snake plants surprisingly forgiving — but there are a few unique things to keep in mind.
Absolutely — in fact, you should.
I’m doing it all the time!
Succulent soil is designed to drain quickly, which is exactly what snake plants love, and I always use this type of soil or make my mix.
Regular potting soil holds too much moisture, increasing the risk of root rot.
Succulent soil, on the other hand, mimics the dry, loose conditions of their natural habitat.
What I personally use:
A mix of store-bought cactus/succulent soil plus a bit of extra pumice or perlite for even better drainage. It makes a noticeable difference in leaf firmness and root health.
Technically, no — but it’s highly recommended.
While snake plants can survive in other well-draining mixes, succulent soil provides the ideal foundation for long-term health, especially indoors where airflow is limited.
Signs your soil isn’t working:
Leaves are mushy or yellowing from the base
Soil stays damp for several days
You see fungus gnats or root rot
Best features to look for in succulent soil:
Fast drainage
Light texture (no peat-heavy mixes)
Add-ins like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand
Quick tip: Clay or terracotta pots work great with succulent soil because they also allow faster evaporation.
| Feature | Snake Plant | Typical Succulents |
|---|---|---|
| Water storage | In thick upright leaves | In leaves or stems (e.g. aloe, echeveria) |
| Soil needs | Well-draining, dry between waterings | Well-draining, dry between waterings |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect (some can handle low light) | Bright direct sun preferred |
| Watering frequency | Every 2–4 weeks (or when dry) | Every 1–3 weeks (or when dry) |
| Leaf texture | Stiff, sword-like leaves | Fleshy, often soft or plump leaves |
| Cold tolerance | Moderate (avoid frost) | Varies — many are frost-sensitive |
| Indoor suitability | Excellent (tolerates low humidity) | Good, but needs high light indoors |
🌿 Fun fact:
The botanical name Sansevieria was reclassified — most snake plants are now officially part of the Dracaena genus!
Mixing snake plants with other succulents can create beautiful, low-maintenance arrangements — but it’s important to pair them wisely.
While snake plants are technically succulents, they do have a few slight differences compared to many smaller, sun-loving types.
👉 The good news:
With the right conditions, snake plants and other succulents can thrive together, both in shared pots and grouped arrangements.
Mixing snake plants with other succulents isn’t just possible — it can create stunning, drought-tolerant arrangements that thrive with minimal care.
However, choosing the right partners matters.
Not all succulents have the exact same light and watering needs.
The trick is to group snake plants with other succulents that share a love for:
Pro tip:
If you match them wisely, you can create easy-care combinations that look beautiful and stay healthy together for years!
| Snake Plant Variety | Good Succulent Companions | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sansevieria trifasciata (Classic Snake Plant) | Haworthia, Gasteria | Similar light tolerance; both prefer bright indirect light |
| Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’ | Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) | Both handle occasional direct morning sun and dry conditions well |
| Sansevieria cylindrica (African Spear) | Aloe vera, Echeveria | Love slightly stronger light; bold textures pair visually |
| Sansevieria ‘Laurentii’ | Peperomia ferreyrae (Happy Bean) | Both prefer moderate light and can tolerate lower humidity |
| Sansevieria ‘Whale Fin’ | Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant) | Large, dramatic leaves make a bold combination |
🌞 Quick tip:
Unlike many succulents, snake plants don't love blazing hot sun all day — they prefer bright but filtered light.
They can — but only if you match their needs carefully.
Both love well-draining soil.
Both prefer drier watering schedules (less is better).
Both do well in bright indirect light.
Snake plants tolerate lower light better than most succulents.
If placed in too little light, regular succulents (like echeveria or sedum) will stretch and lose their compact shape.
Snake plants don’t like harsh, hot, direct sun all day, while many succulents enjoy it.
Some succulents (like Haworthia or Gasteria) have more similar light needs to snake plants and make perfect companions.
Use a succulent or cactus soil mix for the entire arrangement.
Group by similar light preferences (bright indirect or filtered sun).
Water deeply but infrequently, letting the entire mix dry out fully.
Choose pots with drainage holes to avoid standing water.
Personal experience:
I have a snake plant sharing a big terracotta bowl with a Haworthia and a Gasteria. They’ve been happy together for over two years, and I water only once every 3–4 weeks!
Snake plants and succulents can grow together beautifully — but not every succulent is a perfect match. Some succulents have very different light, humidity, or watering needs that can cause one plant to thrive while the other struggles.
Group snake plants with succulents that prefer similar light and watering schedules.
Avoid pairing with succulents that need strong direct sun all day or much higher watering frequency.
Choosing the wrong companions can lead to stretched succulents, sunburned snake plants, or even root rot.
| Snake Plant Variety | Succulent to Avoid | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sansevieria trifasciata (Classic Snake Plant) | Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant) | Needs much more intense direct sun, will stretch indoors |
| Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’ | Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks) | Prefers outdoor cold exposure, not warm indoor air |
| Sansevieria cylindrica (African Spear) | Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ear Cactus) | Needs very strong sun and very little humidity |
| Sansevieria ‘Laurentii’ | Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree) | Grows too large and fast, needs much more intense light |
| Sansevieria ‘Whale Fin’ | Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) | Needs more frequent watering than snake plants prefer |
👉 Always think about three main points before mixing succulents:
Light tolerance
Watering frequency
Growth speed and size
Mixing plants with very different needs will always create stress — and not the good kind that makes them bloom!
🪴 Smart combo:
Snake plants and Haworthias make a perfect low-light succulent pairing for stylish indoor arrangements.
Embrace the spirit of horticulture and spread the seeds of wisdom
