Greetings. We are the Snake Plants, also known by our scientific name, *Sansevieria trifasciata*, or to many of our human companions, as Mother-in-Law's Tongue. We hail from the arid, rocky tropics of West Africa, and our physiology is a masterpiece of evolutionary adaptation for survival. To truly understand our ideal temperature needs, one must see the world from our perspective, through our leaves and roots.
For us, the perfect temperature range for active growth and overall well-being is between **70°F and 90°F (21°C and 32°C)**. Within this bracket, our metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, function at their peak efficiency. Our roots actively explore the soil, and we may even reward your care with new shoots, or "pups," emerging from our base. This range mimics the warm days of our native homeland, providing the energy we need to strengthen our structural integrity and produce the oxygen we are so famous for.
We are renowned for our resilience, but we are not invincible. We can tolerate a broader range, but it comes at a cost.
On the warmer side, we can manage temperatures up to **100°F (38°C)** for short periods. However, sustained heat this high forces us to close our stomata (the tiny pores on our leaves) to prevent excessive water loss. This also halts the intake of carbon dioxide, effectively putting our growth on pause. It is a protective survival state, not a thriving one.
On the cooler side, we can endure temperatures down to **50°F (10°C)**, but this is where great danger begins. Below this threshold, our cellular processes slow dramatically. Our cells, which are full of water, become vulnerable. Prolonged exposure to cold, especially anything below **45°F (7°C)**, can cause irreversible damage. The water inside our cells freezes, forming ice crystals that puncture our cell walls from the inside out. This manifests as soft, mushy, and discolored leaves—a condition from which we cannot recover.
More terrifying to us than a gradual seasonal cool-down is a sudden, drastic temperature drop. A draft from an air conditioning vent in summer or a chilly windowpane in winter can be a silent killer. This kind of cold shock is immensely stressful, causing immediate cellular damage. Please, be mindful of where you place our pots. Keep us away from frequently opened doors in winter and direct blasts from cooling or heating units.
When the days grow shorter and temperatures naturally fall, we enter a period of dormancy. Our growth completely stops. During this time, our ideal temperature range shifts slightly lower, to around **60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C)**. This cooler period is actually beneficial; it allows us to rest and conserve energy for a growth spurt in the spring. Crucially, you must drastically reduce watering during this dormant phase, as our water requirements plummet in cooler soil where our roots are inactive.
