Is Snake Plant Invasive? How to Remove Sansevieria hyacinthoides

Invasive Potential

Most Sansevieria species (like common S. trifasciata) are well-behaved houseplants. However, Sansevieria hyacinthoides has escaped cultivation in South Florida (zone 10+), choking out native plants since the 1950s. It's considered a serious ecosystem threat.

Removal Methods

Control is difficult. No herbicides are approved for it in the U.S.; glyphosate is largely ineffective.

• Hand-pull/dig young plants before they seed. Remove all rhizomes—fragments regrow.
• Work when soil is moist for easier extraction.
• Wear protective clothing—thickets harbor snakes and spiders.
• Persist for 2–3 years, removing new shoots promptly.
• Large stands may require mechanical removal.

Most gardeners won't encounter this issue with common houseplant varieties.