10+Best Types of Snake Plants to Grow at Home

All the pieces you Must Know About Snake Vegetation: Well-liked Sorts, Makes use of, Symbolism & How-To-Develop

Whether or not you’re a brand new or seasoned houseplant proprietor, you’ve seemingly come throughout the snake plant. This species has grown widespread over time for its simple care wants and engaging look. The snake plant is thought for its distinctive yellow and inexperienced striped leaves. Nevertheless, this species is available in quite a lot of sizes and styles. Right here we’ll take you thru 14 of the most well-liked varieties of snake vegetation you may add to your houseplant assortment. Plus we’ve included important rising and care ideas for every. Let’s go!

About Snake Vegetation

The snake plant, is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial plant native to tropical components of West Africa from Nigeria to the Congo. It belongs to the plant household Asparagaceae or the asparagus household.

Due to its origins, the plant thrives in heat, dry circumstances. Since its discovery, individuals have cultivated the snake plant for decorative functions all over the world.

This plant’s genus was Sansevieria till 2017 when it was reclassified below the genus Dracaena. As we speak, individuals typically consult with it utilizing each its earlier species title, Sansevieria trifasciata, and its present official title, Dracaena trifasciata.

The snake plant is usually acknowledged for its strong inexperienced leaves that develop upward from the Earth. Nevertheless, there are greater than 70 cultivars of this plant, a lot of which you could find in your native backyard store.

Snake Plant Makes use of and Advantages

Because it seems, the snake plant is widespread for greater than its distinctive aesthetic enchantment. The plant additionally affords air-purifying advantages that NASA acknowledged of their Clear Air Examine.

By their analysis, NASA confirmed that the Sansevieria trifasciata ‘laurentii’ may take away chemical substances like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air.

Whereas the snake plant isn’t identified for feng shui advantages, it’s value inserting in your bed room, workplace, or residing space to freshen the air and create a lovely focus.

The species makes a superb houseplant in varied climates. It may well additionally develop properly outside in hotter circumstances.

Sadly, the snake plant doesn’t provide medicinal advantages. The truth is, it may be mildly poisonous to canine and cats. The species accommodates saponins, a sort of chemical that may trigger abdomen troubles if consumed.

Snake Plant That means and Symbolism

Curiously, the snake plant has taken on some distinctive symbolism in Nigeria, certainly one of its international locations of origin.

The species is related to the Nigerian spirits Oya and Ogun, which symbolize storms and struggle. Moreover, there are rituals in Nigeria that use the snake plant to remove the ‘evil eye’ from the surroundings.

Generally, snake vegetation are thought to deliver optimistic power to the house and are thought of symbols of fine luck.

14 Well-liked Forms of Snake Vegetation to Develop at Residence

Now, let’s check out among the hottest snake vegetation to develop at dwelling. Use this listing to get to know this species and its many cultivars. From there, you’ll be ready to decide on the proper Sansevieria as an easygoing addition to your houseplant assortment.

1. Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria laurentii)

The variegated snake plant, or Sansevieria laurentii, is thought for its marbled inexperienced coloring and brilliant yellow edges. It is among the better-known varieties, rising upright in clusters of tall, blade-like leaves.

Together with another snake plant cultivars, the laurentii has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Backyard Benefit. This was additionally the variability that proved its air purification talents in NASA’s Clear Air Examine.

2. Indian Bowstring Hemp (Sansevieria zeylanica)

Sansevieria zeylanica is quite a lot of snake plant identified by its scientific title. Nevertheless, it’s typically known as Indian bowstring hemp. This plant’s vertical, sword-shaped leaves have marbled coloring in a mixture of darker and lighter shades of inexperienced. 

This snake plant selection is simply as hardy as different Sansevierias, with an identical easygoing nature. It stands out from the favored variegated snake plant, because it doesn’t have the intense yellow stripe round its leaves.

3. Mom-in-Regulation’s Tongue ‘Moonshine’ (Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’)

Sansevieria moonshine is one other sort of snake plant identified by its scientific title. Nevertheless, it could typically be known as mother-in-law’s tongue ‘moonshine.’ This plant grows lighter, silver-green leaves with out the everyday marbled look that’s widespread in snake vegetation.

This selection will get its title for its pale, silvery shade, however it can turn into a lot darker in lower-light environments. It could produce small, white blooms in the suitable circumstances.

4. Mom-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Sansevieria trifasciata, additionally known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is the unique snake plant from which different cultivars and varieties have developed.

This plant grows from a creeping rhizome in clusters of sword-shaped leaves. Curiously, this form earned the snake plant another nickname: Saint George’s sword.

5. African Bowstring Hemp (Sansevieria hyacinthoides)

Sansevieria Hyacinthoides is a snake plant selection from South Africa, often known as the African bowstring hemp. The title bowstring hemp is widespread amongst snake vegetation as a result of the plant’s fibers had been used previously to provide bowstrings.

This selection has flat, inexperienced leaves with lighter, silvery-green speckling. It could produce white blooms and small, orange fruit in the suitable circumstances.

6. Mikado (Sansevieria bacularis)

The Sansevieria bacularis, typically referred to by the title Mikado, is a novel snake plant with skinny, cylindrical leaves. The plant’s leaves develop in vertical spikes with inexperienced marbling.

Any such snake plant is native to Central Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

7. African Spear Plant (Sansevieria cylindrica)

The Sansevieria cylindrica is native to tropical areas of southern Africa. The variability will get its widespread title, the African spear plant, attributable to its skinny, cylindrical leaves that resemble spears.

The African spear plant is hardy and lends a novel focus to any area. There are a number of completely different styles of this spear-like number of snake vegetation. Cultivars embrace Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Spaghetti’ and Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Patula.’

8. Sansevieria francisii

Sansevieria francisii is an unusual selection that diverges from the everyday Sansevieria look. Its leaves are skinny and pointed with the same old inexperienced marbling. Nevertheless, they develop in rows that spiral upward, making a full, sculptural look.

This plant is native to components of Africa, particularly areas in Kenya. It was named in honor of the botanist Francis Ok. Horwood.

9. Kenya Hyacinth (Sansevieria parva)

The Sansevieria parva is an unusual snake plant selection often known as the Kenya Hyacinth. In contrast to different snake plant varieties, this Sansevieria is a good alternative for hanging baskets attributable to its distinctive look.

The Kenya hyacinth has skinny, slim leaves that arch outward from a central rosette. It additionally produces spectacular white blooms that give off a scent much like the hyacinth flower.

 10. Sansevieria patens

The Sansevieria patens brings new which means to the snake plant’s widespread title. Its foliage grows as thick, grooved leaves that unfold and arch away from a central rosette, resembling a cluster of residing snakes.

The precise origin of one of these snake plant is unclear. Nevertheless, researchers have mentioned it seemingly got here from Kenya or a close-by a part of jap Africa.

11. Whale Fin Snake Plant (Sansevieria masoniana)

The whale fin snake plant, or Sansevieria masoniana, makes a daring assertion with its large leaves and dappled variegation. This plant typically grows as only one or two leaves in a pot, creating a novel visible in any area.

The Sansevieria masoniana is native to central Africa. Nevertheless, it’s cultivated all over the world for decorative functions. The variability additionally is available in a variegated selection with spectacular stripes that run the size of the plant.

12. Sansevieria kirkii

The Sansevieria kirkii is native to sure components of Africa, like Tanzania and Malawi. It’s a slower-growing Sansevieria with a novel cone-shaped bloom that distinguishes it from different snake vegetation.

This selection has related inexperienced, sword-shaped inexperienced to different snake vegetation. Nevertheless, its leaves fan out from its middle slightly than rising up vertically.

13. Sansevieria Whitney

The Sansevieria Whitney is a smaller number of snake plant. It grows in a brief rosette of darkish inexperienced leaves with a lovely inexperienced and white variegated border on the edges.

Some think about this to be one of many dwarf styles of snake vegetation. Its smaller dimension makes it an amazing choice to think about for a desk or work floor in your house.

14. Twisted Sister (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’)

The Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’ is usually identified by the names twist or twisted sister. It is because the plant’s leaves are curlier than different Sansevierias. Moderately than rising flat, the leaves twist round one another, making a energetic visible.

The twisted sister can be thought of a dwarf number of the snake plant. It should keep smaller, making it nice to put on a desk or windowsill.

Develop Snake Vegetation at Residence

Now, let’s go over a number of normal concerns for rising snake vegetation in your house. Most styles of snake vegetation could have related low-maintenance progress necessities. So, the following pointers will put together you whatever the selection you select.

What to Do Earlier than Planting Your Snake Plant

Earlier than buying your new snake plant, you’ll wish to think about the place you’ll place it in your house. Discover a place with good gentle publicity and minimal temperature variation. Make sure the plant won’t be uncovered to chilly temperatures.

Keep in mind, the snake plant is mildly poisonous, so discover a location away from the attain of youngsters or pets.

The plant does finest in pots that don’t retain moisture, like terracotta, positioned on a saucer within the flooring or a flat floor. Make certain your pot has a drainage gap on the base for extra water to flee.

Moreover, you’ll want to collect the instruments and supplies it is advisable repot your snake plant in its new planter. You’ll discover a listing of the instruments we advocate within the Important Instruments part under.

What’s the Finest Soil Combine for Snake Vegetation?

Your snake plant received’t respect a soggy surroundings, so a looser, free-draining soil works finest.

For those who choose to purchase a pre-mixed soil, select a mix for cacti and succulents. Any such soil often affords the drainage snake vegetation must thrive.

For those who’re mixing your personal soil, you may add elements like perlite, peat moss, or sand to enhance drainage. The hot button is to discover a mix that helps the plant’s roots take up water simply with out creating an excessively moist surroundings.

Snake vegetation aren’t too specific about soil pH ranges. They’ll develop properly in soils starting from barely acidic to barely alkaline.

For extra, see our important information to the finest soil combine for snake vegetation.

Plant a Snake Plant

Now, it’s time to plant your new snake plant. Listed here are a number of steps to take to make sure your plant is completely happy in its new container.

1.  Use a sturdy terracotta pot with a drainage gap, and watch out to not pack the soil too tight. The objective is to create an surroundings the place water can drain freely after hydrating your snake plant.
2. Don’t plant your snake plant too deep in its new container. Attempt to preserve the identical depth because it had in its unique pot. Place an inch or so of soil on the base of the brand new planter earlier than introducing your snake plant.
3. This plant grows slowly, so make certain the container you select isn’t too large. Rising the planter dimension an excessive amount of can create moisture issues in a while.
4. When you introduce your snake plant, fill out any gaps with additional soil. You need it to be secure in its pot with out packing soil too densely.

Snake Plant Gentle Preferences

Whereas snake vegetation are well-known for his or her low-light tolerance, they develop finest in reasonable to brilliant, oblique gentle.

Some snake vegetation will take pleasure in some full solar all through the day. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of direct daylight might burn their leaves.

The plant will do properly ready going through any course. Nonetheless, it can choose a placement that receives ample filtered daylight all through the day.

Temperature and Humidity Preferences

Because of its roots in Africa, the snake plant will all the time take pleasure in heat, dry rising circumstances. Nevertheless, snake vegetation can tolerate temperatures starting from round 70 to 90 levels Fahrenheit.

Keep away from exposing your snake plant to temperatures decrease than 50 levels Fahrenheit. Regardless of this plant’s tolerant nature, it won’t survive in chilly climates.

Look after Snake Vegetation

Subsequent, we’ll go over a number of normal concerns to bear in mind when caring to your snake plant. The following pointers will assist you take care of Sansevierias of all sizes and styles.

When and Water Snake Vegetation

The beauty of snake vegetation is that they don’t require a lot water. That is essential to notice, as overwatering may cause a number of points on this species.

Root rot brought on by overwatering is among the most typical issues new plant house owners discover with this Sansevierias.

So, you’ll wish to water your snake plant solely when its soil has dried out. Take a look at the soil together with your finger to find out if it’s time to water your Sansevieria. You’ll seemingly develop a watering schedule of each two to eight weeks, relying on the season and the humidity in your house.

Since this species doesn’t like moisture, you’ll want to keep away from misting your snake plant. Your watering schedule will probably be all of the moisture this plant must thrive.

Feeding and Fertilizing Your Snake Plant

Your snake plant will take pleasure in occasional fertilization throughout its energetic progress interval within the hotter months. You possibly can fertilize your Sansevieria with a typical houseplant fertilizer or go for a compost combine.

Nevertheless, watch out to not over-fertilize this plant, irrespective of which technique you select. A compost combine might introduce an excessive amount of moisture, whereas a houseplant fertilizer may cause the leaves to burn in case you overfeed the plant.

When and Prune a Snake Plant

Thankfully, snake vegetation are additionally low-maintenance in terms of pruning. This plant doesn’t require pruning, although chances are you’ll resolve to clip again leaves that fall or wither.

To prune any troublesome leaves, merely lower a clear line at its base with sharp shears. If the leaf you’ve clipped is wholesome, you might be able to propagate it and create a brand new plant.

Propagate a Snake

Snake vegetation are simple to propagate, and there are a number of methods to do it. You possibly can propagate a snake plant by inserting leaf cuttings in soil or water. You too can propagate this plant by dividing its root system as much as create a number of snake vegetation.

Listed here are some steps for propagating your snake plant by inserting a leaf chopping in soil.

• Clip a leaf of your snake plant at its base utilizing sharp scissors or shears.
• Lower any unhealthy portion off of the underside of the leaf in order that it’s wholesome and able to develop.
• Permit your new chopping to callous over for 2 days to 1 week earlier than inserting it within the soil.
• If you see that the lower you made has developed a seal, you may plant this aspect of the leaf within the soil. You might wish to connect bigger cuttings to a stake, in order that they keep standing as they develop roots.

When and Repot a Snake Plant

You received’t must repot your snake plant typically. Nevertheless, listed here are a number of indicators to look out for in case you’re pondering of repotting your Sansevieria.

It has grown considerably because you planted it.

• It has turn into root-bound.
• Its roots are starting to develop out of the drainage gap on the base of its container.

For those who discover these indicators, chances are you’ll wish to go up one container dimension. Keep away from rising the pot dimension by greater than an inch or so, as an excessive amount of extra area may cause moisture-related points and result in root rot.

For those who’re repotting your Sansevieria, achieve this within the early spring, earlier than its rising season begins.

Frequent Snake Plant Issues, Pests, and Ailments

Whereas Sansevierias are easygoing, they will develop a number of issues sometimes. Listed here are a number of of the widespread snake plant points, pests, and illnesses to find out about, together with the methods to deal with them.

• Insect infestation: Your snake plant might turn into infested with pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Take away any seen bugs or larvae and dab affected areas with rubbing alcohol.
• Pink leaf spot or root rot: These fungal circumstances are a standard signal that you simply’ve overwatered your snake plant. Take away any leaves or soil affected by fungus and cut back your plant’s watering schedule to keep away from extra moisture.
• Wrinkled, yellowing, wilting, or drooping snake plant leaves: This can be an indication of overwatering or publicity to excessive temperatures. Assess your plant’s surroundings and watering schedule and make changes accordingly.

Right here’s a listing of all of the instruments we advocate you will have obtainable to care to your snake plant.

• Terracotta pot and saucer for drainage
• A well-draining soil combine for cacti and succulents in case you choose pre-mixed soil
• Normal potting combine and perlite, peat moss, or sand, in case you’re making your personal snake plant soil
• A watering can for conserving your plant hydrated
• Houseplant fertilizer or compost fertilizer
• Sharp shears or scissors for pruning and propagation
• A bigger container to repot your snake plant as wanted
• Rubbing alcohol for any pest-related upkeep

Wrapping Up

The snake plant is a beginner-friendly species whatever the sort you select to develop at dwelling.

Its vibrant, upright leaves and simple care wants make it a preferred alternative, whether or not it’s your first houseplant or a part of a rising assortment.

Select your favourite Sansevieria from the listing to welcome a brand new evergreen companion into your property. With the suitable supplies and care, you may take pleasure in your new snake plant for years to come back.

For those who’re trying to increase your assortment, see our important information to the most effective plant shops and nurseries delivering snake vegetation nationwide.

Snake Plant FAQs: