Different Types of Snake Plants Care Guide
Dwarf Sansevieria
Container: a medium to large container that has a drainage hole is the best choice
Soil: This sansevieria species can survive in any type of soil, making it an ideal plant to grow both indoors and outdoors. Avoid overfertilizing it, as it has a light feeding requirement. It could die when overfertilized.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9b to 11b
Light/Temperature: Keep at room temperature – 65° to 75°F (18° to 24°C). This plant thrives in bright lights, as long as it doesn’t receive excessive sunlight. Excessive direct sunlight would cause the edges of the leaves to yellow.
Water: This plant should be watered once every three weeks during the summer. Do not let it sit in water for long periods of time, and do not let its soil become soggy when watering.
Problems/Issues: It quickly rots on excessive wet soil.
Other names: Blue Sansevieria, Sword Sansevieria, Seleb Sansevieria, East African Wild Sisal, Somaliland Bowstring Hemp
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Sansevieria
Native: Northeastern Africa, from Libya south to Tanzania, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii
Container: Use large to medium-sized containers for this plant. Make sure the container drains well. Since you can also use this plant in an indoor setting, it’s best to choose a container that you can move around easily.
Soil: In any potting soil mix, this snake plant variety could thrive. It can also be grown in regular soil and on rocky soil. You can fertilize it every three weeks during the summer with an all-purpose fertilizer.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9b to 11b
Temperature/Light: It should not be placed where it will be exposed to excessive light, as it can withstand moderate light exposure only. Any temperature below 50° will damage this plant.
Water: It’s best to water it only when the soil is completely dry. If it is soggy, make sure it does not soak up the water and stay there for too long.
Other names: Twisted Sister Snake Plant, Gold Twist Sansevieria
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Sansevieria
Native: East to Congo
Sansevieria kirkii
Container: The Star Sansevieria may be planted in a medium-sized or a large container with drainage holes. It may grow tall, so consider placing it in a warm place. It will need a deep container. Regular repotting may not be necessary for this plant anymore.
Soil: It can thrive on any soil or potting mix.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10a to 11b
Temperature/Light: Star Sansevierias are best if their environment is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They prefer low natural light, but with direct sunlight their leaves may glow.
Light: Overexposure to intense light over time can cause its leaves to turn yellow.
Water: Only water if the soil is already completely dry. Water just about three times a month during the winter.
Problems/Issues: Sansevieria Kirkii rots when exposed to water for too long.
Other names: Snake Plant
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Sansevieria
Native: British East Africa or Kenya
Sansevieria patens
Container: Sansevieria Patens thrives well in containers. You can move it indoors, so choose a medium-sized container with drainage holes.
Soil: The best type of soil is one that contains pumice. Regular soil works just fine, too. It’s important to use soil that drains properly.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9b to 11b
Temperature/Light: This plant prefers average temperatures. If the temperature dips below 50°F, place it indoors to avoid damage. It’s hardy, but does best with low light conditions.
Water: Water sparingly during the winter. Never allow the plant soil to be soggy. Don’t let water sit on the plant’s soil for long. Wait for the soil to completely dry before watering again.
Problems/Issues: Snake plants are vulnerable to rotting when they are placed at temperatures below 45°. They are also susceptible to rotting when overwatered, like most snake plants.
Other names: Cleopatra
Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus: Sansevieria
Native: Garden Origin and Indonesia
Sansevieria Cleopatra
Container: It’s best to use a plant that’s medium-sized. The soil should be about 10 inches deep. You can bring this indoors, so it needs a container with holes for drainage.
Soil: Sansevieria Cleopatra prefers well-draining soil, but any potting mix or even regular dirt will do for this plant. An all-purpose fertilizer would be okay for this plant as long as you only feed it once every three weeks in summer.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9b to 11b
Light/Temperature: The Cleopatra can thrive anywhere, from partial to full sunshade. It is best to place it in front of a window where it gets no less than 6 hours of light a day.
Watering: This plant should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. During winter, the most often you should water this is three to four times a month.
Problem/Issue: Root rot is the main issue you might face with this plant if it is overwatered.
Other names: Kenya Hyacinth Snake Plant
Family: Asparagaceae Subfamily: Crassuloideae Genus: Sansevieria
Native: Eastern Africa or Burundi, Kenya