Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria Trifasciata, are beautiful cultivars of Sansevieria Silver Queen. It is known for its gorgeous pale greenish-grey, almost silver colored leaves. A sword-shaped leaf has fleshy, flat leaves. Above ground, there are no stems visible on this plant. The leaves grow directly from the rhizomes in clusters.
For a gardening beginner, Sansevieria silver queen is a perfect low maintenance houseplant. The silvery white foliage will create an exotic look in your office or home.
The silver queen snake plant belongs to the family Asparagaceae in the genus Dracaena.
Other names:
- Sansevieria Trifasciata Silver Queen
- Silver Queen Sansevieria
- Dracaena Trifasciata Silver Queen
- Silver Queen Snake Plant
- Silver Mother in Law’s Tongue
Sansevieria Silver Queen Features
Origin
Sansevieria Trifasciata (the parent variety) is indigenous to west Africa. However, it can also be found in warmer regions of Madagascar, India, Indonesia, etc. Cultivars of the silver queen cultivar originated in gardens.
Foliage
The sword-shaped leaves of the silver queen snake plant grow upright from the soil. With irregular horizontal green bands, the foliage has a stunning silver green color. It has light stripes that are not as distinct as those found on a typical snake plant.
Size
A medium sized snake plant can grow up to three feet under ideal conditions. The leaves of this plant are about 1.5 to 2 inches wide in the middle.
Flower
Flowering of silver queen snake plants is extremely rare. On a vertical flower stalk, it might produce white flowers in clusters.
Toxicity
Humans and animals are mildly poisoned by this plant. It can trigger unpleasant symptoms like mouth irritation, stomach irritation, vomiting, nausea, drooling, and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. Keep it away from children and pets for their safety.
Pests
Sansevieria plants are tough and rarely affected by pests or diseases. A spider mite or mealybug may be a potential threat. If caught early, pest infestations are easily treated. Most diseases can be prevented by keeping the soil dry and the leaves clean.
Propagation
Plant division or rooting leaf cuttings are easy ways of propagating silver queen plants. Plant leaf cuttings in loose soil after taking at least 3-4 inch long sections. Repot the baby plants after the roots have grown for a couple of months. Plants that have reached maturity can be divided by root division.
Growth Season
During the spring and summer, this evergreen species grows actively. Cold winters can cause it to become dormant and hardly grow. Flowering time is erratic, but it tends to occur between winter and spring.
Sansevieria Silver Queen Growing Conditions
Soil
For Sansevieria, you need a soil mix that drains quickly and is gritty. Sansevieria should never be planted in 100% pure soil. You can increase the porosity of your soil mix by adding ingredients like pumice, perlite, coir, sand, or gravel. A standard potting mix for cacti and succulents can also be used.
Water
Constantly wet roots are absolutely revolting to Sansevieria plants. Therefore, it’s best to keep your soil a bit dryer. Let your plant’s top 1 inch of soil dry completely before watering it. Depending on the atmosphere, water is needed every other week or every week. Once the temperature begins to drop, reduce watering. In winter, you only need to water your snake plant once a month.
Light
Light conditions can range from bright sunlight to low light conditions for this plant. The harsh afternoon sun, however, might be too much for the plant. The best conditions for optimal plant growth seem to be moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Plants should be kept in a shady area. If your windows are covered with sheer curtains, you can place indoor plants near them.
Environment
The silver queen is a great indoor ornamental plant. Most Sansevieria thrive well in average room temperatures and humidity. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (16-28 degrees Celsius). Winter hardiness is not guaranteed with this plant. Temperatures below 45°F (7°C) should be avoided, especially if the soil is damp.