The snake plant (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue) is an evergreen succulent plant characterized by upright sword-shaped leaves. Even though Sansevieria trifasciata is known by the name snake plant, there are dozens of other varieties of Sansevieria. Sansevierias are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Some species can grow up to 6 to 7 feet tall, while others are only a foot tall. Sansevieria hahnii, Sansevieria pinguicula, and Sansevieria parva are miniature varieties and cultivars that thrive indoors. Window sills, tabletops, and shelves are all good places to put them.
You can grow snake plants outdoors in this post since I’ll introduce you to some of the largest ones. You can also grow them indoors in the corners of your home or office.
Sansevieria Cylindrica
Dracaena angolensis or Sansevieria cylindrica are also known as African spear, spear sansevieria, or cylindrical snake plant. Its native habitat is southern Africa, in Angola.
The African spear plant can grow up to seven feet tall and three feet wide. Braided leaves can be twisted to create a unique appearance. In the process of growing the plant, the upbraided leaves start to bend due to their weight, which makes their shape fan-shaped. Snake plants with cylindrical leaves have, as their name implies, cylindrical, fleshy leaves. They have a circular cross-section (about 1 inch in diameter) if you cut them sideways. Annually, the plant can produce greenish white flowers on a tall flower stalk. In comparison to other Sansevieria types, it blooms younger.
Sansevieria Trifasciata Prain
The most common species of Sansevieria is Dracaena trifasciata prain. Tropical west Africa is the native home of this plant, particularly from Nigeria to the Congo. Additionally, it grows naturally in India, Madagascar, Indonesia and other warm countries. The plant is also known as viper’s bowstring hemp, saint George’s sword, devil’s tongue, etc.
In bright light conditions, this variety generally grows to a height of 5 to 6 feet. There is an irregular green stripe pattern on the leaves. Snake plants are so named because they resemble the skin of snakes. It may bloom once a year in the spring since it is a flowering plant.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Dracaena hanningtonii, also called Sansevieria ehrenbergii, has an interesting leaf arrangement. It is also an African plant. It is found primarily in dry regions of eastern Africa and some parts of Asia.
This Sansevieria can grow up to 5 feet tall, unlike most others. The two opposite rows of pointy leaves grow on a short, foot-long stem. The foliage forms a beautiful fan shape, almost two feet wide. Traditionally, this unique-looking plant has been used for medicinal purposes. The natural antiseptic can be used to treat skin sores and eruptions. Natural bandages can also be made from the fibrous leaves. Keep pets and children away from the plant in order to prevent mild toxicity.
Sansevieria Trifasciata Var. Laurentii
Sansevieria trifasciata (Dracaena trifasciata) is a variegated variety with yellow leaf borders. African and Asian regions naturally support its growth. This variety is also known as Sansevieria laurentii, variegated Sansevieria, and striped snake plant.
Up to 4 feet tall and almost a foot wide, this species can grow. The leaves of this plant are succulent and slightly wavy. The green leaves have broad, yellow margins that resemble the trifasciata prain stripes. The snake plant variety has received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s garden merit award. Hardy plants like this can be planted both inside and outside.
Sansevieria Stuckyi
Among the Sansevieria species, Dracaena stuckyi is one of the least known. Similar to Sansevieria fischeri, it is an evergreen plant. The foliage of this species has two kinds of life forms. The juvenile form has flat, striped green leaves that grow into a fountain shape. The mature leaves are tough, rounded, cylindrical, and grow upright, as seen in the above image. The mature stage of the plant begins after 4 to 6 years.
Depending on the growing conditions, the Sansevieria can reach a height of 6 to 7 feet. Despite being a flowering species, it rarely blooms. In addition, the stalk of the flower is shorter than the overall height of the plant. In contrast to most snake plants, the mature leaves of this plant are pale green in color.
Sansevieria Masoniana
Sansevieria masoniana, also known as whale’s fin, shark’s fin, or mason’s congo, is a wide leafed variety of snake plant. The wide, fleshy, green foliage makes it easy to recognize. It was originally discovered by Maurice Mason, a plant collector from England, in the Congo.
When the growing conditions are optimal, this variety can reach a height of 6 feet. The maximum height of the plant is usually 3 to 4 feet. The leaf is 7 inches wide in the middle and tapers to the end. There are only one or two broad, thick leaves per shoot. Their pale green smudges are also mottled. There is a very thin reddish brown border around the leaves.
Sansevieria Bacularis
Another stemless plant similar to the cylindrical snake plant (Sansevieria Cylindrica) is Sansevieria Bacularis. Sansevieria Fernwood and Sansevieria Canaliculata are also often confused with this variety. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is widespread. Bacularis derives its name from the Latin word “baculum” meaning rod or stick.
Plants with slender and stiff cylindrical leaves can grow up to 6 feet tall. However, the leaves are only half an inch in diameter. Several leaves grow together in a clump. The leaves are rough and leathery. When the plant is young, it can have dark purple basal leaves (sheath). In addition, it produces white flowers with purple stripes on a foot-long flower stalk. Plants that receive good light grow taller and bloom more frequently.
What Is The Best Way To Care For Sansevieria Plants?
Sansevieria varieties are very hardy and easy to grow plants that can withstand almost any growing condition. Low light conditions, irregular watering conditions, and high heat will not hinder their growth. These plants can grow stronger if given appropriate conditions and cared for properly.
When to Water
Sansevierias don’t need to be watered every day. Water is required only once a week for drought-tolerant plants. The months of spring and summer are when they grow the fastest. During this time, you should feed and water them regularly. During the winter, turn down the watering to once per month. Don’t forget to empty the drainage tray after watering to prevent the plant from standing in water.
Temperature and Light Requirements
Bright and filtered sunlight is ideal for growing snake plants. The afternoon sun may be too harsh for the plants. You shouldn’t suddenly move them from a low light area to a bright sunny one even if they can tolerate full sun. Also, avoid placing plants in deeply shadowed corners of your house.
An average room temperature and humidity level of 40-50% is ideal for snake plants. Temperatures between 50 and 85° F (10 and 29° C) are ideal for them. Sansevieria plants are tropical species, so they aren’t very cold hardy. They can be damaged by cold temperatures below 45-50°F. If the roots are not kept dry, winter frost can even kill the plant.
The Perfect Soil Mix
The roots of snake plants should not stay wet for too long. A waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and plant death. It is recommended to grow these plants in sandy soil that drains well.
Pumice, perlite, coco coir, gravel, peat, and chicken grit are the best soil ingredients. In most cases, these additives coarsen the potting mix while retaining a little moisture for the plant. At least half of the potting mix should contain such ingredients. A regular soil can be used for the remaining part.
Feeding
During the growing season, feed your Sansevieria at most once a month. Fertilizing your plants is best done in spring and summer. However, if you live in a warmer climate, you can feed the plant all year round. During the cold winter months, do not fertilize.
Snake plants do well with liquid fertilizers and slow-release granular fertilizers. In a diluted form, you can use any general purpose balanced fertilizer.