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There are over 70 known species of snake plants, also referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue. It, therefore, becomes difficult for someone to decide which variety is ideal for their home. Snake plants are some of the most preferred indoor plants due to their air-purifying quality.
The best snake plant for your indoor or outdoor space depends on the size and décor as snake plants are classified according to their physical appearances, i.e., leaf shape, color, and the mature plant height ranging from 12inches to 6 feet.
Table of Contents
Unlike most green plants, studies by NASA suggest that snake plants take up toxins from the environment, such as formaldehyde and benzene. They are also loved for their unique quality; they take up carbon dioxide at night, releasing pure oxygen.
The choice of a snake plant depends on certain factors, such as its ease of maintenance, beauty, and size. Different snake plants have distinct appearances, among other qualities that might inspire your choice. In this post, I will be providing you with some of the best snake plants. Read on and find out the ideal plants for your space.
Sansevieria trifasciata twist
Sansevieria trifasciata twist is one of the most spectacular snake plant varieties due to its variegated twisted leaves. It exists in golden yellow and lime green, with striking silvery-green marking in the middle. The Sansevieria trifasciata twist variety is shorter than most snake plants growing to a height of 12 to 15 inches.
It is ideal for placing on windows with indirect light, such as east-facing windows.
Like other snake plants, the plant thrives under neglect as it requires less frequent watering. It can also stand medium levels of direct sunlight, tolerating low light conditions. It also grows well in warm regions, with little tolerance to cold. Its temperature requirements range from 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / to 18 – 24 degrees Celsius.
Sanseviera trifasciata Laurentil
Sansevieria laurentil is one of the best snake plants to grow at home for its unique advantages. According to studies by NASA, this is one of the best plants in air purification. If you place the plant in your bedroom, you can enjoy a more relaxing environment at night.
Additionally, the plant is magnificent with its unique beauty. You can distinguish it from other snake plants due to its green leaves with yellow edges. As a result, it is commonly referred t as the variegated snake plant. If you are looking for a large snake plant, you might consider growing sansevieria laurentil, as it can grow from 75 cm to 1oo cm.
Sansevieria MoonShine
Sansevieria moonshine is also known as the moonshine snake plant and is one of the rarest snake plant varieties. Its distinct evergreen color (silver grey-green) and leaf shape are loved. In other cases, the moonshine snake plant leaves have margins on the edges and faint dark green bands across the surface.
If you are looking for a giant snake plant, you could consider the moonshine snake plant.
Under the required growing conditions, the plant can grow up to a height of six feet, with the shorter plants reaching heights of two to three feet. It also has broad leaves of 34inch height and 2.4inch width. Unlike other snake plants, which are generally slow growers, this variety grows faster.
Sansevieria triasciata ‘Futura Robusta’
This variety is relatively small, growing to a height of 24inches and spreading 12 inches, making it ideal for placing on tabletops and windows. Its leaves are silver-green, bearing dark green horizontal stripes.
Another unique feature of this plant is its long life, living for up to ten years with proper care. It is also spectacular with its dense stands of vertically growing leaves forming a rosette shape. The plant grows quickly, spreading quickly by a rhizome covering large areas.
Sansevieria cylindrical
This plant is known as the African spear due to its origin and the cylindrical pointed leaves. The plant leaves are gray-green and subtly stripped, growing from the base of the plant. As they grow, these leaves form a distinct braided or star shape.
It exists in different varieties grouped according to the shape of the leaves. They include Sansevieria cylindrica’ Patula’, whose whole leaves grow outwards, bending downwards; Sansevieria cylindrica’ Skyline’ has larger erect leaves; and Sansevieria cylindrica’ Spaghetti,’ which has thinner leaves than the other varieties.
Also, the plant produces spectacular dense tiny delicate white blossoms.
Sansevieria Masoniana F Variegata
Sansevieria masoniana F variegata is one of the most sought-after snake plants due to its exceptional beauty. Also known as whale fin or mason’s congo is another giant snake plant you might consider growing for your indoor and outdoor space.
With adequate exposure to light, the plant develops mottled green leaves with a forest appearance with pink tips, which gives the plant a distinct appearance. The plant is quite spectacular, with long oval-shaped leaves reaching heights of 4feet and ten-inch wide. Despite the large size of the plant, it is a slow but steady grower.
Sansevieria crested hahnii
The plant is also popular among gardeners as it makes an excellent décor for indoor spaces. One of the distinct features of the plant is its dark glossy leaves which grow in a funnel shape forming a rosette shape.
Sansevieria crested hahnii leaves are also beautiful, with horizontal grey-green variegations enhanced by continued exposure to bright light.
You will also love the robust quality of the plant as it grows pretty fast, getting crowded within the growing pot. A mature bird’s nest plant is usually20 to 30 cm tall (12inches maximum height), spreading up to 6inches.
If you are looking for a small snake plant variety, you will find this a great choice, given its elegance. You can place it on your office table or display it in other ideal smaller spaces of choice.
Sansevieria Hahnii has two varieties: the bird’s Nest Snake Plant and golden hahnii. The difference is that golden hahnii leaves have yellow variegations along the edges.
The bird’s nest has shorter leaves of six to eight inches in length, and the leaves are also broad, dark, and light green, forming a tight nest shape. Also, the bird’s nest variety requires less light than the golden hahnii.
Sansevieria triasciata ‘Black Gold’
Black gold sansevieria is another elegant snake plant choice for your indoor spaces. The leaves make a striking display with their tall green, golden yellow-edged leaves. The plant is relatively tall, with its leaves growing to a height of 1M. Generally, the plant grows upright to a height of three feet and sleek width of 18inches.
Sansevieria black gold, therefore, makes a good choice for narrow spaces, such as displays for entryways or corner spaces. Also, the plant grows relatively slowly but lives for long periods.
Besides, the hardy nature of snake plants makes it difficult to kill them, even under neglect.
Summary Table
| Sansevieria trifasciata twist | Short with variegated twisted leaves, two golden yellow and lime green with striking silvery-green marking in the middle. |
| Sanseviera trifasciata Laurentil | It has green leaves with yellow edges |
| Sansevieria moonshine | Giant plant with distinct evergreen color (silver grey-green). Some with margins on the edges and faint dark green bands across the surface. |
| Sansevieria triasciata ‘Futura Robusta’ | Short plant with silver-green bearing dark green horizontal stripes. |
| Sansevieria cylindrica | Have cylindrical pointed leaves forming distinct erect, braided, or star shapes depending on the variety |
| Sansevieria masoniana F variegate | Also, whale fin or mason’s congo. Huge, with mottled green leaves with a forest appearance and pink tips |
| Sansevieria crested hahnii | It has dark glossy leaves which grow in a funnel shape forming a rosette shape. |
| Black gold sansevieria | Tall plant with green, golden yellow-edged leaves |
Conclusion
Snake plants are magnificent and easy to care for both indoors and outdoors. These plants are divided according to their appearance, leaf shape, and color. Also, different snake plants grow to different heights.
The choice of a plant will depend on your décor, taste, and space size. Whichever plant you pick, it is best to give it the necessary care to give you a stunning appearance.
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