Learn everything there is to know about Sansevieria, commonly known as Mother-in-Tongue Law’s or Snake Plant, by reading this article. These common names really apply to one of the most widespread varieties, which has long, flat leaves that resemble swords. Details are provided near the end of this essay about the numerous further kinds.
Interesting fact: Viper’s or Ceylon Bowstring Hemp is one common name for Sansevieria that you might not be familiar with. This term was given because the plant fibers are so strong that they can be used to produce bow strings. The Zeylanica Sansevieria is most appropriately known by its common name (picture further down in this post).
Another fascinating fact is that, as of 2018, Sansevieria has been added to the Dracaena genus as a result of molecular research. The ‘Sansevieria is actually a Dracaena dispute’ has been around since the 19th century, in fact. The unknown! If at all, it will take some time for our team to acclimate to this most recent change.
Lighting for Sansevieria
In our region, all Sansevierias that are easily grown as tropical or indoor houseplants have a few things in common. Sansevierias are endemic to southern Asia, Madagascar, and tropical western Africa, and they may survive the winter in Zones 10 to 12. They make fantastic houseplants and can withstand a range of lighting situations, while not being winter hardy in Arkansas.
Online searches will yield a variety of lighting suggestions, from dim to bright. The cause? They can withstand practically any level of lighting, even artificial light, yet too much sun can scorch leaves. Avoid setting them in windows with a south or west orientation, as well as in the afternoon sun. Interesting leaf colors can become less vibrant when there is insufficient light.
Are Sansevieria and Dracaena interchangeable terms?
The Sansevieria genus (also known as snake plants) was originally named in honor of a person, like many other plant species.
Sansevierias have been integrated into the genus Dracaena by modern science, which has defined where they belong in the plant kingdom.
Why Plant Names Change
A plant’s botanical name may change for a number of reasons, many of which are related to the fact that there are various classification schemes.
There is a lot of uncertainty since these methods, which Linneaus devised for the nomenclature of plants in the 18th century, can conflict with one another.
However, the following factors frequently lead to modern plant renaming:
The plant was named due to observed factors.
A plant may occasionally be mistaken for another plant if its growth patterns or appearance are similar.
Other times, a plant might show up twice and get named twice (for example, Alocasia Amazonica and Alocasia ‘Polly’).
As these naming errors are found, they are reclassified to fix them.
The plant was named for a person.
The APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group) classification system, among others, is gradually converting many plants to descriptive names, even if this is still a commonly recognized practice.
The plant is genetically related to another plant.
Science has found that many species and genii overlap as it starts to study the genomes of various plant species.
This is valid for both outdated systems of classification based on outward appearance and for instances of plants that are discovered to be hybrids rather than actual species.
The Case Against Sansevieria
Molecular phytogenetics, a sort of phylogeny that aims to categorize plants based on their DNA and build a more accurate plant family tree, was used to study Sansevieria.
In this instance, the APG IV (released in 2016) asserted that sansevierias’ genetic makeup was too similar to that of dracaenas.
Although not all categorization schemes concur with this choice, the APG and other phylogenetic schemes have gained popularity and frequently serve as a guide for botanists.
Check out this film, which has interviews with specialists whose work has supported or led to the reclassification, for a more thorough explanation of how this research was undertaken for Sansevieria and what they discovered.
The Backlash
Fans of sansevieria were furious at the name change, as one might anticipate for such a cherished genus.
Many devotees promised to keep referring to their snake plants by the previous name.
They argued that since the name had not changed in more over 200 years, it cannot be expected to do so immediately.
According to several answers, this uses a lot of flowery language that has very nothing to do with gardening.
Others took a more rational approach, pointing out that, after the microscope was put away, there were no parallels between Sansevieria and dracaena.
They differ in appearance, require extremely varied levels of care, and even in their intended functions and advantages.
For many years to come, this issue will probably be strongly contested, and it’s possible that different categorization systems may continue to use different names for the same plant.
A plant may have numerous current botanical names at once, which can be confusing for nurseries and other merchants as well as information websites. These things are becoming more and more prevalent.
What Sansevieria’s Renaming Means for You
You’ll mostly be impacted by scientific or botanical names if you’re seeking to order a plant online.
For instance, as nurseries switch to the new name of Dracaena trifasciata, it will become increasingly difficult to find Sansevieria trifasciata.
The good news is that you can multiply your snake plant and completely avoid purchasing new specimens of the same type.
Furthermore, you are free to choose the name you want to give your plants since no one from the official Name Police will ever walk on your house and demand you stop calling them Sansevieria.
Why do Dracaena snake plants exist?
Typical names Dracaena trifasciata is also known as “Saint George’s sword,” “mother-in-tongue,” law’s or “snake plant” due to the form and sharp edges of its leaves, which resemble snakes. Because it is one of the sources of plant fibers used to produce bowstrings, it is also known as “viper’s bowstring hemp.”
What is Sansevieria’s other name?
The snake plant, sometimes known as mother-in-tongue, law’s is a hardy succulent that can reach heights of up to six feet.
Snake plants not only provide some ambiance but also have a lot of health advantages, such as:
- air filtering inside
- eliminate harmful contaminants
- could improve mental health
- simple to maintain
- useful in preventing allergies
- may contribute to enhancing a space’s “energy,” in accordance with feng shui
- can treat mild illnesses
Filter indoor air, even at night
Snake plants, like other domestic succulents, assist in air filtration. This specific plant is special because it is one of the few living things that can change carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen at night.
Due to its ability to maintain a healthy airflow, this characteristic makes it the perfect plant for bedroom décor.
Remove toxic pollutants
The removal of harmful air pollutants is another property of snake plants. Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing chemicals in minute amounts, such as:
- CO2
- benzene
- formaldehyde
- xylene
- trichloroethylene
- toluene
Snake plants may provide a powerful barrier against allergies brought on by airborne pollutants thanks to their capacity to absorb and eliminate these toxins.
Mental health booster
The premise that plants play a good function is well established, according to research from 2018, even though the advantages of indoor plants on mental health still deserve additional scientific study.
Due to its therapeutic properties, horticultural therapy is even used in the treatment of mental illnesses.
A low-cost, low-risk option to enhance the settings in companies, schools, and healthcare institutions is by adding indoor plants.
Low maintenance and easy to care for
There are several reasons why snake plants are popular indoor plants. One is how simple it is to maintain.
All continents commonly have Sansevieria plants in pots, according to botanist Halina Shamshur of NatureID.
They are frequently planted on windowsills in homes, apartments, and various public buildings since they are very low maintenance.
Shamshur claims that snake plants can withstand both shade and intense sunlight, as well as being submerged underwater, drafts, and dry air. They also hardly ever get infested and don’t need to be repotted frequently.
Effective against allergies
Snake plants can aid in reducing the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander by releasing oxygen and adding moisture to the air.
This is unquestionably advantageous because low indoor air quality has been associated with a variety of health problems, including allergies and asthma.
A little feng shui can go a long way
According to Shamshur, the snake plant is adored by the Chinese because it can neutralize bad energy. Feng shui claims that putting Sansevieria in a classroom can help students study.
According to Shamshur, snake plants are thought to absorb negative energy and get rid of resentment and envy. She proposes putting them in a room where people frequently quarrel or close to radiation-emitting devices.
Although there is no scientific support for this, there is no harm in trying.
Relieves minor physical ailments
Shamshur mentions a number of additional advantages of snake plants that, while not supported by science, are generally acknowledged among botanists.
For instance, it is claimed that snake plants:
- skin burns and wounds
- decrease inflammation
- support a normal blood pressure range
- aid in boosting the immune system
- aid in eliminating parasites
- headache reduction
She claims that the sap from the plant’s leaves can be used to wounds, burns, and inflammation. A headache can be treated with aromatherapy.
Shamshur reminds us to use caution when utilizing snake herbs for therapeutic purposes.
Large amounts of saponins, which are toxic compounds, are present in their leaves. Numerous laxative, choleretic, and diuretic medications frequently contain saponins.
Before utilizing snake plant to treat any problems, be careful to speak with a doctor. Never consume or drink any snake plant components.
Is Sansevieria the same as Dracaena trifasciata?
One of the most common and resilient types of houseplants is Dracaena trifasciata, also referred to as the snake plant. It was categorized as Sansevieria trifasciata botanically up until 2017, however there were much too many similarities between it and Dracaena species to ignore. The plant can grow from six inches to eight feet tall and has rigid, sword-like leaves. Although the color of snake plants can vary, many have leaves with green bands and frequently have a yellow border. These plants are simple to grow and frequently practically unbreakable. They will flourish in areas of the house that are nearly dark or in very intense light. In indoor lighting, snake plants typically develop slowly, but adding more light will speed up growth if the plant gets a few hours of direct sunlight. The optimal time to plant and repot is in the spring.
The best Sansevieria is…
Sansevierias are very popular. In fact, this intriguing and diverse genus of plants has become the most popular category in our greenhouse, surpassing even pothos. And that makes sense. Sansevierias are an attractive, compulsively collecting, and nearly indestructible houseplant that both novice and seasoned plant parents could desire. It’s obvious that if you have one, you’ll want another. If not, perhaps we can entice you with one of our top five picks to join the club.
Number 5: Sansevieria ‘Fernwood’
With dozens of slender, slightly flattened, but also somewhat tubular leaves emerging from the pot and arching this way and that, this sansevieria stands out from the majority in a way that resembles a large shock of hair. Every leaf displays the typical pattern of alternating tiger stripes in green and silvery-green that most sansevieria variants exhibit, making it evident that this variety still belongs to the family.
Number 4: Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
This Sansevieria is the one we would describe as the “classic Sansevieria” of the bunch. ‘Laurentii’ forms clusters of upright, strap-like leaves, some of which remain straight while others twitch slightly, giving each plant a unique appearance. Each leaf has characteristic creamy-yellow border that extends the entire length and over the tip, and alternate patterns of green and silvery stripes.
Number 3: Sansevieria zeylanica
S. zeylanica is ‘Laurentii’-like but also highly distinct. The tall, strap-like leaves of this species are similar to those of ‘Laurentii,’ but rather than bright greens and creamy yellow borders, S. zeylanica opts for a moodier palette of blue- and gray-greens. The designs are still vibrant, and each leaf has a distinctive look with its unique arrangement of stripes, dots, bands, and ripples.
Number 2: Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Starfish’
Sansevierias, on the other hand, follow an entirely different path and develop their leaves as pointed tubes rather than straps. The shape of “Starfish,” as its name suggests, is similar to what would happen if you partially buried a sea star in a pot, with many fan-shaped, cylindrical leaves emerging from a central point. The strong plant “Starfish” also has thick, rigid leaves that resemble wood. But the Sansevieria stripes are still present, this time around each leaf in tight rings.
Number 1: Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
With sansevierias, there is a wide diversity of leaf shape, from straps to tubes to spears currently. The cultivar “Moonshine” features leaves that is formed like a spear and adds a unique, uncommon hue. It has a hazy, silvery-green hue that is almost “ghostly.” But to prevent things from getting too fleeting, each leaf’s outside edge is likewise framed by a thin, dark green ribbon.
Find Your New Favorite
Sansevierias are the perfect plant if you want something that is just beautiful and doesn’t require anything in return. These lovely plants grow in a variety of lighting settings and like the chance for their soil to dry out in between waterings. Sansevierias thrive in indirect, bright light, but they can also tolerate low light, making them the ideal addition to any plant collection. Visit our Greenhouse to add to your current sansevieria crew’s favorites or to start a new one with something special.