A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Sansevierias

Your Guide to buying the best Sansevierias

Overview

Sansevierias are a unique and easy-to-care-for type of houseplant, often referred to as a snake plant. With their wide array of sizes, shapes, and colors, they are a popular choice for any home or office. This buying guide provides detailed information on what to consider when purchasing a Sansevieria, from its size and type to the soil and care it requires. With this guide, you’ll be sure to find the perfect Sansevieria for your space.

Key features

  1. Light needs: Sansevierias do best in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate low light.
  2. Water needs: Allow soil to dry out between watering. Do not overwater or leave the Sansevieria sitting in water.
  3. Humidity: Sansevierias are very tolerant of low humidity levels.
  4. Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix.
  5. Fertilizer: Sansevierias do not need regular fertilizing, but can benefit from a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
  6. Temperature: Sansevierias prefer temperatures between 65-80F (18-27C) with night temperatures no lower than 55F (13C).
  7. Pests: Common pests to look out for include mealybugs, thrips, scale, and spider mites.
  8. Propagation: Sansevierias can be propagated by division or leaf cuttings.

See the most popular Sansevierias on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility - Sansevierias have a variety of uses, from providing oxygen to purifying the air to making an attractive addition to any space.
  • Low Maintenance - Sansevierias are very easy to care for and require very little attention. They are also quite hardy and can thrive in most environments.
  • Air Purifying - Sansevierias are known to absorb harmful chemicals and toxins from the air, making them an ideal choice for people looking for a natural way to clean their air.
  • Low Light Tolerance - Sansevierias can tolerate low light conditions and even do well in direct sunlight, making them perfect for those who want to bring a bit of life into a dark corner.

Cons

  • Light Requirements: Sansevierias need bright, indirect light to thrive, but too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn or scorching.
  • Pruning: Sansevierias do not need to be pruned, but if left untrimmed, the leaves may become long and unruly.
  • Fertilizer: Sansevierias do not need a lot of fertilizer, so it can be difficult to find one that is suitable for their needs.
  • Watering: Sansevierias are sensitive to overwatering, and can easily be susceptible to root rot if too much water is given.
  • Temperature: Sansevierias prefer warm temperatures and can suffer in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
  • Pests: Sansevierias can be vulnerable to mealybugs, spider mites, and other pests.

Best alternatives

  1. Snake Plant - also known as Sansevieria, this is the most popular type of succulent with its spiky appearance and durable nature.
  2. Aloe Vera - a popular succulent with spiky leaves and a gel-like substance that is great for skin care.
  3. Cacti - a drought-tolerant plant with thick spines and waxy leaves for a unique look.
  4. Zebra Plant - a small plant with distinctive white stripes on its leaves and a tolerance for hot, dry climates.
  5. Money Tree - a tropical plant that is easy to care for and can bring luck and prosperity.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Potting soil - A soil mixture specifically designed for potting plants suitable for Sansevieria.
  • Fertilizer - A granular fertilizer specifically formulated for Sansevierias to help with growth and health.
  • Pots - Containers with drainage holes, preferably made of clay, ceramic, or plastic.
  • Tray - A shallow tray or bowl that can be used to catch drainage water.
  • Scissors - To trim away any dead or damaged leaves.
  • Gloves - Sansevierias can have sharp edges, so wearing gloves is recommended when handling.
  • Pest control - A natural insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat any pests.
  • Humidity tray - A tray filled with stones or pebbles and water to help maintain humidity.

Common questions

  1. Where are Sansevierias best suited for? Sansevierias are well suited for both indoor and outdoor growing conditions. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, making them a great choice for both sunny and shady areas. They are also drought tolerant and require very little maintenance.
  2. What soil should I use for my Sansevierias? For best growth, Sansevierias should be planted in a well-draining, soil-based potting mix. A good mix should consist of equal parts sand, peat moss, and compost.
  3. How often should I water my Sansevierias? Sansevierias prefer to be watered infrequently and deeply. Water your plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and water until the excess runs out of the bottom of the pot.
  4. When should I fertilize my Sansevierias? Sansevierias do not require much fertilizer and will do fine with no fertilizer at all. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every two or three months during the growing season.
  5. What pests should I watch out for with Sansevierias? Sansevierias are generally pest-free, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Treat any infestations with an insecticidal soap spray.
  6. Are there any dangers associated with Sansevierias? All parts of Sansevierias are toxic if ingested, so take care to keep them away from children and pets.

Trivia

Sansevieria plants have a long and interesting history. In the 18th century, British collectors paid high prices for rare specimens of Sansevieria, and in the 19th century they were a favorite of Victorian greenhouses. Sansevierias are also nicknamed "mother-in-law's tongue" because of their sharp, pointed leaves - a humorous reference to the tongue-in-cheek nickname that some people give their mother-in-law! Sansevieria plants are also known for their air purifying properties, as they are capable of removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air. In addition, Sansevieria plants are capable of surviving in low light, making them ideal for homes and offices. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.