Snake Plant vs. Sansevieria: Are They the Same?

Imagine you walk into a nursery and spot that tall, strappy-leafed beauty you know as the snake plant. But then, when talking to one of the people there, they keep referring to it as a sansevieria. You pause and wonder if you’re wrong. Maybe the person you’re talking to is wrong. What is real and what isn’t? 

Keep that crisis at bay because we’re diving into what is a snake plant! 

Is Sansevieria a Snake Plant?

Snake plant vs sansevieria? What even is the difference? Originally grouped under its own genus, enthusiasts called the snake plant a sansevieria for decades before botanists decided to fold that genus into Dracaena, which is a larger family of tropical plants. 

Despite this change, most plant lovers still cling to the old name. After all, familiarity is hard to uproot (pun totally intended). Rest assured, whether your plant wears the new Dracaena badge or the former name, genetically it’s the very same species.

It’s All in the Looks

Peek closely at a snake plant and you’ll spot horizontal banding in tones from silvery green to deep emerald. Some varieties display neon yellow edges or silvery sheen across their blades. Leaves can reach up to a metre tall before gracefully arching. Their smooth, waxy finish repels dust, making it perfect for improving indoor air quality. Just remember to wipe down the leaves.

Also Read - How Snake Plant Help in Air Purification?

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue? What?

Well, yeah! The plant gets its nickname because of the long, pointed leaves that resemble a sharp tongue. What can we say? It’s a name, despite the years, that just stuck! 

More Pseudonyms than a Celebrity

Beyond Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, you’ll find many names for the snake plant. Viper’s bowstring hemp or stout sword grass… Each moniker nods to its stiff, strap-shaped leaves and storied uses. 

What is a Snake Plant?

Snake plants are succulents that originate from the savannas and scrublands of West Africa. Its thick leaves store moisture and stand upright like sentinels, minimizing sun exposure on scorching afternoons. Traders brought it overseas centuries ago, and its reputation for enduring neglect skyrocketed. Today, it thrives in homes across the globe. It’s one of the most, if not the most, popular indoor plants!

NASA’s Clean Air Study found out that this succulent filters toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Its sturdy leaves absorb these volatile compounds, improving air quality in your lounge or office. While more research is needed on real-world effects, having a few specimens lining a window ledge certainly can’t hurt.

Studies also show that caring for easy-going greenery reduces stress and boosts mood. Spending a few moments inspecting leaves, tweaking placement, or simply staring at the sculptural foliage offers quick mental reprieves. Place it on your work desk for a midday reset or beside your bedside to create a soothing bedside sentinel.

Selecting a Snake Plant is Easy!

If you’re shopping for a snake plant, don’t be confused by the many terms and nicknames. Give yourself some time to look around yourself. Here are some tips that may help!

1. Check the leaf color. Bright bands mean good light history.
2. Avoid floppy or yellowing specimens. That often means stress or plants being kept in low light conditions.
3. When you’re ready to talk to someone from the nursery, ask if it’s been treated for pests. Why? That’s because pests can still be present or re-emerge. Even the more seasoned plant parents struggle with pest control.
4. Look into the nursery. Good growers sell good plants. 

If a pot bears the old genus name, don’t panic. Retailers often keep that label for brand recognition. You know, to make things easier for you, the buyer. Your plant remains genetically unchanged. Tags may even list many names. Either way, you’re signing on for the same evergreen superstar.

Also Read - 6 Different Types of Snake Plant

More Growing Tips for the Sansevieria Plant

The usual suspects, rather suspect, is overwatering. The snake plant only needs watering when the topsoil gets dry. In the summer, that’s about once a week. In the winter, significantly less.

Snake plants adore bright, indirect light. Sure, it may tolerate dim spaces, but why make the plant go through that? Oh, do avoid the harsh sun. The leaves may crisp up!

Snake Plants Galore!

Whether you cling to the classic genus label or embrace the updated Dracaena title, you’re celebrating the exact same resilient, air-freshening, sculptural houseplant. From arid African plains to your cozy living room this evergreen wonder proves that names may shift, but its true character remains. 

Next time you pass that upright, variegated standout, smile and know you’re looking at one of the most forgiving, handsome companions in the green kingdom. Bloombox has many, like so many, snake plants just waiting to find a new home!