Sansevieria Silver Queen Care Guide – Snake Plant Care
Also Known As
At A Glance
Features
Origin
Sansevieria Trifasciata (the parent variety) is native to west Africa. But it can also be found in warmer regions of Madagascar, India, Indonesia etc. The silver queen cultivar has a garden origin.
Size
This is a medium sized snake plant that grows up to 3 feet under optimal growing conditions. It has long upright leaves that are around 1.5 to 2 inches wide in the middle.
Foliage
Silver queen snake plants have tall, sword shaped leaves that grow upright from the soil. The foliage has stunning silver green color with irregular horizontal green bands. The stripes are light and not very distinct as a typical snake plant.
Flower
It is extremely rare for silver queen snake plant to flower. It might produce white colored flowers that grow in clusters on a vertical flower stalk.
Toxicity
This plant is mildly toxic for humans and animals. If consumed in large amounts, it can cause symptoms like mouth and stomach irritations, vomiting, nausea, drooling and diarrhea. To be safe, keep it away from children and pets.
Growth Season
This evergreen species actively grows during the spring to summer season. In cold winters, it can become dormant and hardly grows. Flowering time is erratic, but it tends to happen in winter to spring season.
Pests
Sansevieria plants are tough and they are hardly bothered by pests and diseases. Spider mites and mealybugs might be possible threats. The pest infestations are easy to remedy if caught early. Keeping the soil drier and plant leaves clean will prevent most diseases.
Propagation
Silver queen plants can be easily propagated by division or rooting leaf cuttings. When using leaf cuttings, take at least 3-4 inches long sections and plant them in loose soil. Wait a couple of months for the roots to develop and then repot the baby plants. Root division is a quick and easy method for mature plants.
Growing Conditions
Water
Sansevieria plants absolutely dislike constantly wet roots. So, it's best to keep the soil on a drier side. Let the top 1 inch soil layer dry off before watering your plant. Water once every other week or once a week, depending on the atmosphere. Reduce the watering as the temperature starts to drop. In winters, you can water your snake plant just once a month.
Light
This plant can tolerate anything from bright sunlight to low light conditions. But harsh afternoon sun might be too much for the plant to handle. Moderate to bright indirect sunlight seems to be the best for ideal plant growth. Keep your outdoor plants in a shaded area. Indoor plants can be placed near a window covered by sheer curtains.
Soil
A fast-draining and gritty soil mix is great for all Sansevieria. Never plant your Sansevieria in 100% pure soil. Use additives like pumice, perlite, coir, sand or gravel to increase the porosity of your soil mix. You can also use a standard potting mix made for cacti and succulents.
Environment
Silver queen makes a great indoor ornamental plant. Like most Sansevieria, the average room temperature and humidity suits well for the plant growth. Ideal temperature is anywhere between 60-85°F (16-85°C). However, the plant is not winter hardy. It's best to avoid temperature below 45°F (7°C), especially when the soil is damp.
