Moonshine Snake Plant Caring & Propagation Guide
Provide bright, indirect light for Sansevieria Moonshine to take care of. It is best to have moist, well-draining soil. A few times every four to six weeks, only water after the soil has dried out. Maintain an environment that is between 13°C and 29°C (55°F and 85°F). Between 40% and 50% humidity is ideal. Spring and summer are the best times to fertilize.
Moonshine Snake Plant Overview
| Species | Dracaena trifasciata Moonshine |
| Synonyms | Dracaena Moonshine, Sansevieria moonshine, Snake Plant 'Moonshine', trifasciata 'Moonshine', Silver Moonshine, Moonlight Snake Plant |
| Family | Agavaceae |
| Genus | Sansevieria |
| Growth | A succulent that grows vertically from its base and has a thick rhizome supporting rosettes with thick leaves. |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Width | 1 feet |
| Soil | Well-draining succulent or cactus soil |
| Watering | Water every 21 to 28 days |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Temperature | 55 to 85°F |
| Humidity | 40-50% |
| Fertilizer | Fertilize 1 times per month |
| Propagation | Division, offsets, and leaf cuttings |
| Toxicity | harmful to both humans and pets like cats and dogs. Contains saponins |
What is Sansevieria Moonshine?
The botanical name for snake plant, also known as Sansevieria moonshine, is Sansevieria trifasciata. This succulent grows vertically in a rosette shape and is evergreen. Sansevieria moonshine is a decorative plant that occasionally blooms indoors under ideal conditions.
Moonshine snake plants are distinguished by their pointed, light silver-green leaves and their narrow, dark green margins. The upright sansevieria's broad, 2-foot-long leaves. (60 cm) tall and 3" to 4" (7.5 – 10 cm) wide.
Since 2017, dracaena trifasciata has been used as the official botanical name for moonshine snake plants. Sansevieria is still the name by which most people still refer to this kind of succulent. Sansevieria trifasciata will therefore be used throughout the article to refer to the plant's former and more well-known name.
Silver moonshine, sansevieria moonglow, sansevieria silver queen, and moonlight snake plant are some of the other common names for Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as "Moonshine."
How to Care for Sansevieria Moonshine
Grow the snake plant in indirect light with well-drained, aerated potting soil to properly care for the sansevieria moonshine. When the soil starts to dry out, water the moonshine plant to avoid root rot. A temperature range of 55°F and 85°F (13°C – 29°C) and a humidity level of about 80% are ideal for snake plant growth. Rarely is fertilizing required.
Light Condition
Indirect light ranging from moderate to bright is ideal for Sansevieria moonshine growth. If the sun isn't too harsh, the adaptable snake plant can thrive in full sunlight. But even in low-light situations, this succulent plant can survive. However, you might discover that in the dark, the leaves lose their color.
The moonshine snake plant benefits from a few hours of light each day, in ideal circumstances. The plant will grow quickly and produce new leaves when exposed to bright light.
A windowsill with an east or west orientation is the ideal place to grow moonshine houseplants. Keep the succulent away from the window or cover it with a sheer curtain in rooms that face south. However, the moonshine snake plant also thrives in dark spaces like bedrooms or rooms with little natural light.
Potting Soil
Plant moonshine snakes in sandier, lighter succulent soil. Succulent potting soil is made by combining two parts of regular potting soil, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand. The best potting soil for retaining some moisture is standard, and perlite aids in quick drainage.
Drainage is the most important component of snake plant care. There ought to be some moisture left in the succulent mixture. However, the roots of sansevierias will rot and decay in soggy, damp soil, which is the main cause of their demise. So always make sure that water can freely flow through the soil and out the drainage holes in the pot.
Coconut fiber (coir), crushed gravel, poultry grit, or charcoal chunks are additional soil amendments that can be used to make a light, airy potting mix.
Water
As soon as the potting soil becomes dry, water a sansevieria moonshine. Only water the snake plant when the top 2" (5 cm) of soil is dry. Once the soil begins to drain from the bottom, continue to water it. When the soil is only partially dry, you should water the succulent again.
You might need to water the succulent once a week or so during warm weather. A moonshine plant, however, might only require a few weeks' worth of watering during the winter. Always look for moisture in the potting soil's uppermost layer before watering. Avoid watering the area until it is dry if you notice any dampness.
Temperature
When kept at typical room temperatures, moonshine snake plants thrive. The sansevieria will grow and thrive in any environment that is between 55°F and 85°F (13°C and 29°C). In colder or hotter climates, the snake plant will still grow, but it will grow more slowly.
It's best to keep a moonshine snake plant indoors and out of drafts if you want to take good care of it. Verify that the potted succulent is not exposed to a chilly summer breeze from an open window or the air conditioner. Don't put the pot next to a heater or hot radiator during the winter.
In USDA zones 10 and 11, sansevieria moonshine plants can be grown outside. They appear magnificent in patio planters or in succulent gardens. Keep in mind that sansevieria growing in the ground requires less watering than one growing in a pot. It's important to keep in mind that pale green leaves will become permanently damaged at temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
Sansevieria can be brought outside in pots in growing zones 9 and lower. To promote wholesome foliage and quick growth, place in a sunny area of your garden. When the temperature falls below 55°F (13°C), bring the potted snake plant back inside.
Humidity
An indoor plant with low humidity needs is the Sansevieria moonshine. For moonshine snake plants, a typical indoor humidity is ideal. Therefore, unless the air is extremely dry, no special measures are required to increase the humidity.
The leaves of the moonshine snake plant don't need to be misted. The fleshy green leaves can be cleaned once a week with a damp cloth instead. Sansevieria care will help maintain the sword-like leaves' excellent appearance and supply some moisture.
Fertilizer
The moonshine snake plant is a light feeder and doesn't need much fertilizer. If you do decide to fertilize the sansevieria, use a diluted cactus and succulent fertilizer. In the late spring and the middle of the summer, fertilize the succulents twice. An NPK fertilizer that is balanced and has a rating of 5-5-5 is a good option.
How to Propagate Sansevieria Moonshine Plants
It's simple to spread Sansevieria moonshine. Root division, leaf re-rooting in water, or planting directly in the ground are the best ways to propagate snake plants. Sansevieria should not be propagated from seeds because they are difficult to find and even more difficult to germinate.
Here are the best tips on propagating a moonshine plant:
How to propagate sansevieria moonshine leaves in water. Cut a healthy leaf close to the base, and then leave the cutting on some paper towels to callus over. After that, immerse the cutting in fresh water. The appearance of roots should take three to five weeks. Small pups will develop at the base two weeks after that. The cuttings can now be planted in succulent potting soil.
Sansevieria moonshine propagation in soil. Near the base, trim one or two sansevieria leaves. In order for the wound to heal, leave the cuttings on a paper towel for a few days. Put the snake plant leaves directly into a potting mix after that. After providing the moonshine plant with ample water, take regular care of it.
Propagating moonshine snake plant by division. Shake off extra dirt from the rhizome roots after removing the plant from the pot. Divide the roots, making sure there is at least one healthy leaf or a few young pups still attached. The standard sansevieria moonshine care instructions should be followed after planting in a suitable pot.
The Benefits of Sansevieria Moonshine Snake Plant
An excellent choice for beginners is the hardy Sansevieria moonshine snake plant. To flourish indoors, the succulent requires little care, and it even appears to benefit from neglect. So the moonshine snake plant is a great option if you want a houseplant that is simple to maintain.
The moonshine plant has advantages beyond just being low-maintenance. The snake plant purifies the air, says a NASA study. The trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde that are harmful air pollutants have been found to be filtered out by sansevieria plants.
Repotting Moonshine Snake Plants
Every two to three years, a sansevieria moonshine plant needs to be replanted. The succulent can expand by being moved to a larger container. To replenish the soil's nutrients and promote healthy growth, you can do that as well. Additionally, the sansevieria's root system has the potential to grow, strengthening it.
A sansevieria moonshine should be repotted in the spring. The plant is currently undergoing its most active phase of growth.
How to repot a sansevieria moonshine: Remove the succulent from its pot in the spring and clean the roots of any extra dirt. Look for damage to the roots and cut off any that are dead or decaying. Put the plant in a new, larger pot and fill it with the proper potting soil so it grows at the same height as before. Place in a bright area after thoroughly watering.
Pruning Sansevieria Moonshine Plants
Silver moonshine snake plants don't need to be pruned. However, if the sansevieria becomes too tall, remove the tallest leaf. If you want to start a new plant from seed, you can also cut leaves off the base.
Moonshine Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata) Flowers
A succulent that blooms is called Sansevieria moonshine. Moonshine snake plant flowers are creamy-white spindly tubular blooms that develop in tiny clusters on long, erect stems. Stalks from flowering snake plants can reach heights of up to three feet. (1 m) tall. Flowers on snake plants resemble honeysuckle flowers.
The Benefits of Sansevieria Moonshine Snake Plant
An excellent choice for beginners is the hardy Sansevieria moonshine snake plant. The succulent requires little maintenance indoors and even seems to benefit from neglect. So the moonshine snake plant is a great option if you want a houseplant that is simple to care for.
The moonshine plant has advantages beyond its low maintenance requirements. The snake plant purifies the air, according to a NASA study. Sansevieria plants have been found to assist in the removal of harmful airborne toxins like trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde.
Sansevieria Trifasciata Moonshine Growth Rate
Sansevieria moonshine grows slowly. The lance-shaped, pale silvery-green leaves should grow a few inches per year under ideal circumstances. The growth of the succulent will be slower in low-light situations.
Common Problems With Sansevieria Moonshine
Sansevieria Moonshine plants are generally trouble-free. The only problems that could occur would result from a carelessness. However, most of the time fixing them is fairly simple.
These problems include minor pest infestations, leaf darkening, and root rot.
Overwatering your Silver Moonshine plant will result in root rot. It affects the Sansevieria species more frequently.
Although able to tolerate a range of lighting conditions, leaving your plant in very low light could cause its leaves to turn a dark green color. Sadly, there is no turning back from this.
The only pests to bother your Silver Moonshine are spider mites or mealybugs. Using a cotton swab or q-tip and rubbing alcohol will work.
You can also use neem oil that has been diluted in water or dishwashing soap.
Conclusion
Beautiful, upright snake plant known as Sansevieria Moonshine has broad, silvery-green leaves. It enjoys bright indirect light. The leaves may become a darker green in low light, but they will still have a silvery sheen. Dry weather doesn't affect moonshine. Make sure your plant dries out completely between waterings because they are susceptible to rot problems. Although these plants are hardy, they prefer warmer climates. To avoid disease, it's crucial to keep the leaves dry.
FAQs
Is Sansevieria Moonshine Toxic?
Cats and dogs cannot handle moonshine snake plants. The ASPCA states that Sansevieria trifasciata contains saponins. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of poisoning if your pet cat or dog consumes moonshine snake plant parts.
Why Are Sansevieria Moonshine Leaves Drooping Or Wrinkling?
Because of a lack of moisture or chilly air, the moonshine snake plant's thick, fleshy leaves wrinkle. But occasionally, excessive watering, low humidity, or root rot can result in drooping sansevieria leaves.
Check the moisture level of the potting soil and take the necessary action to fix the drooping leaves. If the soil is dry, water the plant; if it is damp, don't.
How Do You Revive a Shriveled Snake Plant?
Insufficient watering will cause your moonshine snake plant to appear shriveled. Despite their drought tolerance, succulents' leaves wither when there is a sustained lack of water. Fill the potting soil with room temperature water, letting the extra water drain, to help the wilted leaves recover.
Why Are Moonshine Snake Plant Leaves Turning Brown?
Underwatering or irregular watering are the usual causes of brown tips on sansevieria moonshine leaves. Brown leaf tips, however, might be the result of root rot from excessive watering if the potting soil feels damp.
If the soil is dry, give the succulent a good watering to fix the brown tips. To have any chance of resolving the brown snake plant leaves caused by overwatering, you must repot the plant.
Is Sansevieria Trifasciata Moonshine Rare?
Although moonshine snake plants are not particularly uncommon, the stunning succulent is. A relatively recent cultivar of Sansevieria that is gaining popularity among plant enthusiasts is called "moonshine."