The silvery-green, spear-shaped leaves of Sansevieria moonshine are a striking snake plant. Its broad, pointed succulent leaves have an attractive dark green border, and it’s also known as the moonshine snake plant. Beginners and experts alike will appreciate this easy-care houseplant. The beautiful moonshine plant thrives in low-light and little water, so it may be grown almost anywhere. It also has small upright sword-like leaves that take up little space.
Sansevieria starfish, mother-in-law’s tongue, and Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’ are all examples of snake plant succulents that have upright pointed leaves that resemble swords or spearheads. The moonshine sansevieria plant is the subject of this care article.
You’ll learn how to overcome typical concerns when growing the robust sansevieria moonshine indoors at the conclusion of the article.
How to Care for Sansevieria Moonshine
Grow the sansevieria snake plant in well-drained, aerated potting soil to care for the moonshine. To avoid root rot, water the moonshine operation when the land is dry. Snake plants prefer temperatures of 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 29 degrees Celsius) with moderate humidity. It’s uncommon for fertilizing to be required.
What is Sansevieria Moonshine?
Yet, Dracaena trifasciata (commonly known as Moonshine snake plant) has the older botanical name. It’s a rosette-shaped evergreen succulent with stiff leaves that grow vertically. Sansevieria moonshine blooms beautifully in the right environment, but seldom indoors, as an ornamental plant.
The moonshine snake plant is distinguished by its light silver-green pointed leaves and narrow dark green border. Sansevieria broad leaves can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide on an upright stalk. The moonshine snake plant, Dracaena trifasciata, was renamed by botanists in 2017.
Most people, however, still refer to this kind of succulent as sansevieria. As a result, we’ll call it Sansevieria trifasciata throughout the article, rather than its natural name. Sansevieria silver queen, sansevieria moonglow, silver moonshine, and moonlight snake plant are some of the other common names for Sansevieria trifasciata.
The Benefits of Sansevieria Moonshine Snake Plant
Ideal for beginners, the Sansevieria moonshine snake plant is a tough houseplant. To thrive indoors, the succulent requires minimal care, even seeming to thrive on negligence. The moonshine snake plant is an ideal option for anyone who wants a houseplant that is simple to care for.
Moonshine plants have more advantages than just low-maintenance. The snake plant is an air-purifier, according to a NASA investigation. Sansevieria plants, according to scientists, filter out harmful gases such as trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde from the atmosphere.
Moonshine Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata) Flowers
A blooming succulent, Sansevieria moonshine Creamy-white spindly tubular blooms with small clusters on long upright stems make up the moonshine snake plant. Flowering snake plant stalks may reach heights of up to 3 feet (1 meter). Honeysuckle blossoms look like snake plant blossoms.
Sansevieria Moonshine Care Guide
Let’s explore the best ways to take care of a sansevieria moonshine plant in depth.
Moonshine Snake Plant Light Conditions
In indirect moderate to bright light, Sansevieria moonshine thrives best. If it isn’t too harsh, the versatile snake plant can flourish in full sun. This succulent plant, on the other hand, thrives in low-light surroundings. However, in the dark, the leaves might lose their hue. A few hours of sunlight every day are ideal for the moonshine snake plant. The plant will create new leaves if it receives plenty of light.
Moonhine houseplants benefit the most from east- or west-facing windowsills. Keep the succulent away from the window or cover it with a sheer curtain in rooms that face south. Moonshine snake plants, on the other hand, flourish in areas with little sunlight, such as bedrooms and rooms.
Sansevieria Moonshine Potting Soil
In light, sandy soil, grow moonshine snake plants as succulents. Two parts of normal potting soil, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand should be combined to make a delicious potting mix. Perlite aids in fast drainage and conventional potting soil is suitable for retaining some moisture.
The most important factor when caring for snake plants is drainage. The succulent blend should keep some moisture. The roots of sansevierias, though, will rot as a result of soggy, wet soil. Therefore, make sure that the water runs freely via the soil and exits via the pot’s drainage apertures. Coconut fiber (coir), crushed gravel, poultry grit, and charcoal pieces are some additional soil amendments that can be used to make a light, airy potting mix.
How to Water Moonshine Snake Plants
When the potting soil dries out, water a sansevieria moonshine. Only when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil is dry should you water the snake plant. After that, thoroughly soak the ground until it drains. When the soil is somewhat dry, you should water the succulent next time.
You’ll have to water the succulent every week or so in the summer. However, a moonshine distillery may only need to be watered every few weeks during the winter. Always check the top layer of potting soil for moisture before watering. Don’t water until it’s dry if you notice any moisture. For caring for a sansevieria moonshine, here are a few watering tips:
- To prevent shocking the roots, water snake plants using room temperature water.
- For succulents to avoid root rot, the “drench and dry” technique is ideal.
- watering frequency for Sansevieria plants in terracotta pots is greater than for those in plastic pots.
- Water should not collect in the area between the leaves, so avoid getting it on the leaves.
- To determine how often to water a moonshine snake plant, use soil moisture as a guide.
Temperature Requirements for Growing Sansevieria Moonshine Indoors
In typical room temperatures, moonshine snake plants thrive exceptionally. The sansevieria will grow well as long as the temperature is between 55°F and 85°F (13°C and 29°C). In colder or hotter temperatures, the snake plant may flourish, but its development will be hampered.
It’s preferable to keep a moonshine snake plant indoors away from chilly or scorching breezes. Make sure that the potted succulent isn’t in the cold air blown in from an open window or air conditioning during the summer. Don’t put the pot near a hot radiator or furnace in the winter, either.
In USDA zones 10 and 11, you can grow sansevieria moonshine plants outdoors. In succulent gardens or growing in containers on patios, they look spectacular. Remember that watering a sansevieria in the ground is less than watering one in a pot. It’s also helpful to recall that pale green leaves will be damaged irreversibly if the temperature falls below 32°F (0°C).
You may take a potted sansevieria outside in growing zones 9 and lower. To promote healthy foliage and fast development, plant it in a sunny area in your garden. When the temperature drops below 55°F (13°C), take the potted snake plant inside.
Moonshine Snake Plant Humidity Needs
With modest humidity requirements, Sansevieria moonshine is an easy-care houseplant. Moonshine snake plants prefer a high humidity level in the room. So, unless the air is extremely dry, there isn’t anything you have to do to increase humidity. Misting moonshine snake plant leaves is not required. Instead,weekly wipe down the succulent green leaves using a wet cloth. The sword-like leaves of this sansevieria will stay looking nice and moist with a little care.
How to Fertilize Moonshine Sansevieria
Moonshine snake plant is a low-maintenance plant that requires little fertilizer. For cactus and succulents, apply a diluted fertilizer if you decide to fertilize the sansevieria. Late in spring and mid-summer, apply the succulent fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer with a NPK rating of 5-5-5 is a good choice.
Flush the soil at the conclusion of summer to wash away mineral and salt deposits. It’s also helpful to remember that overfertilization might harm a plant’s development. You seldom have to supply extra nutrients for a moonshine snake plant that grows in healthy houseplant soil and is watered properly.
Sansevieria Trifasciata Moonshine Growth Rate
The growth rate of Sansevieria moonshine is moderate. The lance-shaped light silvery-green leaves should grow a few inches each year under optimal circumstances. The succulent, on the other hand, will grow more slowly in low-light situations.
How to Propagate Sansevieria Moonshine Plants
It’s simple to start growing Sansevieria moonshine. Root division, soaking leaves in water, or planting straight into the dirt are all effective snake plant propagation ways. Seeds are difficult to find and even more difficult to germinate, so it’s best not to propagate sansevieria by seed. For growing a moonshine plant, here are the greatest methods:
How to propagate sansevieria moonshine leaves in water. For a few days, callous over a sharp leaf by cutting it near the root and placing it on a paper towel. then toss the cutting into clean water. Roots should emerge in three to five weeks. Little pups will appear at the base two weeks later. Cuttings may now be placed in succulent potting soil.
Sansevieria moonshine propagation in soil. Near the root, cut one or two sansevieria leaves. Allow the wounds to heal for a few days by placing the cuttings on a paper towel. Then, in a suitable potting mix, put the snake plant leaves right away. As usual, water the moonshine plant thoroughly before care.
Propagating moonshine snake plant by division. Shake off excess soil from the rhizome roots before removing the plant from the pot. Make sure there is at least one healthy leaf or tiny pups connected to the roots when you divide them. Follow the typical sansevieria moonshine care instructions and plant it in a suitable pot.
Repotting Moonshine Snake Plants
Every two to three years, a sansevieria moonshine plant needs to be repotted. The plant can grow bigger when it is transferred to a bigger pot. To replenish nutrients for optimum development, you may also refresh the soil. Sansevieria becomes stronger when the root system expands. In the spring is the ideal season to repot a sansevieria moonshine. The plant is currently at its most active growth period.
How to repot a sansevieria moonshine: Shake loose soil from the roots in the spring while removing the succulent from its pot. Damage to the roots should be inspected, and any dead or decaying roots should be removed. Grow the plant at the same level as before by placing it in a new, bigger pot and filling it with suitable potting soil. Thoroughly water the leaves and arrange in a sunny location.
Pruning Sansevieria Moonshine Plants
Pruning isn’t required for silver moonshine snake plants. Yet, cut off the tallest leaf if the sansevieria grows taller than you want. If you want to propagate a new plant, you can also cut leaves from the base.
Pests Affecting Sansevieria Trifasciata Moonshine Growth
Sansevieria is a tough, long-lived houseplant that pests seldom bother with. Spider mites or mealybugs are the most likely pests to infest the plant. Using a natural neem oil spray is the finest way to eliminate sansevieria pests. To get rid of the bugs, spray the leaves once a week.
Combine 2 tsp. of neem oil and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. 1 tsp. of neem oil 1 quart (1 l) of water and liquid dish soap Mix thoroughly before applying. Afterwards, get rid of aphids, mites, thrips, and other insects on your houseplants using the natural pesticide. Thin strands of web dangle from the thick succulent leaves, which is a characteristic sign of spider mites on sansevieria. Before you see the little spider-like creatures on your plant, you’ll normally notice the webs.
On the green pointed leaves, mealybugs resemble tiny, white fuzzy growths. A white cotton wool-like material is left behind by mealybugs. Rubbing alcohol should be applied to individual mealybugs using a cotton bud to get rid of them.
Diseases Affecting Sansevieria Trifasciata Moonshine Growth
The most prevalent problem affecting moonshine snake plants is root rot. However, good watering techniques eliminate this risk. Mushy leaves, brown patches, or wilting are all symptoms of fungal or bacterial infections. To avoid any disease from spreading, remove infected leaves.
On the sansevieria, you notice mushy leaves. In that case, it’s vital to remove all diseased roots from the plant before transferring it from its pot. Cut off healthy leaves and throw away any bad plant parts if root rot is severe; this will help you propagate new plants.
Is Sansevieria Moonshine Toxic?
Dogs and cats should not be allowed near the moonshine snake plant. Sansevieria trifasciata has saponins, according to the ASPCA. If your cat or dog consumes pieces of moonshine snake plants, it may exhibit signs of poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
FAQs — Moonshine Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata) Care
Why are sansevieria moonshine leaves drooping or wrinkling?
Because of a lack of water or chilly breezes, the thick fleshy moonshine snake plant leaves becomewrinkled. Nevertheless, due to excessive moisture, low humidity, or root rot, drooping sansevieria leaves can appear in some situations. Check the moisture level of the potting soil and take appropriate action to resolve the drooping leaves. If the soil is dry, water the plant; if it is moist, postpone watering.
How do you revive a shriveled snake plant?
It’s a indication of insufficient water if your moonshine snake plant appears withered. The leaves of succulents wither when water is not available for a long time, despite the fact that they are drought-tolerant. Soak the potting soil in room temperature water and drain off the excess to revive the withered leaves.
Why are moonshine snake plant leaves turning brown?
Under watering or uneven watering are the most common causes of brown tips on sansevieria moonshine leaves. The brown leaf tips could be due to root rot caused by overwatering, if the potting mix feels moist. If the soil is dry, give the succulent a thorough watering to remedy the brown tips. If the plant has been overwatered, you’ll need to repot it in order to restore the brown snake plant leaves.
Is sansevieria trifasciata moonshine rare?
Moonshine snake plants aren’t uncommon, but the stunning succulent is uncommon. Plant lovers are increasingly interested in Sansevieria moonshine, a relatively recent cultivar.