Introducing the Zeylanica Snake Plant, known as 'Sansevieria zeylanica,' a low-maintenance snake plant belonging to the Sansevieria  genus. The Sansevieria zeylanica has several other common names, such as Ceylon Bowstring Hemp, Vipers Bowstring Hemp, Snake Plant, Mother in Law's Tongue, or Snake Plant, and is very similar to the Sansevieria trifasciata. 

This evergreen perennial Sansevieria zeylanica snake plant is very popular among gardeners for its easy-to-care-for nature.

The Sansevieria zeylanica has long, sword-shaped leaves that grow upright and can grow up to 3–4 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

The leaves are a vibrant shade of green, with light gray-green horizontal stripes running along their length.

This unique pattern adds visual interest and makes it a standout addition to any indoor space.

The flowers of the Sansevieria zeylanica snake plant have tall spikes with small, tubular flowers, typically greenish white, pale green, or cream, that bloom from spring to summer. However, it's worth noting that indoor-grown Sansevieria zeylanica plants rarely flower. These snake plants are more popular for their striking foliage than for their blooms. 

Native to tropical West Africa, the Sansevieria zeylanica plant thrives in bright light to partial shade, making it ideal for indoor spaces. It releases oxygen at night, purifying the indoor air by removing harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene and providing a fresh burst of oxygen while you sleep, making it an excellent addition to your bedroom.

When it comes to Sansevieria zeylanica propagation, you can achieve this through divisions or cuttings.  With time and proper Sansevieria plant care, the cuttings will develop roots and grow into new plants. 

Watering Needs 

Like other succulents, Sansevieria zeylanica is drought-tolerant and stores water in its foliage, eliminating the need for damp soil. You shouldn't water the soil until it has completely dried out. 

In the spring and summer, when it is actively growing, it will require a lot of water. During the winter, this indoor plant goes dormant and requires less water.

Watch for signs of dehydration in your Sansevieria zeylanica succulent, such as a pale discoloration and the leaves starting to shrivel. This indicates that it's consuming the water stored in its interior. Both underwatering and overwatering can be detrimental to your snake plant, so you must ensure you apply the right amount of moisture to keep them healthy and happy. 

Light Requirements

When it comes to indoor plant's light requirements, Sansevieria zeylanica is a pretty versatile plant. It can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, making it a great choice for both bright and low-light areas in your home. It can thrive in moderate-to-bright indirect light, such as near a window with filtered sunlight. However, it can also tolerate lower light conditions, like those found in offices or rooms with less natural light. Just keep in mind that if you place it in a low-light area, your Zeylanica snake plant may grow more slowly and have less vibrant foliage.

If you live in a warm and tropical climate, you can consider growing Sansevieria zeylanica outdoors. In such conditions, it will thrive in partial shade or dappled sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can scorch the leaves. 

Remember, it's always a good idea to observe your Sansevieria plant and adjust its lighting conditions accordingly. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or pale, it may be an indication that they're receiving too much direct sunlight. If the leaves become dark green and start to stretch towards the light, it may be a sign that they need more indirect light.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

This snake plant favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary potting soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. To prevent overwatering, use a terracotta pot with a drainage hole. Instead, make or buy a well-draining succulent potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix that contains organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent thrive.

When it comes to fertilizing these house plants, organic fertilizers with an equal ratio of 5-10-5 (NPK) also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals (too much fertilizer) and give your tropical plants some love with some awesome organic fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More  

When growing indoors, your Zeylanica snake plant can thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. However, it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F and warmer temperatures up to 90°F. Just be mindful that extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged exposure to very low or high temperatures can stress the Sansevieria plant.

Sansevieria zeylanica can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9–11. This is a tropical native that cannot withstand freezing temperatures. If you live in a colder climate outside of these hardiness zones, it's best to keep your Sansevieria zeylanica indoors or treat it as a container plant that you can move indoors during the colder months.

Remember, this snake plant prefers warmth, so if you do decide to bring it outdoors during the summer months, make sure to place it in a shaded area to protect it from intense sunlight and provide adequate humidity.

The Sansevieria zeylanica is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, which are typically around 40–60%. However, it can also adapt to lower humidity levels without any major issues. So, you don't need to worry too much about providing specific humidity conditions for this snake plant.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Sansevieria zeylanica is a fantastic snake plant for both indoor and outdoor gardening. With its sword-shaped leaves and low-maintenance nature, it can tolerate lower humidity levels and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9–11. Its striking appearance, air-purifying qualities, and resilience make it a popular choice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant enthusiast, zeylanica snake plant is a great addition to any collection. So, if you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant, give Sansevieria zeylanica a try!

You may also like the other popular snake plant varieties, including the moonshine snake plant, the mother-in-laws snake plant, the Cylindrical snake plant, and the snake plant laurentii.