It is impossible to determine whether Sansevieria zeylanica or Sansevieria laurentii is better as it all depends on how the owner takes care of them. Both species belong to the genus Sansevieria trifasciata. Obviously, there will be a lot in common in terms of their characteristics, care, and habitat.
We will instead discuss both of them and see if we can find any differences that can be used to determine which one is better between sansevieria zeylanica and sansevieria laurentii. Let’s take a look at our post below!
Sansevieria Zeylanica
The Sansevieria zeylanica plant, also known as Devil’s tongue, has sword-shaped leaves that grow upwards, just like Sansevieria laurentii. Dark and light green markings can be seen on the thick leaves of ‘Ceylon Bowstring Hemp’. You might find white patches in some areas, which are perfectly normal. Sansevieria zeylanica’s leaves can grow up to 2.5 feet (75 cm).
Sansevieria zeylanica, commonly known as bowstring hemp, is native to South East Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. As its leaves are green with stripes, Sansevieria zeylanica is very similar to Sansevieria laurentii.
The leaves of this green tropical plant look best when they grow in clumps. The long, sharp leaves of an upright plant are a stunning feature in any room. Plants can also be planted sequentially as a natural room divider or as a feature for modern offices.
With its hardy and sturdy structures, Sansevieria zeylanica is an exceptional houseplant that has the ability to purify the air in your home. It is known as a popular option whether indoors or outdoors, similar to Sansevieria laurentii and other snake plants.
Lighting
You should provide as much light as possible when growing Sansevieria zeylanica indoors. Placing them in the sunny window is the best choice in this case. You can provide bright indirect lighting if Sansevieria zeylanica cannot get lots of sunlight. In lower light, your Sansevieria zeylanica will have a darker green color on the hands.
When you grow Sansevieria zeylanica outdoors, it’s recommended for you to place it in a bright, direct sunlight area. Even though the peak of summer and intense scorching sun may cause the edges of the leaves to yellow, they will appear lighter outdoors. It’s probably also less apparent from a natural perspective.
Temperature
For Sansevieria zeylanica to thrive, a temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. It can be harmful to the leaves if you plant them at temperatures under 50°F. The best zone for growing this indoor plant is USDA zones 9 to 11.
Watering and Humidity
Human environments that are semi-arid are suitable for Sansevieria zeylanica. It is essential for you to find a pebble tray with water underneath the pot if you grow them indoors. Totally, it can increase the ambient humidity around the plant.
You can add a bit more humidity to the Sansevieria zeylanica if you grow them outdoors by mulching. Overwatering your plants will cause them to rot, so you should avoid it. Following soil drying, water needs to be applied. Ensure your plants are at least three to four inches deep by watering deeply and slowly. The frequency of watering should be reduced during winter.
Issues
There are two pests Sansevieria zeylanica has to contend with: mealybugs and spider mites, both of which eat the plant’s juice. Despite the fact that the pests do not transmit diseases, they can make leaves unattractive.
Sansevieria Laurentii
The Sansevieria laurentii plant is known for its upright swordlike leaves with vibrant yellow edges. A native of southern and central Africa, Sansevieria laurentii is actually found in the South East Asian Region, unlike its cousin Sansevieria zeylanica. A yellow variegated edge distinguishes the snake plant cultivar known as Sansevieria.
There are often misconceptions about Sansevieria laurentii as a low light plant. In reality, it is a medium to bright light plant that can tolerate medium to bright light. Low light, however, is not conducive to their growth. The leaves of Sansevieria laurentii have a modified type of photosynthesis to conserve water. They also open their pores exclusively at night, just like other succulent plants.
The best known and most popular house plant Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii has mottled gray-green leaves with yellow edges. Furthermore, this plant is virtually indestructible, making it an excellent choice for any situation.
With proper care, Sansevieria laurentii is a stemless evergreen perennial plant that lasts for years. Snake plant foliage can grow to 4′ tall in its native habitat, but indoor plants are usually only 2′ tall.
There are sword-shaped, sharply-pointed, fleshy, erect leaves with horizontal gray and green stripes on the leaves. The stiffly growing leaves will form a rosette at the base of the thick rhizome.
Lighting
In addition to enduring full sun, the Sansevieria laurentii is also capable of enduring indirect light as well as low light. As opposed to Sansevieria zeylanica, which thrives in bright and indirect sunlight, Sansevieria laurentii thrives in shady, low-light areas of the home.
Alternatively, Sansevieria laurentii can be kept in a warm location with temperatures over 50 °F (10 °C). During the winter, place Sansevieria laurentii in drafty windows to protect them.
Temperature
Since Sansevieria laurentii is a tropical plant, the cold temperature does not suit it. Temperatures between 55 °F and 85 °F are ideal for growing Sansevieria laurentii. Temperatures that are warmer are more preferable to them. Sansevieria zeylanica suffers from harm at lower temperatures than 50 °F just like Sansevieria zeylanica. Therefore, the best zone for growing this Sansevieria is also USDA zones 9 to 11.
Watering and Humidity
The soil needs to be well-drained, and Sansevieria laurentii needs no excessive watering, especially during the winter months. You should let the soil dry between waterings.
Since they’re native to arid deserts, your Sansevieria will thrive in sandier soils. In the hotter zones, snake plants need a bit more water in the first few weeks of growing.
Issues
Similar to Sansevieria zeylanica, Sansevieria laurentii does not tolerate spider mite infestations or mealybugs. They both consume sap from Sansevieria plants, which weakens the plant and can also cause wounds and leaves to fall off.
Okay, based on our explanation above, which one is better between sansevieria zeylanica and sansevieria laurentii? In our opinion, both are great for houseplants, and depending on how you handle them outside, there are also differences.