The Moonshine Snake Plant is a stunning and low-maintenance plant that’s a perfect choice for beginners and plant lovers alike.
Known for its silver-green leaves and modern look, this variety of snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’) is one of the most attractive types, with a look that’s both modern and unique.
If you want a plant that’s stylish, easy to care for, and tough enough to thrive in a variety of conditions, the sansevieria moonshine plant is an excellent choice.
Why It’s Called Moonshine
This Silver Snake Plant gets its name from its silvery, pale green leaves that look like they’re glowing in moonlight. This variety stands out from other snake plants because of its unique color, which is more muted and almost metallic-looking. It adds an elegant, calming touch to any room and is especially popular in modern and minimalist spaces.
How to Identify a Moonshine Snake Plant
The Moonshine Snake Plant has broad, upright leaves with a soft, silvery-green color that’s lighter than most other snake plants. The leaves grow straight up, forming a rosette shape, and are sometimes edged in darker green. Newer leaves often have a more intense, almost white color, which deepens to a soft green as they mature.
Size
These great plants typically grow to be about 2-3 feet tall indoors, but can reach the ultimate height of around 4 feet. Each leaf will grow up to 2-3 inches wide. They’re fairly compact, which makes them great for smaller spaces or for adding height in a plant arrangement.
Care
Lighting Conditions
The Moonshine Snake Plant is very adaptable when it comes to the amount of light, which makes it an excellent choice for a variety of indoor spots.
Ideally, you need:
- Bright, indirect light: This is ideal and helps maintain the plant’s light green, silvery color.
This plant can also survive in:
- Low light conditions: The Moonshine Snake Plant can tolerate lower light, though its leaves may become darker green in low light and may grow more slowly.
- Direct sunlight: Avoid long periods of direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
Pro Tip: If you want to keep the bright silvery color of the leaves, place your plant in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
The Moonshine Snake Plant is drought-tolerant and needs less water than most other houseplants. Overwatering is the most common issue with this plant, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
- In spring and summer months: Water every 2-3 weeks or when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
- In fall and winter months: Water less, around once a month, as the plant goes into a dormant period and doesn’t need as much moisture.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s better to underwater than overwater your Moonshine Snake Plant. This plant can handle drought, but its roots will rot if they sit in water for too long.
Temperature and Humidity
Moonshine Snake Plants prefer warm temperatures and low humidity, making them perfect for typical indoor conditions.
- Temperature: Keep them in a temperature range of 55°F to 85°F. They can do well in a wide range of temperatures, but avoid temperatures below 50°F, as they’re not frost-tolerant.
- Humidity: Average household humidity works fine, but they’ll also do well in lower humidity/dry conditions
Soil Requirements
Like other succulents, the Moonshine Snake Plant needs well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent mix works great, or you can mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Avoid soil that retains too much water, as soil moisture can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer
Feed your Moonshine Snake Plant sparingly with a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer.
- During the growing season (spring and summer): Fertilize once every 2-3 months with a diluted fertilizer.
- In fall and winter: Skip fertilizing, as the plant’s growth slows down and it doesn’t need extra nutrients.
Pro Tip: Too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn and weaken the plant. Stick to a light hand when it comes to feeding your Moonshine Snake Plant.
Potting
Choose a pot with good drainage holes to allow excess water out, and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Terra cotta pots are a good choice because they absorb excess moisture, which helps keep the soil dry. Repotting is usually only needed every 2-3 years or if the plant outgrows its pot.
Pruning
Pruning isn’t usually necessary, but you can trim off any damaged or yellow leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. When pruning, use a sharp, clean tool to make a clean cut close to the soil line.
Propagation
Moonshine Snake Plants are easy to propagate through leaf cuttings or by division.
- Leaf Cuttings: Cut a leaf into sections and let the cut ends dry for a day or two. Plant the cuttings in soil and water lightly until they root.
- Division: Separate offsets (small baby plants) that grow at the base and repot them in their own pots.
Pro Tip: When propagating by leaf cuttings, plant them in the same direction they were growing, or they may not root properly.
Pests
Moonshine Snake Plants are fairly resistant to pests, but they can occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
- Spider Mites: Small, web-spinning pests that can cause the leaves to look speckled. Spray with insecticidal soap or wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Scale: These look like small brown bumps on the leaves. Scrape them off gently or use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These look like white cotton and can be wiped off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Pro Tip: Regularly wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth can help prevent pests and keep the leaves shiny and healthy.
Diseases
The most common disease for Moonshine Snake Plants is root rot, which is usually caused by overwatering.
- Root Rot: If the leaves start to droop or feel mushy, it’s likely due to root rot. Remove the plant from its pot, trim off any rotting roots, and repot in fresh soil.
Is It Toxic?
Pet owners beware, the Moonshine Snake Plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children to avoid any accidental ingestion.
Common Issues
Here are some common issues with Moonshine Snake Plants and how to fix them:
- Drooping or soft leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely, and adjust your watering schedule.
- Yellowing leaves: Can be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check for root rot and consider repotting in a drier mix.
- Brown leaf tips/ brown spots: This may be due to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity slightly or adjust your watering schedule.
Difficulty Level
The Moonshine Snake Plant is generally considered easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. It’s drought-tolerant, adapts to a range of light conditions, and doesn’t require much attention.
Final Thoughts
The Moonshine Snake Plant is a low maintenance, beautiful plant that adds a unique touch to any space. Its silvery-green leaves, easy-care nature, and adaptability make it a perfect addition to both homes and offices.
By following these care tips and providing bright indirect light, letting the soil dry out between waterings, and keeping it in a well-draining pot, you’ll have a happy and healthy Moonshine Snake Plant for years to come.