Finding the Perfect Large Snake Plant for Your Home

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, are becoming increasingly popular houseplants. With their striking upright leaves and hardiness, it’s easy to see why. When you’re looking to add one of these architectural beauties to your home, a large snake plant makes a dramatic statement. But with so many varieties and sellers to choose from, how do you find the perfect large snake plant for you?

Why Go Big?

While small snake plants have an understated charm there’s something commanding about a large mature specimen. A big snake plant makes an eye-catching focal point in any room. It brings height and presence that truly transforms the space.

Large snake plants are fantastic for filling up bare corners or tall planters. Their substantial size makes them ideal statement pieces. A large plant also lets you appreciate the snake plant’s unique structure better. You can take in the full length of the erect, sword-like leaves.

Bigger is often better when it comes to cleaning the air too With more leaves come more surface area for taking in toxins and releasing oxygen So a large snake plant can filter more impurities from the surrounding environment.

Popular Large Snake Plant Varieties

There are around 70 different species and cultivars of snake plant. Here are some of the most popular large varieties to consider:

Sansevieria Trifasciata

This classic snake plant has stiff, green leaves with horizontal gray-green bands. It’s an incredibly hardy variety that can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’

‘Laurentii’ offers a colorful twist on the standard trifasciata. It has the same banded leaves, but with eye-catching yellow edges. The bright variegation provides beautiful contrast.

Sansevieria Cylindrica

The cylindrical snake plant has round, suculent-like leaves that can reach 4 feet tall. This uniquely shaped variety makes a sculptural statement.

Sansevieria Masoniana

Nicknamed the whale fin snake plant for its wide, flattened leaves. It can grow leaves up to 5 feet long, making it a true giant.

Sansevieria Ballyi

A dwarf variety, but one that produces “pups” rapidly. So you’ll get a dense cluster of short, dark green leaves. It makes an excellent full, bushy specimen.

Where to Buy a Large Snake Plant

Specialized online plant retailers offer the widest selection of large snake plants. They work directly with growers to provide rare and mature varieties that you won’t find at your average nursery or big box store. Here are some top online sellers to check out:

PlantVine

PlantVine has an extensive inventory of large snake plants in multiple varieties. You can shop by height and find extra large plants up to 6 feet tall. Their healthy, established plants arrive ready make an immediate impact.

The Sill

This popular plant delivery service carries popular large snake plant varieties like the Sansevieria trifasciata and cylindrica. Their sizes range from 4-6 feet tall.

Bloomscape

Bloomscape focuses on premium plants sourced from artisan growers. They offer a nice selection of large, 4-5 foot tall sansevierias grown specially for them.

The Rooted Bloom

As a small family-owned nursery, The Rooted Bloom takes great care with their plants. They have a few large snake plant options like the Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Coral’ and ‘Futura Superba’.

What to Look for When Buying a Large Snake Plant

To make sure you pick a winner, keep these tips in mind when selecting a large snake plant:

  • Inspect the leaves. Choose a plant with upright, rigid leaves. Avoid any wrinkled, yellowing, or drooping leaves.

  • Check for new growth. New shoots indicate an actively growing, healthy plant.

  • Review the root system. For potted plants, look for a densely rooted pot with roots reaching the bottom.

  • Consider the plant’s history. A large plant that has been nursery-raised indoors tends to transition better than a field grown specimen.

  • Prepare for size. Make sure to measure your space to ensure your new large plant will fit its new home.

Caring for a Large Snake Plant

While snake plants are resilient, their care needs change a bit when they’re larger. Here are some tips to help your big snake thrive:

  • Watch the watering. The soil of a giant plant takes longer to dry out. Take care not to overwater or leave standing water.

  • Provide support. Sturdy stakes or plant stands assist top-heavy leaves from flopping over.

  • Use a lightweight soil mix. A porous soil prevents sogginess and encourages healthy root growth.

  • Up-pot gradually. Size up the pot slowly, only going up an inch or two in diameter at a time.

  • Divide when needed. If the plant gets too big, you can divide it into smaller sections.

The Benefits of Large Snake Plants

  • Strong visual impact
  • Impressive focal points
  • Fill up large spaces
  • Improved air purification
  • Provides architectural shape
  • Makes caring for them easier
  • Healthy, mature plants

Bringing the Outdoors In

A interior landscape filled with houseplants instantly improves your indoor environment. And a big, beautiful snake plant makes a particularly dramatic living sculpture. With proper care, these resilient giants can thrive for many years. So find the perfect oversized variety to give your home a breath of fresh air and welcome dose of green. A large snake plant allows you to bring the striking spirit of the outdoors right into your inner sanctum.

ALL OF MY SNAKE PLANTS | showing you my entire collection of different Sansevieria varieties!

FAQ

What is the maximum size of snake plant?

Some snake plants may not grow more than a foot tall, while others will grow up to 12 feet tall. In their native range, they will flower, though most houseplants are grown for their striking, sword-like, sometimes variegated leaves.

What is the tallest variety of snake plants?

The tallest species is S. stuckyi, with cylindrical leaves that rise like tusks to 10 feet. In contrast, forms of S. trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ stay under 6 inches and resemble bird’s nests.

How long do snake plants live?

Most snake plants live up to 10 years, although some have been known to live as long as 25 years with proper care. Is the snake plant a cactus? No, but it is related to several succulents, including aloe and agave plants.

How do you grow a giant snake plant?

Snake plants can do well in almost any light, from dimly lit rooms to full sun, but they grow more quickly in bright, indirect light. Though it can tolerate low light and even dark corners of your home, snake plant grows slower in low light. Keep them near a sunny window out of direct sunlight.

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