The Sansevieria silver queen and moonshine plant species share many of the same features. Both plant species stand upright, with pointy tips.
The primary differences between the plants are coloration, height, and leaf shape. The Sansevieria silver queen has a bluish/green coloration, with a tall, slender shaped-leaf. The Moonshine snake plant varies between light and dark green, with a leaf that is more rounded in the center.
1. Leaf Shape
The main difference between the two plant species is the leaf shape. At first glance, an experienced individual may not recognize the shape difference.
The Sansevieria silver queen leaf is oftentimes described as being the same shape as a sword. The center width of the leaf ranges between 2 and 2-1/2 inches (7 centimeters) in width.
The center width of Moonshine snake plant leaf varies between 3 and 5 inches (7.6 and 12.7 centimeters). The width will depend on sunlight, watering, humidity, nutrients, and temperature.
2. Height
Another way to tell the difference between the two is by studying the height of the plants. One tends to be slightly taller than the other. Other members of the family sometimes only reach six inches in height.
Ultimately, this is the case for the Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnii. It is shorter than the Sansevieria moonshine because the latter regularly reaches two feet in height.
How does that compare to the Silver Queen? The Sansevieria Silver Queen often grows much taller.
On average, this plant will reach heights from 18 inches to 36 inches. When they reach their maximum size, the Silver Queen will be noticeably taller than the Silver Queen. Regardless, these plants can easily be grown indoors. You should have plenty of room in your home for either.
3. Leaf Size
One of the primary differences between the Silver Queen and the Moonshine will be the size of the leaves. You’ll find that they’re dramatically different. The Silver Queen is regularly called a snake plant due to the unique patterns found on the leaves.
It has a long leaf that is shaped like a sword. Plus, the leaves are going to be covered with green streaks. In most cases, the Silver Queen’s leaves are going to grow larger. However, its leaves will be slightly thinner.
The leaves of the Silver Queen can reach a maximum of three feet in height. As for width, the leaves regularly reach two inches. The leaves of the Sansevieria Moonshine are much different.
When they reach their full size, their leaves are only going to be two feet in length. Furthermore, the leaves are much wider. The leaves of this plant can sometimes reach five inches.
By measuring the largest leaves on the plant, you should easily be able to determine what you’re dealing with.
4. Temperature
To thrive, the Sansevieria silver queen and Moonshine snake plant need to be kept in a warm environment. The temperatures can vary between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a controlled environment, the preferred temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which should not be an issue when housing indoors.
These plant species are not tolerable to temperatures 50 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Temperature fluctuations are generally no big threat until it drops to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Botanists recommend housing indoors throughout the winter season. After the frost season, the plants can be moved to the outdoors.
5. Humidity
Humidity is not a big factor for the survival of the Sansevieria silver queen and Moonshine snake plant. There are no room humidity recommendations for either plant species.
Growing Requirements
You’ll find that the growing requirements tend to vary from one plant to another. Therefore, you should figure out which plant you have before setting up the growing environment. These plants are similar in many ways, but there are some differences.
The differences are minute. Nevertheless, it is wise to learn more about these differences. One of the biggest differences is the fact that one plant is taller than the other.
The Silver Queen can often grow a foot taller than the Moonshine plant. Therefore, the growing requirements are going to be different. The growing requirements vary depending on the plant you’re dealing with.
When dealing with a Sansevieria Silver Queen, it is a good idea to choose a bigger pot. At the very least, you should be using a 3-inch plastic pot. As the plant gets bigger, it will need to be moved to a bigger pot.
When repotted, you should move the plant to an 8-inch pot. Doing so will ensure that the plant has plenty of room to expand and grow. Since it is taller, the root system may be bigger than the Moonshine plant.
Be sure to give the plant more space to grow. The Moonshine plant typically needs repotting every two to five years. When repotting, be sure to place it in a new pot an inch or more below the rim.
Other than this, the growing requirements are similar. Replotting doesn’t have to be rushed for either plant. Just make sure it always has plenty of room to grow. The maintenance requirements are slim too.
The Silver Queen plant and Moonshine plant can be left on their own. Even without regular maintenance, the plants will thrive. Since little maintenance is required, they’re great plants for individuals who want to add more greenery to their homes or offices.
Summary
Although there are many similarities between the Sansevieria Silver Queen and the Moonshine, there are several differences. How can you be certain that you know which plant you’re dealing with? Which one is right for you?
The Sansevieria plant is primarily found in Southern Asia and Madagascar. While both are ornamental and gorgeous, they’re slightly different in terms of foliage and appearance.
The Silver Queen has a bit of silver or grey on its leaves. The moonshine plant has a silvery green color.
Furthermore, it has wider leaves feature a deep green boundary. When new leaves are produced, they’re white. Once you’ve learned the differences above, you should have no trouble figuring out which type you have.
