When comparing Variegated snake plant vs Peace lily, the Slant community recommends Variegated snake plant for most people. In the question“What are the best indoor plants?” Variegated snake plant is ranked 1st while Peace lily is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Variegated snake plant is:
Snake plants tolerate low light, require very little water, and prefer small pots.
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Pros
Pro Very low upkeep
Snake plants tolerate low light, require very little water, and prefer small pots.
Pro Filters airborne toxins
S. trifasciata was found effective for filtering benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethyline, xylene and toluene from its environment by the 1989 Nasa Clean Air Study.
Pro Filters airborne toxins
Spathiphyllum was found effective for filtering benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethyline, xylene, toluene and ammonia from its environment by the 1989 Nasa Clean Air Study.
Pro Low upkeep
Peace lilies prefer shade, and will grow under incandescent bulbs. They need water infrequently, and recover well if watering is delayed.
Cons
Con Easily killed by overwatering
Snake plants prefer dry environments, and are highly susceptible to rot in wet soil.
Con Mildly toxic
S. trifasciata contains saponins which cause pain, salivation and nausea when ingested. In pets and children this can progress to vomiting and diarrhea.
Con Moderately toxic
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate, a severe irritant. Some individuals may suffer skin rashes from handling the plant. Ingestion causes burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, as well as nausea and vomiting. In pets, this can progress to kidney failure if left untreated. (Note that Spathiphyllum is not a true lily, and rarely lethal to pets.)