When comparing Song of India vs Variegated snake plant, 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 Song of India is ranked 3rd. 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 Survives with very little upkeep
Though it prefers humidity and bright indirect sunlight, D. marginata remains healthy in most room conditions. It should be watered only when the top of the soil is completely dry.
Pro Non-toxic to humans
Plants in the Dracaena genus are considered non-toxic and safe to humans.
Pro Filters airborne toxins
Dracaena marginata was found effective for filtering benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethyline, xylene and toluene from its environment by the 1989 Nasa Clean Air Study.
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.
Cons
Con Prefers moderate upkeep
Though D. marginata will survive most indoor environments, a lush and healthy plant requires good light and daily misting, and should be repotted anually.
Con Mildly toxic to pets
Though unlikely to cause permanent harm, ingestion of Dracaena species causes vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs which can persist up to 24 hours.
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.