Skip The Basic Snake Plant: The Unique Houseplant You'll Want Instead

Since snake plants are one of the friendlier plants for beginners, they're also one of the houseplants people love getting as gifts. But it can be a little too easy to fall back on this common genus and ignore your other options. That's okay, though, when one of those options includes a refreshing switch-up from the basic snake plant. The unique hybrid snake plant Dracaena 'Fernwood Mikado' has a lankier silhouette and more interesting coloration than the standard snake plant.

This hybrid cultivar deviates from the look of a typical snake plant in key ways. Native to drier regions of Africa and southern Asia, it can be distinguished from other snake plants by its tall, thin, cylindrical striped leaves rather than the typical flat, wide leaves of varying lengths. These long, upright leaves are narrow, grow in a compact fashion, and sometimes form clumps. Although 'Fernwood Mikado' has the potential to flower, it rarely flowers indoors. Luckily, this hybrid snake plant still retains many of the easy-to-grow characteristics we know and love about the wider genus.

Snake plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow, and, as a hybrid snake plant, 'Fernwood Mikado' is no exception. It's a good low-maintenance option for anyone who enjoys houseplants but does not have a lot of time to devote to their care. This snake plant variety tolerates low light and an inconsistent watering schedule with plenty of grace. You'll have the best chance of success as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant's roots do not become waterlogged. For soil, use a sandy potting mix meant for succulents and cacti. For optimal growth, set your houseplant up in a bright spot indoors. Be mindful of overwatering this succulent species, or you risk your plant developing root rot.

You should avoid growing snake plants unless you're ready for one downside: they grow pretty slowly. You can expect your Dracaena 'Fernwood Mikado' to reach its mature size after 2 to 5 years of growth. It can be a real waiting game to see its full potential — in the case of the 'Fernwood Mikado,' that's up to 4 feet tall with a 3-foot spread. When young, this upright, compact snake plant suits minimalist home interiors well, but don't be surprised if your plant changes form as it matures. As it grows larger, its spear-like leaves can become more arching and fountain-like, the result of gravity naturally pulling them down. However, no matter its stage of growth, this unique snake plant hybrid is an elegant, modern addition to any home.