8 Types of Snake Plant

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When you hear the term ‘Snake Plant’ there may be more than one type of plant that comes to mind.

The moniker is often used to describe more than one type of Sansevieria or there are several sansevieria varieties so it can be a little misleading if you’re referring to a specific plant. To add to the confusion, some species can also be found in a variety of different cultivars with vastly different appearances.

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Sansevieria Varieties

In all, there are over 70 types of Sansevieria that have been given the name ‘Snake Plant’.

Whether you already have Snake Plants in your collection or are considering your options, you have plenty of plants to choose from. Here are ten Sansevieria that every Snake Plant lover should consider.

Sansevieria trifasciata

Sansevieria trifasciata is one of the most common types of snake plant and there are quite a few cultivars to choose from. Some have deep green leaves, while others have variegated or even curly leaves.

At maturity, the leaves are typically about three feet in length and 2.5 inches in width. This plant is native to West Africa and is a popular choice for landscaping or as an accent in indoor décor.

Sansevieria trifasciata is easy to care for the plant and is a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

It requires moderately bright light but can survive in low light environments. It prefers well-draining soil as too much moisture can cause root rot.

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Sansevieria gracilis

This Snake Plant is one of the more petite varieties. Typically, the leaves stay under about 18 inches in height.

The green and white banded are long and pointed, as with most varieties of Sansevieria. It typically blooms in late fall and produces clusters of greenish-white flowers.

Bright filtered light or partial sun is ideal for Sansevieria gracilis. It’s possible for this plant to grow in full shade or low-light conditions, but the colors will not be as vibrant as they would with more sunlight.

As with most varieties of Sansevieria, propagation is possible through leaf cuttings and offsets.

Sansevieria canaliculate

The cylindrical leaves of Sanseveria canaliculate measure up to three feet long and about an inch in diameter at maturity. The leaves grow either singularly or two at a time.

This Snake Plant is native to Madagascar and blooms in the spring. The flowers are tubular and greenish-white in color.

Sansevieria canaliculate prefers bright filtered light and well-draining soil. Infrequent water will keep this plant in top shape.

It is not a frost-tolerant plant and must be protected during temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sansevieria patens

This chunky Sansevieria is native to eastern Africa and grows in a rosette shape with short, cylindrical leaves. The grooved leaves can reach up to three feet long and about two inches in diameter.

They are typically dark green with light green bands. When in bloom, the plant produces clusters of grayish-white flowers.

As with other varieties of Sansevieria, Sansevieria patens grows best in moderately bright light. Brighter light will bring out the plant’s natural colors, but it can tolerate most light levels.

This plant prefers to be watered infrequently but deeply. It’s not frosted hardy and must be protected or brought inside during frigid weather.

Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’

This variety of Sansevieria features deep green leaves with golden edges. At maturity, the plant can reach up to four feet tall.

Like other Sansevieria, the sword-shaped leaves grow vertically in a tight clump. It’s rare for this cultivar to bloom, but when it does, it produces greenish-white leaves at the top of a slender inflorescence.

Laurentii does best in moderately bright light. Brighter light will result in more vibrantly colored leaves, but the full sun may burn the leaves. This plant does best with infrequent water, especially during the winter. Well-draining soil is essential in preventing root rot.

Sansevieria cylindrica

This cylindrical variety of Snake Plant is native to Angola and is sometimes called ‘African Spear’. Larger than many other Sansevieria, the smooth rounded leaves can reach up to six feet tall.

It’s common practice to braid the leaves while they are young, securing them at the top. This helps control growth and creates a pleasing arrangement.

Sansevieria cylindrica is a great plant to use for landscaping, provided that you live in a warm climate.

Like other succulents, well-draining soil is essential, and water should be provided infrequently. This plant is mildly toxic, so use caution if planting in a location frequented by children or animals.

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Sansevieria fischeri

Sansevieria fischeri is one of the smaller varieties of Snake Plant, measuring less than 16 inches in height at maturity.

It’s an ideal plant for container gardening but can also be grown successfully outdoors. In the summer, the plant produces an inflorescence with a cluster of tubular white flowers.

This variety of Snake Plant does well with plenty of suns and adequate drainage. It’s not a frost tolerant plant, so be prepared to bring the plant inside or protect it if the temperature dips below freezing.

Sansevieria masoniana

Sometimes called Whale’s Fin or Shark’s Fin, this Snake Plant is native to central Africa. It has broad, mottled green leaves that can reach up to four feet in length.

The paddle-shaped leaves may also be variegated, depending on the cultivar. This plant can easily be identified by its purple-banded sheath, but this is often below the soil line.

Sansevieria masoniana thrives in bright light. In fact, this plant is unlikely to bloom if it does not receive enough sunlight.

It requires water only when the soil is dry and should never be left in standing water. This Snake Plant will not tolerate freezing temperatures, so it will need to be protected during particularly cold weather.

These are just a few of the many wonderful sansevieria varieties. Snake Plants are perfect for indoor container gardens and outdoor landscaping alike.

They’re easy to care for and are a great choice for both inexperienced and expert gardeners. With so many shapes and colors to choose from, how can you bring home just one?