Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria and now classified under the genus Dracaena, have more than 70 species,ranging from desert-loving succulents to tropical varieties that grow well in humidity. They are famous household plants that are known for their beautiful upright leaves, hardiness, and adaptability.
Snake plants are easy to care for and are drought-resistant and thrive without water, making them the perfect choice for novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. There are several snake plant varieties, each known for their distinctive look and features, which add a unique look to the space indoors.
This blog talks about 17 such varieties of snake plants that you’ll adore.
Snake Plants: What Do You Need to Know?
First, Snake plants are also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Plant, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, and Saint George’s Sword. All the names reflect the beautiful yet distinctive sword-like leaves and varying cultural significance across the globe. Here are other things you need to know about Snake plants -
Origin and Features
The Snake plant originates from West Africa and is known for its tall, sturdy, and upright leaves that come in various shades of green. The green leaves are often accented by bands of yellow, cream, or silver. The plant features sword-like leaves that grow up in a rosette form that gives the plant a sleek and sculptured look.
Size and Flowers
The size of the Snake plant varies depending on the variety. The plants grow in clusters, which form clumps, making them expand all over the place. The mature plants usually reach up to 5 feet in height, whereas individual leaves are 6 inches wide. It blooms in spring and grows delicate and pale green or white fragrant flowers that add an extraordinary beauty to the plant.
Purifies Air
In addition to adding beauty to the space, Snake plants also act as a natural air purifier. It improves indoor air quality by filtering toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene, while releasing oxygen.
Adaptability
Snake plants are easy to care for and can be grown in various light conditions, which makes them an ideal choice for homes, offices, and even outdoor gardens. Although they thrive in corners with limited natural light, they also flourish in bright and well-lit areas.
Low-Maintenance
They can be grown in various conditions and need minimal care, which makes them perfect for busy homeowners and beginners.
17 Snake Plant Varieties
Here are 17 varieties of snake plant that you might want to grow in your home -
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
Also known as variegated snake plant or striped mother-in-law’s tongue, Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is a hardy species that grows up to 4 feet. It has beautiful foliage patterns with banded zigzags of lighter green and yellow edges. The plant stands out because of its sword-shaped leaves, which are best for feng shui fans, as they are believed to cut through negative energy.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Hahnii’
The Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ is a mini cultivar that grows up to 1.5 feet, and is often referred to as the bird's nest snake plant. The plant gets its name from the nest-like rosette shape formed when the stemless leaves cluster together.
Dracaena Angolensis
Dracaena angolensis, also known as the African spear plant, is a slow-growing succulent that reaches up to 6 feet. They are admired because of their long, round, stemless, gray-green leaves with subtle stripes, which gracefully arch outward from their central crown. You will also find straight leaves that stand upright.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’ is the perfect compact, small shelf plant. It grows only up to 15 inches, hence known as a dwarf plant. It also has a growth habit like the bird’s nest, but with twisted leaves and blunt edges that feature yellow-gold and green variegation.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’
The Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ is also known as the white snake plant, and grows up to 3 feet. The flat, pointy, and smooth dark green leaves with white vertical stripes add elegance to any space.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
The Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Moonshine’ can grow up to 2 feet. It has silvery-green foliage, and when kept in darker or shaded spots, the leaves will turn into darker green. Also, as the plant ages, the light green leaves tend to turn dark.
Dracaena Masoniana
Dracaena draco is commonly known as “Whale Fin plant,” or “Mason’s Congo.” The plant’s enormous leaves make a striking appearance and impression, and add accents to any collection. The leaves do not grow quickly, which means they might produce one leaf every 1.5 years.
Dracaena Ehrenbergii ‘Samurai Dwarf’
Dracaena draco ‘Samurai Dwarf’ grows only up to 4-6 inches tall. The V-shaped leaves grow in an alternate pattern, which may look different from other Snake plants. This snake plant variety is also slow-growing, so it is advised not to expect it to flourish or expand like other plants.
Dracaena Cylindrica Var. Patula ‘Boncel.’
Dracaena cylindrica var. patula ‘Boncel’ has short, fat, round leaves that look like a fan, and grows quite quickly, which can fill your pot in no time. The plant is most commonly known as the Starfish snake plant and the Spear Orchid (even though it is not an orchid).
Zeylanica Snake Plant ‘Sansevieria Zeylanica.’
The Zeylanica snake plant is known and loved for its broad, dark green leaves with silver-green stripes. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and 4 inches wide, and creates a calm and sophisticated environment, which makes it perfect for xeriscaping projects and keeping it indoors.
As it is low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about it, as it can withstand various lighting conditions. Also, it is sturdy in nature, which means it can thrive in a rock garden and even withstand challenging weather conditions. Furthermore, the plant is pest and disease-resistant, in addition to being heat and drought-tolerant, making it the best indoor snake plant variety.
Sansevieria Fernwood
Sansevieria Fernwood has narrow and arched leaves that grow in tight clusters. The leaves feature beautiful zigzag patterns, and the dense growth creates a rich and lively experience. The plant grows up to 6 ft tall and 2 ft wide, which makes it a focal point for small spaces.
This snake plant is highly drought-resistant and grows well in well-draining soil, which makes it an amazing choice to be used as an accent in rock gardens. Pair it with a sleek planter to enhance the beauty of the plant and enjoy the natural air-purifying qualities that keep your space fresh.
Sansevieria Starfish
The Sansevieria Starfish gets its name from its radial, star-shaped growth pattern, and that’s what sets it apart. The thick tubular leaves grow outward from a central rosette, which gives the plant a beautiful sculptured appearance. The silver-green foliage is accented with subtle dark bands, making it the best statement piece for your indoor garden, terrarium, or modern living space.
The small size of the plant is perfect for compact areas and acts as a focal point. The drought-resistance ability allows the plant to survive through dry seasons. Also, it requires minimal care, which makes it the best option for people with busy lifestyles or novice gardeners.
Sansevieria Francisii
The Sansevieria Francisii is a unique plant with tiered growth. The spiky leaves of the plant grow in clusters along the stem, which creates a beautiful work of art. The plant is small in size, which makes it perfect for spaces such as desktops or windowsills. You can even keep them as a decorative accent on your rock garden.
The leaves are marked with faint horizontal stripes, which add a charming and bold look to any space. The plant is best for xeriscaping, as it is drought-resistant and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for indoor use, especially for low-light areas. When kept indoors, it also purifies the air inside the home, while adding a decor element to the space.
Sansevieria Whitney
Scientifically known as Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Whitney,’ this snake plant is one of the most elegant snake plant varieties. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright and low light conditions, which makes it the perfect choice for any indoor environment.
Sansevieria Silver Queen
Snake plant silver queen is another beautiful snake plant variety that grows up to 3 feet and is known to filter airborne toxins and purify indoor air quality. The leaves are tall, flat, and sword-like, and have a silver hue on them, which gives the plant its name.
Dracaena Black Gold
Dracaena Black Gold is adored for its bright gold edging, which complements the dark green foliage, and grows only up to 3 feet. The long, flat, sword-shaped leaves cannot endure direct sunlight. Hence, it is advised to keep it under bright but indirect sunlight for the colors to stay vibrant for long.
Dracaena Canaliculata
You may sometimes confuse Dracaena Canaliculata with Dracaena Cylindrica, but Canaliculata grows individually rather than growing in clustering rosettes, and has a unique groove on its surface. The plant grows up to 3 feet, and has dark green foliage with white, narrow tips that are cylindrical in shape. The leaves are usually upright, but can slightly curve.
Dracaena Canaciculata is extremely rare and is available in variegated and dwarf forms, which can be placed indoors for a unique touch to the space.
Why Should You Have Snake Plants at Home?
Here are the top 5 reasons you should have snake plants at home -
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Snake plants are known to purify indoor air by filtering out toxins and keep the home fresh. They remove formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, promoting a better and healthier environment inside the home.
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These plants do not require regular watering or intense heat to survive. They are low-maintenance plants and survive weeks without water and adapt to various lighting conditions.
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With various types of snake plants available, you can choose one that suits the decor of your home.
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Snake plants also maintain the humidity of the indoor space by releasing moisture into the air. This reduces dryness and improves respiratory health.
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Snake plants are said to create a calming and lively atmosphere, which reduces stress and increases productivity, especially in workspaces.
Conclusion
There are several snake plant varieties that you can find for your home. They release oxygen at night, which makes them the best companion for the bedroom for better sleep quality. Also, they are said to protect against negative energy and bring good fortune in homes.
