Snake plants (genus sansevieria) are succulents that can be grown indoors as houseplants and prefer hot conditions. Sansevieria varieties are great houseplants that match your home design, and they’re also known as viper’s bowstring hemp or mother in law’s tongue.
A long sword-shaped flat green leaves are seen on some snake plant varieties. Sansevieria cylindrica (African spear plant) and starfish sansevieria have cylindrical round leaves with pointed ends, which are other tropical sansevieria varieties. Snake plant varieties such as Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Black Gold’ may be utilized as air filtering house plants, in addition to other plant types.
How to Care For Snake Plants (Sansevieria Varieties)
Sansevieria (snake plants) need well-draining potting soil and water when the soil is dry to care for them. Just water your snake plants (sansevieria) occasionally throughout the winter. In the comfort of your home, snake plants thrive. In the spring and summer, fertilize sansevierias once a month. A pot with a drainage hole in the bottom will help the snake plant thrive indoors.
About Sansevierias
Sansevierias thrive in poor conditions, which is one of the reasons to cultivate them indoors. These succulents have minimal upkeep and may bring vibrant green and yellow hues to your home decor. Sansevieria is a genus of roughly 70 species. The genus Sansevieria and the plant family Asparagaceae are home to these flowering plants. Because of their lengthy leaves and tapered ends, Sansevieria varieties are referred to as “snake plants.”
Other sansevieria varieties have different common names depending on the variety. The plant leaves are long and sharp, giving it the nickname ‘mother-in-law’s tongue.’ For example, the Sansevieria trifasciata is known as such. Because of the strength of its fibers, this sansevieria variety is known as “viper’s bowstring hemp.”
Snake Plants (Sansevieria) Benefits
The capacity of a snake plant (sansevieria) to filter certain toxins from the air is one of the key advantages of cultivating it indoors. Sansevieria laurentii (Mother in Law’s Tongue) has the benefit of reducing the levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and formaldehyde, which are all harmful toxins.
NASA conducted a research that revealed this benefit. You’ll learn a lot about the genus Sansevieria in this article. The individual species of sansevierias may be identified via their descriptions and pictures, as well as their common names. You’ll find out how to care for snake plants at the conclusion of the article.
Types of Snake Plants (Sansevieria Varieties) – With Pictures and Common Name
The Sansevieria trifasciata species is one of the most commonly grown sansevieria types. Dracaena trifasciata is another name for it. The sansevieria (snake plants) varieties that are most common are listed below:
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Black Gold’ (Viper’s Bowstring Hemp)
The sansevieria (viper’s bowstring hemp) cultivar ‘Black Gold’ has dark green leaves with a brilliant golden-yellow border and is a frequent kind of snake plant. The strong fibrous leaves of this viper’s bowstring hemp plant stand tall and give it a sleek appearance. The green and yellow leaves of most sansevieria trifasciata varieties may grow to be up to 2.5″ (6 cm) broad and reach a height of about 35″ (90 cm). Small tubular flowers bloom in the summer and autumn, which you may notice.
According to NASA, this snake plant variant is one of the top ten air filtering house plants. Many individuals choose to clean the air in their rooms both day and night by growing this sansevieria variety. So, you should be aware that cats and dogs may eat any part of the viper’s bowstring hemp plant. The snake plant is one of the lucky plants, according to Chinese Feng Shui, which helps bring good fortune. This snake plant, like most sansevieria types, thrives in low-light environments with modest watering.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’
This is an evergreen sansevieria with grayish-green leaves in striped patterns known as the “Futura Robusta.” The twisted growth distinguishes the shorter sword-shaped leaves, which grow in a thick cluster. The ‘Future Robusta’ is the only sansevieria trifasciata variety that grows to just 24 inches (60 cm) tall. This sansevieria plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in most indoor environments.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’
The snake plant gets its name from the way the green and yellow leaves curl around to give them a twisted appearance. It is a kind of snake plant with curvy short leaves. The bright golden yellow and lime green variegated leaves of this sansevieria plant give it a striking appearance.
On the center of the leaves, you’ll see silvery-green markings. The appearance of the ‘Twisted Sister,’ according to some, is that of a bird’s nest in a box. The leaves only grows to between 12″ and 15″ (30 – 38 cm) tall, making it a dwarf variant of sansevieria trifasciata. This snake plant can help brighten up a dull corner of any room because of its vivid green and yellow colors.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’
The Golden Hahnii is a sansevieria cultivar with large leaves that is commonly referred to as the Bird’s Nest sansevieria. Green and light green striped patterns run horizontally across the broad tapered leaves of this snake plant variety. Leafy funnel clusters develop as the leaves grow.
The rosette pattern to the shape of the Golden Hahnii may be seen from above. This small sansevieria variety will only reach a height of around 12 inches (30 cm). Grow the plant in clusters rather than as a single snake plant to create a stunning effect.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Futura Superba’
The sansevieria trifasciata cultivar ‘Futura Superba’ definitely lives up to its name, with shorter and wider leaves. With bright green leaves and golden yellow edging, this variegated cultivar resembles a smaller version of the snake plant known as the ‘Black Gold.’
The leaves of this trifasciata species are shorter and broader than those of the black gold variety, which is one of the differences. The mother in law’s tongue has bright green variegated leaves that grow upright and tall. In bad lighting circumstances and little space, the Futura Superba snake plant is an ideal houseplant.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
The sansevieria cultivar known as the ‘Laurentii’ has variegated leaves. The variegated leaves of this snake plant are tall and elegant. Stripped patterns run the length of the grayish-green leaves. This sansevieria variety is distinguished by the yellow band that runs down the length of the snake leaves.
This striped snake plant is expected to reach a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). Most conditions are ideal for this hardy form of leafy plant. It’s a excellent kind of tropical houseplant to put in corners where some height is required since it grows so tall.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii (Blue Sansevieria)
The snake plant is a sluggish growing plant with thick succulent leaves that spread in a fan shape. Its color isn’t really described by the name ‘Blue’ snake plant. With a rounded bottom and grooved channel on the top surface, the leaves look like a boat or canoe. When young, the fleshy leaves develop in tight clusters with a blue hue to them. The leaves of sansevieria develop a dark green to gray-green tint as they mature, with a light red line along their wavy margins.
The size of this sansevieria is one of its most striking features. On a short stem, long succulent leaves grow to be about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and 3 inches (8 centimeters) broad. This snake plant, on the other hand, takes many years to mature and is a delight for many years as a small sansevieria. Sword Sansevieria, Somaliland Bowstring Hemp, and East African Wild Sisal are some of the other names for this sansevieria variety.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
The sansevieria ‘Banana,’ a kind of succulent, has banana-shaped fleshy leaves with short leaves. This plant has similar foliage to the ‘Blue Sansevieria,’ and it’s a dwarf variety of the sansevieria species Ehrenbergii. They have a rounded bottom and an inwardly curving top surface, which is also described as “boat-shaped.” This sansevieria has a color that resembles that of succulents like agave plants in certain ways.
The leaves have faint striped patterns extending the length of the leaf and are a light blue-green color. A straight leaf growing in the middle is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the sansevieria ‘Banana. Between the center leaf and each thick leaf, alternating arches protrude. Look for the variegated cultivar if you want to find a more unusual sort of sansevieria. The top side is grayish-green, while the bottom is bright yellow and banana-colored.
Sansevieria Kirkii (Star Sansevieria)
Due to its broad tapered leaves and light markings, Sansevieria Kirkii has a lot of patterning on its green leaves and pale blooms. The star leaves may reach 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length and are 3.6 inches (9 centimeters) broad at the widest point. This sansevieria species is also distinguished by its cream-colored markings on the leaf surface.
The sansevieria kirkii ‘Star’ plant, which is a houseplant, has dark green snake-like leaves that grow to be 3 feet (1 meter) tall. In comparison to the outdoor variety, the leaves of this indoor variety seem to be slimmer. The Star Sansevieria’s spiky look and tall leaves make it a stunning plant when grown in clusters. The enormous conical white or light pink blooms that can occasionally appear are yet another unusual feature of this plant. They exude a lovely fragrance, but it only blooms infrequently.
Sansevieria Patens
One of the most appealing snake plant succulents is Sansevieria Patens, which has cylindrical fleshy leaves. The cylindrical fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette form distinguish this kind of sansevieria plant. Up to 3 feet (90 cm) long, the leaves are huge.
The leaves begin to arch in various directions as they mature. The plant appears to be a writhing snake collection as a result of this. The snake plant’s color changes from dark green to blue-green as it ages.
The deep grooves running down the length of the leaves are another way to identify sansevieria patens. Place the sansevieria in a well-lit location away from direct sunlight to obtain the best color on the leaves. The sansevieria patens, like most snake plants, may tolerate some neglect.
Sansevieria ‘Cleopatra’
The sansevieria cultivar named ‘Cleopatra’ has lovely patterns on its short leaves. Over a light green background, the leaves have a crisscross of dark green lines. The rippled edges are highlighted by a reddish-brown line, which adds to its beauty. The perfect rosette pattern of this sansevieria species is another attractive feature. You may put this succulent snake plant virtually anywhere in a room, office, or patio because it only grows to about 11” (27 cm) tall.
Sansevieria Parva (Kenya Hyacinth)
This lovely sansevieria variety, sometimes known as the “Kenya Hyacinth,” features light-green tiny leaves with deeper patterns. The succulent has a spiky appearance due to the snake-like leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. Each clump has between 6 and 12 leaves, which grow to be around 16 inches (40 cm) long. The ‘Kenya Hyacinth,’ like all sansevieria varieties, is a blooming plant. You may anticipate to see lovely pinkish-white blooms when it does bloom.
Sansevieria Zeylanica (Ceylon Bowstring Hemp)
This type of sansevieria has upward-growing leaves in the shape of a sword, and is known as the “Devil’s Tongue” or “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.” The dark and lighter green patterns on the thick leaves of the Ceylon Bowstring Hemp plant. You can observe white patches that are completely normal in certain areas.
The snake leaves should grow in clusters, up to 2.5 feet (75 cm) long. The long, upright, sharp leaves may be a stunning feature in any room. They may also be used to generate a natural room barrier or an contemporary office element.
Sansevieria Masoniana F. Variegata
F. Masoniana is a species of Sansevieria. Variegata is a sansevieria variety with attractive striped long broad leaves that are commonly known as “Mason’s Congo.” The long leaves of this sansevieria variant have an almost oval shape. The huge leaves are 10 inches (25 cm) broad at the widest point and reach 4 feet (1.2 m) in length.
One of the plant’s highlights is its beautiful variegation. The dark green leaf color contrasts well with bright golden yellow and light-yellow stripes. Any room will be enhanced by the large blade-shaped foliage.
Sansevieria Ballyi (Dwarf Sansevieria)
The dwarf variety Sansevieria Ballyi has thin patterned leaves, which makes it a good option if you’re looking for a tiny sansevieria. Ballyi sansevieria has delicate variegated narrow tapered leaves that are 4″ (10 cm) long and only 6″ (15 cm) tall. The light-yellow and pale green borders of these buttery leaves create a stunning display, growing in a rosette pattern. This dwarf sansevieria produces white/pink blooms every so often.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’ is a snake plant with extremely lengthy tubular leaves. Its leaves feature green patterns in various hues, similar to those seen on most sansevieria types. The fleshy cylindrical sansevieria leaves may grow up to 7 feet (2 meters) long and be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick at the base.
The long succulent leaves of the sansevieria cylindrica plant grow in a fan shape, unlike the rosette of its namesake. Spear Sansevieria, Elephant’s Toothpick, Cylindrical Snake Plant, and Saint Bárbara sword are some of the names for Sansevieria cylindrica. Dracaena angolensis is the scientific name for Sansevieria Cylindrica.
Container plants are one of the most appealing ways to cultivate sansevieria ‘Cylindrica. Braiding or allowing the gorgeous cylinder leaves to develop in a natural fan pattern are both options.
Sansevieria Cylindrica ‘Boncel’ (Starfish Sansevieria)
Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’ is a species of sansevieria with tubular leaves that are shaped like a spike. Its cylindrical gray-green fleshy leaves This snake plant cultivar is distinguished by its grayish-green color and bands of deeper green lines around the leaves. It is also known as cylindrical snake plant, or starfish sansevieria. The cylindrical fleshy green leaves may grow up to 7 feet (2 meters) long depending on the container size.
Another variety that looks similar to the boncel verity is Sansevieria cylindrica ‘patula. The long flower stem that grows on sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’ is one of its most stunning features. The flowering stalk of the starfish sansevieria plant grows 3 feet (1 meter) tall when it blooms, and it is covered in tiny greenish-white tubular flowers.
Sansevieria Eilensis
The Eilensis snake plant is a succulent variety with bluish-green leaves that grows slowly and is known for its tiny size. The thick leaves that curve downwards as they develop are used to identify this sansevieria species. The thick leaves, which grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long, are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick when mature.
The longitudinal lines running the length of the leaves are another way to identify sansevieria Eiensis. Depending on the quantity of water it gets, the leaves expand and shrink here. On the tips of each banana-shaped leaf, you’ll also notice a cuticle. This dwarf sansevieria variety is an appealing addition to any room, even though there are normally just 2 or 3 leaves.
Sansevieria Moonshine
The pale, silvery-green spear-shaped leaves of the moonshine snake plant are an attention-grabbing sansevieria plant. The leaves of the moonshine snake plant are large and pointed, with a dark green border that is appealing. Sansevieria silver queen, sansevieria moonglow, and moonlight snake plant are all popular names for Sansevieria Moonshine. Moonshine snake plant is a simple-to-care houseplant that appeals to both beginners and experts. The lovely moonshine plant thrives in low-light with little water and may be grown in most situations. Its small upright sword-shaped leaves are also space efficient.
Snake Plant Care
Sansevieria plants are very easy to care for, which is one of the main reasons to have them at home. These succulents are sometimes referred to as “plants that seem to thrive on neglect.” When caring for a snake plant, what are the most important things to keep in mind?
Climate
These tropical plants thrive in most indoor environments at normal temperatures. Yet, drafts must be avoided by your sansevieria plants.
Light
Keep your snake plant in a bright location with minimal exposure to direct light. Bright light helps to bring out the beautiful colors on the leaves, even though all sansevieria varieties tolerate dark conditions.
Water
All sansevieria varieties thrive in well-drained soil, just like any succulent. Only then should you water your succulent plant, allowing all of the moisture to escape through the bottom of the pot. Water your sansevieria plants scarcely in the winter.