For a while, snake plants were almost forgotten, but they are now back on the scene as ornamental plants.

Also, there are many things that make the snake plants so special. Yet the most special thing is its somewhat bizarre appearance. Not to mention its special drawing leaves. Another impressive aspect of snake plants is their ease of care.

They are also known as mother-in-law’s tongues due to the upright leaves that resemble a tongue. NASA’s research shows these plants are tolerant of low light and little water. Additionally, they absorb toxic compounds.

Over 70 types of snake plants exist. In this article, I will share some of the most interesting types of snake plants.

Let’s take a look at them below,

Snake Plant Types

1. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Mother-in-law’s Tongue

The sansevieria trifasciata got its name from the sharp sword-like leaves. These leaves grow upwards, making it look like a mother-in-law’s tongue. 

Among snake plants, this variety is most widely cultivated. Its dark green pointed leaves can reach 3 feet in height.

Although this plant is a flowering type, it’s fairly difficult to encourage flowers indoors (but not impossible). 

Like lilies, it has white or cream flowers. For some growers, this variety seems to be a matter of luck rather than effort. Yet, if the plant is kept in the correct conditions, it is more likely to form buds and then bloom.

It is important to note that the upright leaves of this succulent make it visually appealing, not the flowers.

2. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twisted sister’

Twisted Sister’s name comes from the way its green and yellow leaves curl around to create a distorted shape. 

There is nothing more striking than the variegated golden yellow and lime green leaves of this snake plant. Besides, the leaves have silvery-green markings in the middle. 

Also, there are several people who describe the Twisted Sister as a nest made of birds.

As a dwarf variety, this type of snake plant grows only to a height of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm). Featuring bright green and yellow colors, this snake plant will brighten up any dull corner.

3. Sansevieria ‘Golden hahnii’

It is a dwarf variety of snake plants. This type of snake plant has horizontally striped leaves with green and light green markings. 

It is the clustering of leaves that creates the leafy funnels as they grow. From above, you will notice the shape of the ‘Golden Hahnii’ has a rosette pattern.

For coffee tables, its upright and dense rosette foliage with a distinctive, creamy margin is ideal.

This short variety of snake plants will only grow to 12″ (30 cm) in height. So, instead of growing it as a single snake plant, group the plants in clumps.

4. Sansevieria ‘Futura robusta’

There is nothing easier to maintain than Futura robusta, thanks to its short and broad leaves. With silver-green foliage and dark green horizontal stripes, this variety is an exclusive variety.

Futura robusta is an evergreen sansevieria with grayish-green leaves covered in stripes. Its twisted growth makes them easy to identify. They grow in clumps in short sword shapes. 

In height, the ‘Future Robusta’ only reaches 24″ (60 cm) unlike other types of snake plants.

Moreover, it can tolerate infrequent watering under most indoor conditions. Additionally, it grows well in most conditions.

5. Sansevieria ‘Black gold’

A Sansevieria black gold plant is one of the most attractive types of snake plants. They have dark green, broad leaves with yellow outlines.

6. Sansevieria ‘Cylindrica’

There are many shapes and sizes of tubular leaves on the sansevieria trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’ snake plant. This snake plant has green markings on its leaves, as do most varieties. At the base, leaves are around 1inches (2.5cm) thick and can grow up to 7ft (2m) long.

Despite its rosette shape, sansevieria cylindrica’s long succulent leaves have a fan-like structure.

In Brazil, Sansevieria cylindrica is called the Saint Barbara sword, Elephant’s Toothpick, and Cylindrical Snake Plant. Yet, the botanical name for Sansevieria Cylindrica is Dracaena angolensis.

Also, container gardening is one of the most attractive ways to grow sansevieria ‘Cylindrica’. You can braid the cylinder leaves or leave them growing naturally in a fan shape.

7. Sansevieria ‘Laurentii’

A zig-zag, horizontal stripe pattern on its dark green leaves creates a beautiful look. This plant grows up to 30-24 inches long. If you want to propagate the plant, divide it.

As you can see there are many varieties of Sansevieria trifasciata, but the ‘Laurentii’ cultivar is one of the tallest. Tall, elegant variegated yellow and green leaves cover this snake plant. 

In addition to being grayish-green, the leaves have stripes along their length. A yellow band runs along the ‘snake’ leaves giving this snake plant an elegant feel.

Also, you can expect this plant to grow between 2-4 feet tall (60 – 120 cm). In most conditions, this robust leafy plant grows well. 

As a tall tropical houseplant, it’s ideal for corner spaces that require some height.

8. Sansevieria ‘Bantel’s sensation’

This snake plant reaches a height of 30-32 inches, making it an ideal choice for indoors. Also, its narrow leaves have an interesting white border running across them.

9. Sansevieria ‘Desert’

Due to its pointed succulent leaves with a red tint, it is also known as rhino grass. In height, Sansevieria ‘Desert’ reaches 20-24 inches.

10. Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’

Its pale, silvery-green, spear-shaped leaves make it one of the most eye-catching snake plants. In this succulent plant, you will see broad, pointed leaves with an attractive dark green margin.

As well as Sansevieria Moonshine is also known as silver queen, moonglow, or moonlight snake plant.

Suitable for both beginners and plant experts, the moonshine snake plant is an easy-care houseplant. 

Also, this stunning plant thrives in low-light conditions and needs little water. Furthermore, its upright sword-like leaves take up little space.

11. Sansevieria masoniana ‘Mason congo’

Also, known as the ‘Whale Fin’ and ‘Sharkfin,’ Sansevieria Masoniana has stunning foliage with dark green leaves and light green spots.

It is characterized by long leaves with an almost oval shape. At their widest point, the large leaves are 10 inches (25 cm) long and 4 ft. (1.2 m) long.

One of the main attractions of this semi-succulent plant is its beautiful variegation. The gold and pale yellow stripes contrast well with the dark green leaf color. In any room, the large blade-shaped foliage will stand out.

12. Sansevieria kirkii ‘Star sansevieria’

Also known as a Pangane Sansevieria, this variety is popular among houseplant growers. There is a unique pattern on the dark green foliage, which is fluorescent green in color.

Due to its wide tapered leaves and light markings, the ‘Star Sansevieria’ is one of the more unusual snake plants. Its leaves measure 3.6 inches (9 cm) wide at their widest point and can reach 6 feet long (1.8 m). In addition, this sansevieria species has cream-colored markings on its leaves.

An indoor plant, sansevieria kirkii ‘Star’ has dark green snake-like leaves that can grow up to 3 ft. (1 m). Compared with outdoor varieties, these houseplants seem to have narrower leaves. Also, with its spiky look and tall leaves, the Star Sansevieria can have an eye-catching appearance when planted in clumps.

Occasionally, this plant can also produce large conical white or pale pink flowers. This blooms rarely but gives off a fresh scent.

13. Sansevieria gracilis

This compact snake plant has pointed, long, narrow, and plumped leaves and a ring of white-green color. For them, partial, bright, and indirect sunlight is ideal.

14. Sansevieria fischeri

If you like growing small plants, this variety is right for you. It grows to a height of less than 16 inches. Also, in summer, it blooms with white flowers.

15. Sansevieria patens

In Sansevieria Patens, green leaves are lined with dark shade. It grows up to 3 feet in height. Also, it is best to water them infrequently. Additionally, provide them with bright, indirect sunlight.

Also, a succulent snake plant, Sansevieria patens, is widely available. In this type of sansevieria, the cylindrical fleshy leaves grow in a rosette formation. 

In the course of maturation, the leaves begin to arch in different directions. This makes the plant look like a writhing snake. From a dark green color to a bluish-green color, snake plants mature as they age.

You can also identify sansevieria patens by the deep grooves that run along the leaves.

If you want to get the best color on the leaves of your plant, place it away from direct sunlight in a well-lit location. As with most snake plants, the sansevieria patens can tolerate neglect.

16. Sansevieria canaliculate

An indigenous species of Madagascar, Canaliculate grows to a height of 3-4 feet. As winter is a tough time for this variety, so keep them indoors.

17. Sansevieria ballyi

If you are looking for a small sansevieria, consider the dwarf variety ‘Ballyi’. This sansevieria Ballyi has beautiful variegated narrow tapered leaves. Its leaves measure only 6 inches (15 cm) tall and grow 4 inches (10 cm) long. 

With their light-yellow and pale green bands, these succulent leaves grow in rosette patterns. You will occasionally see some white/pink blossoms on this dwarf sansevieria.

Also, it is important to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.

18. Sansevieria Ehrenbergii ‘Blue Sansevieria’

Even though its name implies it is blue, the leaves of the Blue Sansevieria are actually green with a coppery hue. Also, a unique feature of this plant is its stacked leaves.

Moreover, there are thick succulent leaves on the ‘Blue Sansevieria’ snake plant. On the top and underside of the leaves, there is a grooved channel shaped like a canoe or boat.

As the leaves mature, they become fleshy and blue in color. A wavy red line may appear along the edge of the leaves as the sansevieria grows darker green.

The size of this sansevieria is one of its most striking features. On a short stem, long succulent leaves grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and 3 inches (8 cm) wide. It takes a while for this snake plant to mature, but once it does, it is a delightful small sansevieria that lasts for years.

This type of snake plant is also known as ‘Sword Sansevieria,’ ‘Somaliland Bowstring Hemp,’ and ‘East African Wild Sisal.’

19. Sansevieria Cleopatra

An attractive hybrid variety, this variety grows up to 12-14 inches long. Also, there is an intricate pattern of dark green on the edges of its foliage.

Additionally, ‘Cleopatra’ sansevieria cultivar stands out due to its delightful patterns on succulent leaves. On a light green background, the leaves are crisscrossed with dark green lines. This gem is enhanced by rippled edges and reddish-brown lines that highlight its beauty.

A perfect rosette pattern is another attractive feature of this type of snake plant. You can fit this succulent almost anywhere in your home, office, or patio because it only grows to 11 inches (27 cm).

20. Sansevieria Parva ‘Kenya Hyacinth’

On Sansevieria Parva, also called the Kenya Hyacinth, there are light-green narrow leaves with darker patterns. 

In a rosette pattern, these leaves look like snakes. Every leaf is about 16 inches long (40 cm) and each clump contains 6 to 12 leaves.

‘Kenya Hyacinth’ is just one of the many sansevieria varieties that bloom. During flowering, you can expect pinkish-white blooms.

21. Sansevieria Eillensis Chahin

This snake plant variety has long, blue-green leaves that reach up to 5 inches in height. 

Sansevieria Eillensis Chahin has spiky flowers that grow up to 12 inches long. Also, water is not a problem for this snake plant since it is drought resistant.

22. Sansevieria zeylanica ‘Ceylon Bowstring Hemp’

This variety of sansevieria is also known as ‘Devil’s Tongue’ or ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. It has thick leaves with dark and light green markings. 

Depending on the variety, this evergreen perennial can reach a length of 24 to 28 inches. Also, there are white spots on the dark green leaves that are vertical.

Occasionally, you may see white patches, which are completely normal. The leaves may grow up to 2.5 ft. (75 cm) in length

It looks best when the snake leaves grow in clumps. A tall, sharp upright erect plant makes a beautiful feature in any room. Also, they can be arranged in a row for a natural room divider.

23. Sansevieria Whitney

There is a snakeskin-like pattern on the leaves of this compact variety of sansevieria. In height, it can reach 20 inches. 

However, Sword-like, dark green leaves have sharp tips and are very difficult to handle.

24. Sansevieria Cylindrica ‘Boncel’

In Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’, the leaves are tubular and shaped like spikes. Aside from its grayish-green color, this snake plant cultivar has dark green bands around its leaves.

 In small containers, the cylindrical fleshy green leaves can reach heights of 2 m (7 ft.).

There is also a variety of Sansevieria cylindrica called ‘patula’ which looks very similar to the boncel variety.

Its long flower stem is one of the most striking characteristics of sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’. During its flowering season, this plant produces pinkish-white tubular flowers on its three-foot (1 m) tall flowering stem.

25. Sansevieria Eilensis

In the genus Sansevieria, the Eilensis snake plant is a dwarf type of snake plant with blue-green leaves. As they grow, the thick leaves of this snake plant curve downwards. 

Over time, the plump leaves grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.

You can also identify sansevieria Eiensis by the longitudinal lines running along the leaves. This is where the leaves expand and shrink depending on how much water they receive. On each banana-shaped leaf, you will also find a type of cuticle.

There are typically only 2-3 leaves on this dwarf sansevieria variety, but it is still an attractive room plant.

26. Sansevieria bacularis

There are soft leaf tips on this type of snake plant; its leaves are dark green with light crossbands. During spring, it blooms and grows up to 4-5 feet tall. Moreover, it is best to grow this variety in a warm, bright environment.

27. Sansevieria burmanica

Originally from India, this linear-lanceolate grass has light blue bands across the leaves. Additionally, it produces panicle-like white-green flowers.

28. Sansevieria francisii

Francisii leaves are upturned, dark green to light green, and up to 12 inches tall. The runners form many offsets.

29. Sansevieria liberica

The leaves are dark green and have transverse bands of green. Typically, they are belt-shaped or lanceolate, with leather-like margins.

30. Sansevieria hyacinthoides

Under the shade of trees, Sansevieria Hyacinthoides grows in small groups. Also, there are dark green diagonals surrounding a medium-green leaf.

31. Sansevieria longiflora

The leaves of Sansevieria longiflora display irregular bands or spots and red-brown to yellow edges. In height, the foliage reaches 4-5 feet.

32. Sansevieria Jade Marginata

It has contrasting green and yellow leaves that emerge from a tight rosette. Up to 10 inches tall, it can grow in size.

33. Sansevieria Whale Fin Variegated

This plant has paddle-like leaves that are wide. A pale, creamy yellow streak runs through the foliage of this mottled green plant. Also, the plant prefers indirect, low- to high-light sources.

34. Sansevieria Coppertone

With stiff elongated succulent copper to bronze foliage with wavy edges, this variety forms a compact rosette. A mature plant can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet.

35. Sansevieria Ehrenbergii ‘Banana’

This type of dwarf snake plant features gray-green to blue-green leaves that are boat-shaped and fat. Due to the shape resembling a banana, the name ‘Banana’ was given to the fruit.

As a dwarf  type of snake plant Ehrenbergii, this plant’s thick leaves are shorter than those of the ‘Blue Sansevieria.’

As well as being boat-shaped, they have an inwardly curved topside and a rounded bottom. Also, there is a certain similarity between the color of this sansevieria and the color of succulents like agave plants. A faint stripe runs along the length of the leaves, which are bluish-green in color.

An identifying feature of the ‘Banana’ sansevieria is the straight leaf in the center. On either side of the center leaf, thick leaves arch out alternately.

For an unusual type of sansevieria Ehrenbergii, look for the variegated variety. There is a grayish-green upper surface and a bright yellow, banana-colored underside.

Conclusion

All types of snake plants (genus Sansevieria) do well indoors as houseplants. In addition to being known as viper’s bowstring hemp or mother-in-law’s tongue, sansevieria varieties make excellent houseplants that fit into any decor.

You can find long sword-shaped flat green leaves in some snake plant varieties. Also,some tropical sansevieria varieties have pointed ends, such as sansevieria cylindrica (African spear plant). 

Also, it is possible to purify the air even with snake plants, such as Sansevieria Trifasciata’s’ Black Gold.’

So, which types of snake plants intrigued you? Let me know in the comments below.

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