Explore 22 Types of Snake Plants to Enhance Your Decor
Snake plants, known for their hardiness and striking appearance, are a favorite among both novice and experienced plant lovers. These resilient houseplants not only spruce up your space but also purify the air, making them a practical addition to any home or office.
With a variety of types of snake plants available, there’s a style to match every decor. Whether you prefer the classic tall green leaves or something more exotic like the cylindrical varieties, this guide will help you discover the perfect snake plant for your indoor garden.
22 Varieties of Snake Plants
1. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (Golden Snake Plant)
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- Height: Can grow up to 3-4 feet tall.
- Leaf Color: Green with yellow edges.
- Growth: Upright, sword-like leaves.
The Golden Snake Plant, distinguished by its vibrant yellow-bordered leaves, is a striking and popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. This variety is not only visually appealing with its contrasting colors but also grows tall, making it a perfect fit for floor pots that accentuate corners and entryways. Its upright growth habit ensures it takes up minimal horizontal space, ideal for smaller living areas.
2. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Zeylanica’ (Zeylanica Snake Plant)
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- Height: Typically grows up to 2-3 feet.
- Leaf Color: Dark green with lighter green horizontal stripes.
- Pattern: Striped, sword-like leaves.
The Zeylanica Snake Plant is known for its robustness and elegant dark green leaves marked with horizontal bands of a lighter green. This pattern not only adds a texture-like quality but also blends well with various interior decors. Its moderate height makes it suitable for tabletops or floor placements, providing a refreshing splash of greenery without overpowering the space.
3. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ (Bird’s Nest Snake Plant)
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- Height: Grows compactly, up to 6-8 inches tall.
- Shape: Rosette pattern.
- Leaf Color: Deep green with light green stripes.
Often referred to as the Bird’s Nest Snake Plant, ‘Hahnii’ is a dwarf variety that forms a cute, compact rosette, resembling a bird’s nest. Its short stature and dense leaf growth make it an ideal choice for desktops, shelves, or as a part of a mixed container garden. Despite its small size, it retains the air-purifying qualities of its larger counterparts, making it as functional as it is decorative.
4. Sansevieria cylindrica (Cylindrical Snake Plant)
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- Height: Can reach up to 2-3 feet.
- Leaf Shape: Round, tubular leaves that point upwards.
- Texture: Smooth, spear-like.
The Cylindrical Snake Plant stands out with its unique tube-shaped leaves that rise vertically like spears. This unusual feature not only catches the eye but also adds an architectural element to the plant’s display.
It’s perfect for adding height and interest to grouped plant arrangements or as a standalone feature in a minimalist decor. Its robust form and slow growth make it a low-maintenance choice for busy or forgetful plant owners.
5. Sansevieria kirkii (Star Sansevieria)
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- Height: Up to 1-2 feet tall.
- Leaf Features: Rosette form with slightly wavy margins.
- Coloration: Mottled green with occasional pinkish tints.
Sansevieria kirkii, or Star Sansevieria, offers a more playful look with its wavy, slightly twisted leaves that may show hints of pink. This type provides a softer aesthetic compared to the more rigid, upright varieties. It’s excellent for those who appreciate a plant with character and texture that doesn’t demand too much attention. Ideal for areas with limited space, it adds a gentle touch of nature’s whimsy to any setting.
6. Sansevieria masoniana (Whale Fin Snake Plant)
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- Height: Can grow up to 3-4 feet tall.
- Leaf Shape: Broad, paddle-like leaves.
- Unique Feature: Single large leaf per growth point.
The Whale Fin Snake Plant, aptly named for its large, fin-like leaves, is a dramatic and sculptural variety. Each leaf stands tall and wide, resembling the fin of a whale, with unique variegation and patterns that make each one a standalone piece of art. This plant is perfect as a focal point in a room or in a spacious area where its distinct shape and size can be fully appreciated. It’s not just a plant; it’s a statement piece.
7. Sansevieria ehrenbergii (Blue Sansevieria)
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- Height: Typically around 2-3 feet tall.
- Leaf Color: Blue-green with red tinges on the edges.
- Growth Pattern: Fan-shaped arrangement of the leaves.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii, or the Blue Sansevieria, is notable for its fan-like arrangement of sword-shaped leaves. The blue-green coloration, accented with subtle red edges, offers a cool tone that differs from the more common green hues of other snake plants. Its robust form and striking color palette make it suitable for modern and minimalist interiors, adding a touch of sophistication and visual interest with its unusual color and structure.
8. Sansevieria bacularis (Mikado Fernwood)
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- Height: Reaches up to 2 feet tall.
- Leaf Structure: Thin, cylindrical, and pointed leaves.
- Arrangement: Dense clumps that gradually spread.
Sansevieria bacularis, commonly referred to as Mikado Fernwood, features slender, cylindrical leaves that grow upright in a tightly packed fashion. This plant is ideal for smaller spaces or as part of a larger arrangement, providing texture and vertical interest.
The Mikado Fernwood is particularly easy to care for, requiring minimal water and thriving in low-light conditions, making it a suitable choice for office spaces or darker corners of a home.
9. Sansevieria patens
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- Height: Up to 1 foot tall.
- Leaf Arrangement: Rosette pattern with slightly arching leaves.
- Distinctive Feature: Leaves have a rugged, bumpy texture.
Sansevieria patens stands out with its rosette pattern and uniquely textured leaves. This variety prefers a bit more shade than other snake plants, making it a versatile choice for less sunny spots in your home. Its leaves arch gracefully outward, giving it a soft, yet structured appearance. Sansevieria patens is perfect for adding greenery to a space without overwhelming it, suitable for tabletops or as a complement to other taller plants.
10. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’
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- Height: Grows up to 1-2 feet tall.
- Leaf Feature: Twisted leaves with horizontal green and yellow stripes.
- Visual Appeal: Spiraling growth adds dynamic movement.
‘Twist’ is a playful variant of the traditional snake plant, with leaves that literally twist and turn as they grow. This adds a dynamic, swirling pattern to the plant’s overall appearance, making it a lively addition to any plant collection.
The contrasting green and yellow stripes enhance its visual appeal, making it a bright, cheerful option for areas that need a little liveliness. Whether placed in a living room, bedroom, or office, the ‘Twist’ brings a fun twist to the classic snake plant look.
11. Sansevieria canaliculata
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- Height: Grows up to 3 feet tall.
- Leaf Structure: Narrow cylindrical leaves with a deep groove running longitudinally.
- Growth Habit: Single leaves grow from rhizomes, spread slightly apart.
Sansevieria canaliculata is distinguished by its cylindrical, canoe-shaped leaves, which feature a distinct channel or groove that runs the length of each leaf. This groove gives the leaves a sculpted appearance, adding depth and texture to the plant’s overall look.
Perfect for modern decor schemes, it brings a touch of elegance and interest to any setting. The plant’s growth pattern allows it to spread gracefully, making it suitable for wide pots or as a striking floor plant in minimalist spaces.
12. Sansevieria francisii
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- Height: Typically grows up to 24 inches tall.
- Leaf Feature: Leaves are stacked tightly in a rosette, creating a spiral effect.
- Distinctive Feature: Develops offsets that pile up on the base, enhancing its clustered look.
Sansevieria francisii is unique for its architectural structure, where the leaves stack tightly in vertical layers, creating a visually striking spiral staircase effect. This plant is particularly fascinating for collectors and those who appreciate unusual plant forms.
The compact, upward growth makes it ideal for smaller spaces or as an intriguing tabletop centerpiece. Its ability to produce dense clusters not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also makes it easy to propagate and share with fellow plant enthusiasts.
13. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’
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- Height: Typically around 24 inches.
- Leaf Color: Grayish-green with a robust and thick leaf texture.
- Pattern: Broad leaves with subtle horizontal stripes.
The ‘Futura Robusta’ is a sturdier version of the common snake plant, with leaves that are wider and have a more pronounced gray tone. It’s particularly durable and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making it a versatile choice for many indoor environments.
14. Sansevieria pinguicula
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- Height: Around 12-15 inches.
- Leaf Feature: Stiff, upright leaves that gradually spread outward.
- Growth Habit: Known for its “walking” ability, where new rosettes form away from the main base.
Often called the Walking Sansevieria, this species is fascinating due to its growth pattern, which allows it to spread across the pot over time. Its hardy nature and unique sprawling growth make it an interesting conversation piece and a dynamic addition to any plant collection.
15. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
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- Height: Can reach up to 2 feet.
- Leaf Color: Silvery-green, almost luminescent under certain lighting.
- Ambiance: Provides a soft, moonlit glow to interiors, hence the name.
‘Moonshine’ is highly prized for its ethereal, pale foliage that seems to glow, bringing a calming presence to any setting. It’s particularly effective in low-light areas where its leaves can catch and reflect ambient light, enhancing its silvery effect.
16. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’
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- Height: Typically grows up to 6-8 inches tall.
- Leaf Color: Rich green with broad yellow edges.
- Growth Form: Rosette pattern with shorter, stout leaves.
Golden Hahnii is a compact cultivar of the snake plant, known for its small stature and striking variegation. The leaves form a tight rosette that resembles a bird’s nest, which is where it gets its common name. This variety is particularly popular for its ornamental appeal due to its vibrant yellow margins that contrast sharply with the dark green center of the leaves.
17. Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Samurai’
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- Height: Compact, usually under 10 inches.
- Leaf Arrangement: Thick, fan-shaped arrangement of the leaves.
- Appearance: Dark green with reddish-brown edges.
The ‘Samurai’ is a dwarf variety known for its extremely tough, almost rigid leaves that form an attractive fan shape. This variety is suited for small spaces and works well in mixed succulent arrangements, adding texture and interest.
18. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Gold’
Image source: Pinterest
- Height: Can grow up to 2-3 feet tall.
- Leaf Color: Dark green centers with bright gold edges.
- Growth Pattern: Upright, sword-like leaves.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Gold’ is known for its strikingly sharp contrast between the deep green of its leaves and the vibrant golden edges. This variety is particularly elegant and makes a strong visual statement, ideal for modern and contemporary decor. It’s not only beautiful but also highly effective at purifying indoor air, making it a popular choice for both homes and offices.
19. Sansevieria parva ‘Kenya Hyacinth’
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- Height: Grows up to about 12-16 inches tall.
- Leaf Color: Light to dark green.
- Flowering: Produces delicate white flowers.
Sansevieria parva ‘Kenya Hyacinth’ has narrower, softer leaves compared to the more common types of snake plants, resembling grass or hyacinth. It’s known for its pleasant, sweet-smelling flowers that add a surprising element to this typically foliage-focused genus. This variety thrives under the same low-care conditions as its relatives but offers a more subdued and elegant appearance.
20. Sansevieria ‘Golden Flame’
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- Height: Typically grows up to 2 feet.
- Leaf Feature: Starts with bright golden yellow leaves that gradually turn green.
- Visual Effect: The leaves emerge brightly colored and slowly mature to a deep green, giving a dynamic change in color over time.
Sansevieria ‘Golden Flame’ offers a dramatic color transition that captures the eye, making it a unique and appealing choice for interior decorating. The initial golden tones of the leaves are especially vibrant, making it a focal point in any room setting.
21. Sansevieria ballyi
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- Height: Small, only reaching about 6-8 inches tall.
- Growth Habit: Forms dense clumps and spreads slowly via rhizomes.
- Leaf Structure: Short, cylindrical, arching leaves.
Sansevieria ballyi, also known as the dwarf sansevieria, is perfect for small spaces and terrariums due to its miniature size. Its ability to spread and form offsets makes it an interesting addition that can fill in areas over time, providing texture and greenery to small pots and larger dish gardens alike.
22. Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
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- Height: Typically around 1 foot tall.
- Leaf Shape: Short, banana-like curved leaves.
- Distinctive Feature: The leaves are unusually shaped, giving the plant a distinctive, almost whimsical appearance.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’ is noted for its unique, curved leaves that stand out from the typically upright snake plant forms. This variety adds a playful touch to collections, suitable for those looking for something different in their houseplant setup. It is as tough and low-maintenance as other snake plants but with a distinctive twist in its foliage form.
