32 Types of Snake Plants: Sansevieria Varieties Identification

Snake plants are the coolest, low-maintenance houseplants around! With funky upright leaves and quirky patterns, these striking succulents add a bold, modern touch to any room. Though they used to be overlooked, snake plants (also called sansevieria) have slithered back into popularity as people discover how easy they are to care for and style.

But did you know there are dozens of different varieties of snake plants? From short and stubby to tall and spindly, with leaves ranging from solid green to stripey yellows and whites, there’s a perfect sansevieria for every plant parent. Get ready to be amazed as we showcase 32 awesome snake plant types – you’ll want to collect them all! Whether you’re a new plant lover or an experienced green thumb, this guide will help you identify and pick your favorite sansevierias.

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Snake Plant Varieties With Names and Pictures

Sansevieria bacularis

This striking sansevieria has long, thick leaves that can reach an impressive 67 inches in length. The dark green leaves have lighter horizontal bands across them adding visual interest. The tips of the leaves are soft rather than pointed. White flowers with a vibrant purple stripe bloom in the springtime. Place this variety in a warm, bright location and it can even be moved outdoors during the summer months. Like other snake plants, it doesn’t need frequent watering – just give it a drink sparingly when the soil is dry as it can tolerate periods of dryness. Not frost-hardy, so bring indoors before temperatures drop.

Sansevieria burmanica

Native to India, this sansevieria forms an upright rosette of wide, rigid leaves up to 5 inches across. The leaves can extend 18-30 inches tall and have a green base color with lighter horizontal bands. The top surface is smooth with up to three vertical stripes, while the leaf margins start green but may turn white as the plant matures. Tall, showy white inflorescences emerge resembling panicles and reaching up to 30 inches high. Provide a sunny or partially shaded spot around 68°F, avoiding temps below 57°F. Water moderately and reduce moisture in winter. Use a sandier potting mix and fertilize every two weeks in summer.

Sansevieria concinna

One of the South African sansevieria species, S. concinna has sleek, lanceolate leaves growing upright from a thick rhizome to form a rosette shape. The smooth green leaves with pale crossbands extend 6-10 inches long, with soft rather than hardened edges. White flowering spikes measuring 6-12 inches tall appear. Situate in a shady spot around 68°F and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering. A slightly sandy, well-draining soil mixture is ideal and fertilize during the spring to fall growing period.

Sansevieria cylindrica

This unusual, less common sansevieria variety is native to South Africa. Its upright leaves are cylindrical and columnar in shape, reaching up to 39 inches tall and 0.8-1.2 inches thick. The leaves emerge green to grayish-green, with younger plants showing dark green horizontal banding that fades with age into slightly furrowed texture. Several cultivars exist including ‘Spaghetti’, ‘Skyline’, and ‘Patula’. Give this architectural plant lots of bright light or direct sun, including moving it outside in summer. Water thoroughly but moderately, allowing some dryness between waterings. Maintain 60% humidity and around 68°F. Use a cactus fertilizer or succulent liquid fertilizer spring to fall.

Sansevieria francisii

From Kenya, this compact variety forms a small trunk-like growth topped with upward pointing marbled green and light green leaves tapering to a point, reaching 12 inches tall. It produces offsets along runners that can be divided for propagation. S. francisii thrives in sunny or partially shaded conditions and can take full blazing sun. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to fully dry between waterings to prevent rot. Fertilize spring to fall and maintain around 68°F, no cooler than 59°F. A well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is best.

Sansevieria hyacinthoides

Known as the “African bowstring hemp”, this species from Africa grows in dense clusters in shaded areas beneath trees. The broad, medium green leaves with darker crossbands can reach up to 4 feet long, arranged loosely in a rosette formation. It also develops long creeping rhizomes. Provide at least 4 hours of sunlight per day and keep temperatures between 68-86°F. Plant in a permeable, well-draining potting mix and water moderately.

Sansevieria liberica

Originally from the Central African Republic and West Africa, this sansevieria produces up to six thick, lanceolate leaves per shoot growing upright. The dark green leaves have pale horizontal bands and can reach 18-43 inches tall. The slightly pointed leaf tips turn white with age, while the margins have a slightly reddish-brown, calloused edge. Loose white panicle flower clusters appear on 24-32 inch stems. Grow S. liberica in shady areas with infrequent watering to prevent rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Ideal temperatures are 68-86°F. Use a well-draining, dry, and slightly gritty potting mix.

Sansevieria longiflora

This African variety from areas like Angola and Namibia sends up striking, irregularly banded or spotted dark green leaves with a smooth surface texture. The leaves can extend an impressive 59 inches in length and 1.2-3.5 inches wide. Brown spines around 0.1-0.2 inches long tip the leaf ends, with the margins calloused and reddish-brown to yellow in color. White panicle-shaped flowers emerge. Grow in sunny or shaded areas with moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Maintain 68-86°F temperatures and use a sandy, well-draining potting mix.

Sansevieria parva

Relatively small for a sansevieria, S. parva has linear to lance-shaped dark green leaves loosely arranged in a rosette pattern, marked with horizontal bands. The white to pink flowers are showy, and this variety from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is easy to care for at home. Provide lots of bright light from a sunny or partially shaded window. Temperatures around 68-86°F are ideal. Use a well-draining, slightly gritty potting mix and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

Sansevieria raffillii

Native to Kenya and Somalia, this tall variety can reach up to 59 inches in height. The smooth, upright lanceolate leaves emerge with green and yellow spots or banding near the base that can fade over time. The reddish-brown calloused margins add great contrast. The greenish-white inflorescences take the shape of tall panicles between 35-47 inches tall when flowering. Grow S. raffillii in shady areas away from direct sun. Water sparingly while allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Use a loose, well-draining sandy potting mix and keep temperatures around 68-77°F.

Sansevieria senegambica

This West African native forms a rosette shape with up to four loosely arching dark green leaves that taper to a point. The leaf tops have barely visible horizontal bands while the undersides show more pronounced banding in a lighter green shade. Leaves extend 16-28 inches long with green margins. White panicle flower clusters emerge, flushed with purple when grown in sunlight, on 12-20 inch stems. Like other sansevierias, provide bright, indirect light or filtered shade. Water sparingly and use a loose, fast-draining potting mix. Maintain around 68°F.

Sansevieria subspicata

Originating from Mozambique, S. subspicata has arching green to slightly blue-tinted lanceolate leaves between 8-24 inches long. The leaves bend back gently from an upright habit, with green margins that age to white over time. Greenish-white panicle flowers emerge on 12-16 inch spikes. Grow this variety in sun to partial shade, allowing the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Use a slightly sandy, loose, well-draining potting mix and maintain temperatures of 68-77°F.

Sansevieria trifasciata

Likely the most well-known snake plant, S. trifasciata is native to tropical West Africa. Its common names include snake plant and mother-in-law’s tongue. The thick, linear-lanceolate leaves with trademark horizontal banding grow 16-24 inches tall from creeping rhizomes. The popular ‘Laurentii’ cultivar features golden yellow margins, while the ‘Hahnii’ forms a dense rosette of banded green, gold, and creamy leaves curling inwards. Give this variety bright, indirect light and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Use a well-draining potting mix with loam and sandy amendments. Fertilize spring to fall.

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Sansevieria zeylanica

From Sri Lanka, this species grows upright to 24-28 inches tall. The leaves have a leathery texture and gentle, undulating green horizontal lines across the surface, with additional white irregular crossbands. They emerge from a shallow root system, so repotting is rarely needed other than to divide offshoots once roots fill the pot. Provide direct or bright indirect sunlight. Water sparingly, letting the soil fully dry between applications. Feed monthly with a cactus or succulent fertilizer. Its interesting texture and wavy leaf pattern make it a unique addition.

Is a snake plant a succulent?

Yes! It is classified as succulent because it stores water in its leaves to reduce the need for hydration. Snake plants are perfect for warm humid or dry climates and they grow well in low-to-medium light levels.

Famous for its ability to remove toxic chemicals from the air like formaldehyde and xylene, this is one houseplant worth having around. Not surprisingly, it’s used as an ornamental plant in landscapes where it grows wild as well as indoors.