Discover 10 varieties of snake plants perfect for your home, with pictures, easy care tips, and answers to common questions like how many varieties of snake plants are there. Ideal for indoor gardening in the USA.
Hey there, fellow plant enthusiasts! I’m Ashley Scott, and I’ve been knee-deep in gardening for over 10 years now. From my cozy backyard in the Midwest to helping friends set up their indoor jungles, I’ve grown just about everything under the sun—or in this case, under grow lights. My passion led me to create USA Garden Hub, where I share tips to make gardening simple and fun for folks across the States. Today, I’m excited to dive into one of my all-time favorite houseplants: the snake plant. If you’re wondering about varieties of snake plants, you’re in the right spot. These tough, air-purifying beauties are perfect for beginners and pros alike, and I’ve got personal stories from my own collection to prove it.
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata (thanks to a recent reclassification), have been a staple in my home for years. I remember my first one—a classic variety I picked up at a local nursery during a rough winter. It survived my overwatering mishaps and low-light apartment, turning me into a believer. Now, with so many different varieties of snake plants out there, I want to help you pick the ones that’ll thrive in your space. We’ll cover 10 varieties of snake plants you should try, complete with descriptions, care tips, and even some pictures of different varieties of snake plants (I’ll describe them vividly since I can’t show actual photos here, but imagine lush greens and bold patterns!).
Before we jump in, let’s answer a few common questions that pop up in my inbox, like are there different varieties of snake plants? Absolutely—hundreds, actually! And can you plant different varieties of snake plants together? Yes, they mix well in pots for a textured look, as long as you match their light and water needs. Stick around, and I’ll share how I’ve done it in my own setups.
What Makes Snake Plants So Popular for Indoor Spaces?
Snake plants are like the superheroes of the plant world. They’re low-maintenance, forgive forgetful waterers (guilty as charged), and NASA even lists them as top air purifiers. In my experience, they’ve brightened up dim corners in my living room where other plants wilted. For USA homes, especially in drier climates or apartments with poor air quality, indoor varieties of snake plants are a game-changer. They thrive in temperatures from 50-85°F, which covers most of our seasons.
If you’re new to this, check out my snake plant care guide on USA Garden Hub for basics like watering once every 2-3 weeks and using well-draining soil. And for more on air-purifying plants, I love linking to experts at the University of Maryland Extension, who explain how these plants filter toxins like formaldehyde.
How Many Varieties of Snake Plants Are There?
Folks often ask me, how many varieties of snake plants are there? Well, there are over 70 species in the Sansevieria genus, but with cultivars and hybrids, the number climbs into the hundreds. Not all are easy to find, but I’ve hunted down some rare varieties of snake plants at specialty shops. In this article, I’ll focus on 10 accessible ones that I’ve grown or recommend based on my trials. From classics to uniques, here’s the list—think of it as your guide to all varieties of snake plants worth trying.
10 Amazing Varieties of Snake Plants You Should Try
I’ve selected these based on popularity, ease, and visual appeal. Each one has a spot in my collection or wishlist, and I’ll include tips on where they fit in your home. Imagine show me different varieties of snake plants—that’s what we’re doing here!
1. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
This is the OG of varieties of snake plants with pictures you’d see in magazines—tall, sword-like leaves edged in bright yellow, growing up to 4 feet. The dark green center has subtle stripes that add depth. I planted one in my office years ago, and it survived a move across states without a hitch.
Care tips: Low light is fine, but bright indirect sun makes the colors pop. Water sparingly to avoid root rot. For more on propagation, see my guide to propagating houseplants. Externally, the Missouri Botanical Garden has great details on its origins from West Africa.
2. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Zeylanica’
A close cousin to Laurentii but without the yellow edges—think solid dark green leaves with wavy, lighter bands. It’s more compact, reaching 2-3 feet, and looks like a mini forest in pots. I once grouped a few in my bathroom for that spa vibe, and they handled the humidity like champs.
Care tips: Tolerates neglect better than most; ideal for forgetful gardeners. Mix it with other different varieties of snake plants for contrast. Learn about its drought tolerance from NC State Extension.
3. Sansevieria Cylindrica (African Spear)
Shaped like spears or cylinders, these leaves are round and pointy, growing in clusters up to 3 feet. The gray-green bands give it a modern, sculptural look—perfect for minimalist decor. In my sunroom, I have one that’s become a conversation starter at parties.
Care tips: Bright light encourages growth; braid the leaves for fun if you’re crafty. It’s one of the indoor varieties of snake plants that purifies air efficiently, as noted by Wisconsin Horticulture Extension.
4. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ (Bird’s Nest Snake Plant)
A dwarf variety forming a rosette like a bird’s nest, with short, wide leaves in variegated green and yellow. It stays under 1 foot tall, making it great for desks. I gifted one to my niece for her dorm, and it’s still thriving despite college chaos.
Care tips: Prefers medium light; overwater and it’ll sulk. Pair with taller varieties for layered pots. For pest control tips, check the Royal Horticultural Society.
5. Sansevieria Masoniana (Whale Fin Snake Plant)
One of the rare varieties of snake plants, with a single, massive paddle-shaped leaf up to 4 feet wide, mottled in dark and light green. It looks like a whale fin emerging from soil—super dramatic! I snagged a cutting at a plant swap and watched it grow slowly but steadily.
Care tips: Low water needs; bright indirect light prevents etiolation. It’s forgiving, but for in-depth care, visit University of Florida IFAS Extension.
6. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
Silvery-green leaves with a subtle sheen, broader and shorter than classics—about 2 feet tall. It glows in low light, hence the name. During a power outage last winter, mine kept my bedroom feeling fresh without any sun.
Care tips: Avoid direct sun to prevent scorching; it’s a top indoor variety of snake plants. I link to my low-light plants article for more ideas.
7. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Black Coral’
Dark, almost black-green leaves with subtle waves, growing tall and upright. It’s moody and elegant, like a goth version of the classic. In my hallway, it adds edge without needing much attention.
Care tips: Thrives in shade; repot every few years. For toxicity info (pet-safe-ish), see ASPCA’s plant database, though it’s a top-rated site, not .edu.
Wait, I need .edu or top-rated. Swap to Cornell University CALS.
Actually, using previous: I already have 5: UMD, Missouri BG (top-rated), NC State, Wisconsin, RHS (top-rated). Add another if needed, but 5 is the requirement.
8. Sansevieria Ehrenbergii ‘Samurai Dwarf’
A compact, rare gem with thick, blue-green leaves forming a fan. Stays small at 1-2 feet. I found one online and it’s now my kitchen windowsill star, handling steam and spills.
Care tips: Well-draining soil is key; it’s drought-tolerant.
9. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’
Leaves twist and curl with gold edges—fun and whimsical, up to 2 feet. My kids love this one; we named it “Curly” and it sparks storytelling during family time.
Care tips: Moderate light; propagate by division.
10. Sansevieria Fernwood ‘Mikado’
Thin, cylindrical leaves like chopsticks, dark green with stripes. Grows in a fountain shape. It’s in my reading nook, adding texture without overwhelming.
Care tips: Low maintenance; great for beginners.
Can You Plant Different Varieties Together?
Absolutely! I’ve mixed different varieties of snake plants in large pots for visual interest—like tall Laurentii with dwarf Hahnii. Just ensure similar care: indirect light, infrequent watering. It creates a mini ecosystem that purifies air better.
Rare and Unique Finds
If you’re after rare varieties of snake plants, look for Whale Fin or hybrids like ‘Ghost’. They’re pricier but worth it—I sourced mine from local growers.
Wrapping Up: Why Add These to Your Home?
There you have it—10 varieties of snake plants to kickstart your collection. From my 10 years of trial and error, these plants have brought joy and cleaner air to my USA home. Start small, experiment, and share your stories on USA Garden Hub.
For more, explore my site or authoritative sources like those linked. Happy planting!
