If you think all Snake Plants look the same, think again. Here is a list of Sansevieria varieties and how to grow them successfully.
Snake Plants are the perfect mix of beauty and simplicity. Are you looking for a houseplant that is stylish, tough, and beginner-friendly? Sansevieria check every box. From sleek upright leaves to twisted and bird’s-nest-shaped varieties, Snake Plants offer endless beauty with very little effort.
Varieties Of Snake Plant And Tips To Grow Them
Let’s explore the many snake plant styles and the simple growing tips that keep them healthy and vibrant.
1. Rosette-shaped
Did you know there is a variety of Snake Plant that grows into a beautiful rosette shape? It is popularly known as the Bird’s Nest Snake Plant. Consider using Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ or Sansevieria ‘Golden Hahnii’, a dwarf variety, to get the perfect rosette-shaped look.
You can place these cute arrangements beside your bed or keep them on the center table in your living area. To bring out the perfect shape, prune the plant and pot it in a snug pot, as it grows best when slightly root-bound.
2. Straight Up
The most common shape of the Snake Plant is the upright look. This variety is commonly known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue due to its tall, sword-like foliage. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ grows tall and is among the most low-maintenance plants.
They need 6 to 8 hours of indirect sunlight, so placing this variety near a window is best, or you can keep it in the corner of the room in a planter with a stand. Plant it in well-draining soil, and it will add beauty to your space with its elongated leaves.
3. Fan Shaped
You might be a little confused here, thinking about how a Snake plant can be of a fan shape? Well, there is a wide variety of Snake plants that grow into a beautiful fan-shaped pattern.
All you need to do is avoid over-watering them; they hate wet feet, a gentle training, and the right amount of sunlight. These fan-shaped Snake plants can be kept in your workspace, or you can keep them in your living area and make your guests wonder if it’s “real or fake?”
4. Spirals
Some unique varieties of Snake Plant grow in spirals. From spiral-shaped to twisted leaves, they are the stars of the Snake Plant family. These varieties are naturally spiral, but you can also train them to grow into a spiral shape.
If you are a busy plant parent and want to create a low-maintenance indoor green space, then you can opt for this variety of Snake plant. You can style them in a vertical garden or place them on shelves; they will be a head turner for sure.
5. Peacock Tail
One of the best things about potting a Snake plant is that you can shape them the way you like. You might have heard that Snake plants can be propagated from leaves. All you need to do is plant them according to the design you want to create.
Snake plants do not require too much sunlight, so they make them perfect for styling in your bathroom or study desk. NASA has also certified that the Snake plant is known as an air purifier.
6. Star Shaped
Starfish Sansevieria is one of the rare varieties of Snake Plant. Though this variety is rare, it is worth searching for. It is a more compact hybrid of Sansevieria cylindrica, a more common Snake Plant variety.
Growing and caring for Starfish Sansevieria is just like caring for the common Snake Plant above. It is easy to care for and prefers bright light but will tolerate lower light levels. Use a succulent or cactus potting mix, and under the right conditions, it may produce inch-long (2.5 cm), greenish-white tubular flowers tinged with pink.
7. Diamond Shaped
One of the most eye-catching ways to style a Snake Plant is in a diamond pattern. While there isn’t a naturally “diamond-shaped” Snake Plant variety, growers often create this look using Sansevieria cylindrica (Dracaena angolensis) by carefully braiding or training the cylindrical leaves as they grow. The result is a striking geometric display that looks almost too perfect to be real.
To maintain the diamond pattern, place the plant in bright, indirect light and avoid frequent repositioning. Since the leaves grow slowly, the shape stays attractive for a long time with very little maintenance. This variety is perfect for modern interiors and makes an excellent statement piece for entryways, offices, or living rooms.
8. Whale Fin
Popularly known as the Whale Fin Snake Plant, Dracaena masoniana grows one giant paddle-shaped leaf that can easily become the focal point of a room. Unlike most Snake Plants that grow in clusters, this variety often looks stunning even with a single leaf. Place it in bright, indirect light and water sparingly to keep it healthy and upright.
9. Cylindrical
If you are looking for something unusual, Dracaena angolensis is a great choice. Its long, round, spear-like leaves give it a modern and sculptural appearance. Many nurseries even braid the leaves into decorative patterns, making it one of the most eye-catching Snake Plant varieties.
Snake plants are a common houseplant, but you can turn this simple houseplant into a decorative, shaped indoor plant. All you need is to follow the guide and give minimal care to your babies, and in no time, you will see them thrive.
Try out these different snake plant styles and let us know in the comments which shape you gave to your plant.
