If you seek a resilient plant adaptable to various conditions, explore the snake plant (Sansevieria), often known as mother-in-law’s tongue. Not only does it thrive in low-light environments and withstand sporadic watering, but it also adds a touch of elegance. Moreover, snake plants contribute to indoor air purification.
To ensure their health, plant them in a well-drained pot as they cannot tolerate excessive humidity. With about 40 varieties of small snake plants listed below, you’re sure to find a snake plant that suits your preferences.
Different Types of Small Snake Plants
Dracaena pinguicula
The plant Dracaena pinguicula, sometimes called Sansevieria pinguicula, grows up to be one foot tall. The thick, stubby leaves of this unusual succulent resemble those of an agave plant. Reddish-brown tips and borders draw attention to the greenish-blue foliage. Its distinct growth behavior has gained it the moniker “walking sansevieria.”
Dracaena masoniana
With its exceptionally wide leaf, Dracaena masoniana, also known as Sansevieria masoniana, earns the nickname “whale fin snake plant.” It grows up to 4 feet tall. The vivid green leaves have a remarkable splotchy pattern due to the light green spots and reddish-brown to purple edges. If you are lucky enough to get one, this unusual beauty will definitely stand out in any collection of indoor plants.
Sansevieria Francisii
Known by several names, Sansevieria Francisii, is a plant that can reach a height of two feet and has green foliage with brownish-pointy tips and noticeable grayish-green horizontal stripes. The leaves of this unusual snake plant are rigid, short, and placed in closely spaced rows that cross-brand. Regretfully, this spicy experience is not easily found, therefore collectors who want to add this unique type to their collection may have to look for it from a specialized provider.
Dracaena Concinna
Dracaena Concinna, also known as Sansevieria concinna, reaches up to 1.5 feet in height. Featuring dark green foliage, this rare snake plant species rewards enthusiasts with a unique oval, spoon-shaped form when provided with ample bright but indirect light. This distinctive characteristic adds to the allure of Dracaena Concinna, making it a sought-after choice for those who appreciate the rarity and unique shapes found in snake plant varieties.
Dracaena Aubrytiana
Often known as Sansevieria aubrytiana, Dracaena Aubrytiana reaches a height of two feet and has sword-shaped, dark green leaves with noticeable white splotches. Often called father-in-law’s tongue, this snake plant is closely related to Dracaena pethera. Its remarkable quality is the marbling effect on the glossy foliage, which gives it a distinctive and eye-catching look.
Dracaena Suffruticosa
Sansevieria suffruticosa, often known as Dracaena Suffruticosa, is a shrub that grows up to three feet tall and has dark green foliage with lighter green bands and white tips. This snake plant, also known as bowstrap hemp, has a distinctive central groove that extends halfway up the leaf. Thick, slightly curved leaves end in sharp tips, giving them an eye-catching appearance.
Dracaena Stuckyi
Often known as Sansevieria Stuckyi, Dracaena Stuckyi grows up to 6 feet tall, which makes it a great specimen floor plant when fully grown. The juvenile stage has fountain-shaped, flat green leaves with dark green lines running horizontally. The leaves change as the plant ages over a period of up to six years; they become longer, thinner, and have pointed points on their cylindrical forms. The leaf loses its stripes and develops characteristic vertical channels as it changes to a softer shade of green.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’
Often known as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta,’ Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’ grows to a height of 24 inches and has semi-compact, inverted triangular leaves. This particular cultivar of snake plant has striking silvery-green spots on its matte dark green leaves, which give it visual appeal.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Robusta,’ also known as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Robusta,’ reaches up to 16 inches in height, displaying inverted triangle-shaped foliage. While not as fast-growing as the ‘Black Jack’ cultivar, ‘Black Robusta’ typically features 3 to 5 leaves. It stands out for its dark green leaves adorned with mottled silver stripes, creating an attractive and distinctive patternation. Despite its slower growth, the unique foliage of ‘Black Robusta’ adds an appealing touch to indoor spaces.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Golden Flame’
Known also as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Golden Flame,’ Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Golden Flame’ is a plant that grows up to 18 inches tall and has foliage that is formed like an upright, inverted triangle. This small dracaena variety has gray-green leaves that turn dark green as they get older, with eye-catching yellow-gold stripes that look like fireflies. For those looking for a little plant with eye-catching foliage, the ‘Golden Flame’ is a fascinating option because it brings warmth and color to interior settings.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Whitney’
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Whitney,’ also called Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Whitney,’ is a tall plant that may grow up to 16 inches tall and has foliage that is arranged in an upright, inverted triangle configuration. This cultivar of miniature snake plant normally has four to five leaves that create a rosette on each plant. “Whitney” is well-known for its asymmetrical variegation, which features dark green leaves with broad borders decorated with pale and dark green patterns.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Jack’
Known by another name, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Jack,’ Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Jack’ is a small, 15-inch snake plant. Its vigorous growth and inverted triangle shape are derived from its larger parent, ‘Black Gold Superba.’ With its rosette-like arrangement of seven to ten leaves, this cultivar is widely sought-after by plant aficionados because to its unique dark green foliage and vivid yellow-green edges.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Futura Superba’
Trifasciata Dracaena ‘Futura Superba,’ also known as Sansevieria trifasciata,’ is a plant that can grow up to 15 inches tall. The leaves of this small snake plant has a noticeable yellow border and is a shade of greyish-dark green. The leaves, which usually number three to five per plant, develop in an upright manner as an inverted triangle-shaped rosette. The foliage of the plant becomes reflexive with age, contributing to its distinct aesthetic appeal.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ Black Limon
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ Black Limon, also known as Sansevieria laurentii ‘Black Limon,’ can reach up to 3 feet in height. A cultivar of the popular ‘Laurentii,’ its dark green leaves boast bright yellow margins. Typically, there are three to five leaves per plant. Notably, ‘Black Limon’ is recognized for its exceptional drought tolerance, making it a hardy and resilient choice for plant enthusiasts.
Dracaena Trifasciata Hahnii ‘Jade Pagoda’
Dracaena Trifasciata Hahnii ‘Jade Pagoda,’ also known as Sansevieria Jade Pagoda or Sansevieria Hahnii Jade Marginata, reaches up to 10 inches in height. This dwarf variegated snake plant cultivar features broad, lance-shaped, flat, and thick foliage with smooth, deeply colored leaves and standout wavy yellow margins. Despite its small stature, the ‘Jade Pagoda’ makes a significant impact with its striking variegation, adding a visually appealing and unique touch to indoor spaces.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Metallica’
Known by the common name Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Metallica,’ Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Metallica’ grows to a maximum height of three feet. Its unusual foliage is accented with light green horizontal bands and gray vertical stripes, giving it a striking metallic silver tone. This unusual plant grows slowly, and its long, sword-shaped leaves have fine gray vertical lines that give it a striking appearance. “Metallica” is an outstanding addition to the collection if you’re looking for a unique snake plant with metallic foliage.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Hahnii’
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, also known as Sansevieria hahnii, is a petite cultivar within the Dracaena trifasciata species. Standing at a maximum height of 1.5 feet, its distinctive flat, lance-shaped leaves form a rosette resembling a bird’s nest. The lush foliage displays a rich dark green hue adorned with creamy white horizontal stripes. Recognized for its rapid growth, this succulent adds a touch of elegance with its compact and clustered arrangement, earning it the moniker of the bird’s nest snake plant.
Dracaena Angolensi
The succulent known as Sansevieria cylindrica, or Dracaena Angolensi, is renowned for its magnificent look. Reaching up to six feet in height, its long, cylindrical leaves gracefully arch outward from a central crown. With its subtle patterns and gray-green tone, the foliage gives a touch of beauty. Another variation of the African spear plant is called “straight,” and it has leaves that stand straight up, giving it a distinctive and magnificent look.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
Sansevieria laurentii, or Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Laurentii,’ is a well-known snake plant that is renowned for its unusual appearance. Growing to a maximum height of 4 feet, its sword-shaped, flat leaves have an enticing dark green color with lighter green banded zigzags with yellow borders. Often called striped mother-in-law’s tongue or variegated snake plant, ‘Laurentii’ is distinguished by its eye-catching foliage design.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’
The dwarf snake plant Dracaena trifasciata, sometimes called Sansevieria ‘Twisted Sister,’ grows well on shelves and other small areas. It has blunt-edged, curved leaves that are up to 15 inches tall and have a lovely yellow-gold and green variegation. With its twisted leaf growth habit and bird’s nest-like appearance, this tiny cultivar is a distinctive and space-saving addition to your indoor foliage.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’
The tall, slender variegated leaves of Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation,’ also known as Sansevieria Bantel’s Sensation, makes this plant stand out. It is known as the “white snake plant” because of its graceful white vertical stripes on its dark green leaves, which can grow up to three feet in height. This award-winning species’ smooth, flat, pointed leaves create a visually pleasing juxtaposition of colors and textures, adding a sophisticated touch to any space.
Dracaena Pearsonii
Dracaena Pearsonii is a rare and sought-after beauty, also known as Sansevieria pearsonii or Sansevieria deserti. Its long, erect, ribbed leaves have a deep, dark green color and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Sometimes called rhinograss, this rare plant is a valuable find. Should you be lucky enough to obtain one, it will kindly bestow upon its possessor an eye-catching cluster of leaves that are arranged vertically, bringing a little something extra to any collection of plants.
Dracaena Zeylanica
Sansevieria zeylanica, commonly known as Dracaena Zeylanica, is a plant that grows up to three feet tall and has sword-shaped, erect foliage. Its dark green leaves, which are almost olive in tone, are ornamented with twisted, horizontal light green stripes, giving it a resemblance to the well-known Sansevieria Trifasciata. For those looking for a low-maintenance and visually pleasing plant, Dracaena Zeylanica is a popular option because of its elegant combination of color and pattern that gives a sense of refinement to indoor areas.
Dracaena Parva
The bright green foliage of Dracaena parva, also known as Sansevieria parva, grows up to 1.5 feet tall and changes from pale green bands in its youth to a simple deep green in maturity. Its fragrant blossoms have earned it the name Kenya Hyacinth, even though it rarely flowers indoors. Under ideal circumstances, it blossoms more frequently than other members of the genus. Whether they are variegated or have horizontal stripes, the narrow, lance-shaped leaves give the plant a pleasing fountain-like look.
Dracaena Ballyi
Sansevieria ballyi, commonly known as Dracaena Ballyi, is a shrub that can reach a height of 6 inches and has rough, slender, cylindrical leaves that curl inward. With its light-green bands and reddish-brown tips, the green leaves give rise to the common name dwarf snake plant. There is also a little cultivar called ‘Minnie’ that is ideal for even the smallest of places. This little species is a pleasant option for people with little space because of its compact growth habit, which offers a touch of greenery to cramped settings.
Dracaena Bacularis
Often known as Sansevieria bacularis, Dracaena Bacularis is up to six feet tall. It is sometimes confused with the more common Dracaena angolensi due to its tall, cylindrical leaves, which are decorated with gray-green horizontal stripes and a dark green tint. But the characteristic that sets Dracaena bacularis distinct from its twin is that its leaves are thinner. The plant adds something special to interior areas because of its distinguishing qualities.
Dracaena Canaliculata
Sansevieria canaliculata, commonly known as Dracaena Canaliculata, is a tree that can grow up to three feet tall and has cylindrical, dark green leaves with white tips. Its leaves grow singly rather than in clusters like Sansevieria cylindrica does, and they have characteristic grooves running the length of them. This unusual houseplant has distinctive qualities, and lucky finders may come upon dwarf and variegated variants for even more variation.
Dracaena Fernwood
Reaching up to three feet, Dracaena Fernwood, also known as Sansevieria Fernwood, has dark green foliage with light green horizontal stripes. It is sometimes confused for Dracaena bacularis, a hybrid of Dracaena parva and Dracaena suffruticosa, although the mature plant has shorter, thicker foliage. The Fernwood differs from Dracaena angolensis in that its leaves have noticeable vertical grooves.
Dracaena Angolensis ‘Starfish’
The maximum height of Dracaena Angolensis ‘Starfish,’ also referred to as Sansevieria Cylindrica var. Patula, is one foot. Its broad, tubular, dark green leaves with pale grayish-green horizontal stripes. This unusual variety of snake plant has thick, stubby leaves that spread apart as it grows, giving it a striking appearance like a starfish.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Silver Queen’
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Silver Queen,’ another name for Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silver Queen,’ is a plant that grows up to three feet tall. This cultivar, which is notable for its medium size, is distinguished by its tall, flat, sword-shaped leaves that have light green horizontal bands and a silver-green hue.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Gold’
Often known as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Gold,’ Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Black Gold’ is a well-liked cultivar that is especially well-liked by collectors. Its long, flat, sword-shaped leaves, which have the potential to grow up to three feet tall, feature a mix of dazzling gold chartreuse and dark green. Plant collectors find it highly desirable because of the dramatic contrast between the two colors. Ensuring that the foliage of ‘Black Gold’ maintains its visually striking colors requires the provision of bright but indirect light.
Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
Appropriately called the silver snake plant, Dracaena Trifasciata ‘Moonshine,’ also goes by the name Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine. Its erect inverted triangular leaves, which can grow up to two feet tall, have narrow darker green margins around them and a silvery-green color with lighter green spots and striations. The foliage’s almost-white appearance when it is young adds to its attractiveness. ‘Moonshine’ grows best in bright yet indirect light, much like the ‘Futura Robusta’ cultivar.
Dracaena Pethera
The Dracaena Pethera, also called Sansevieria kirkii, reaches a height of three feet. When the plant reaches maturity, its flat, sword-shaped leaves will have a deep dark green color with wavy reddish-purple borders and white mottling. The star sansevieria is known for its sluggish growth and need for maturity. Its heavy, robust leaves, in contrast to other snake plants, droop gently towards the ground, giving it a distinctive and unusual appearance.
Dracaena Patens
For those who enjoy snake plants, Dracaena Patens, commonly referred to as Sansevieria patens, offers a distinctive and casual variation. Reaching up to three feet in height, its glossy green leaves eventually turn bluish-green with white tips, horizontal stripes, and unique curled leaves. Dracaena Patens exhibits dense, stiff foliage that fans out in different directions, departing from the usual upright growth habit of snake plants.
Dracaena Hanningtonii
Sansevieria ehrenbergii, commonly known as Dracaena Hanningtonii, is a five-foot-tall sword sansevieria. It fans out elegantly with wide, sharp-ended leaves that are bluish-green with reddish-brown and white borders. Often dubbed the blue sansevieria, as it ages, its bluish tone becomes less noticeable. It takes years for it to mature despite its size. The juice from the thick, fibrous leaves has inherent antibacterial qualities.
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