13 Popular Sansevieria Varieties

Sansevieria plants or snake plants are plants that are easy to grow in different climates and possess the ability to absorb toxic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde. In some cultures, the snake plant is also known as ‘Mother-in-law’s tongue,’ because of its upright and tongue-shaped leaves. These plants are extremely popular indoor plants because they grow well at normal room temperature. This plant also doesn’t require a lot of care and maintenance.

Now, let’s take a look at the most popular varieties of sansevieria plants.

Sansevieria trifasciata- Also known as ‘Black Gold,’ Sansevieria trifasciata is a perennial snake plant that has dark green leaves and striking golden-yellow edges. This plant can grow 90 cm tall and even bare tubular flowers in late summer. Many people choose to keep this plant in their bedroom or living room because of its air-filtering properties.

Sansevieria futura robusta- Futura Robusta is a short compact variety of snake plants that can grow at least 24 inches tall. This sansevieria variety is notable for its silver-green foliage and dark green horizontal stripes.

Sansevieria cylindrica- Sansevieria cylindrica snake plant’s leaves can grow around 1.5 inches thick and 7 feet tall. This variety is not very common and is native to South Africa. It is an outdoor plant that requires a lot of sunlight and humidity.

Sansevieria francisii- This variety of snake plants is native to Kenya and is known for truck-shaped upturned leaves. It leaves tapers towards the end and comes out in dark green to light colour. It requires a partially shaded sun and its root cannot tolerate waterlogging.

Sansevieria futura superba- This variety has bright green leaves with golden yellow edging. It is a short and wide plant that makes the perfect houseplant even if there is not enough sunlight.

Sansevieria laurentii- Sansevieria laurentii is a variety of snake plant that has dark green leaves with yellow borders and horizontal stripes. This plant can grow at least 2-4 feet tall with robust leaves in the proper circumstances.

Sansevieria Moonshine- Sansevieria Moonshine is a variety of snake plant that is also known as the silver queen, moonlight snake plant, and moonglow. It is an eye-catching plant that has pale, silvery-green, spear-shaped leaves. Its leaves are also broad and tapered at the end with an attractive dark green margin. It does not require a lot of maintenance and can grow in low light with little water.

Sansevieria hyacinthoides- This variety of snake plants is native to the continent of Africa. It requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily and a moderate amount of water. Its leaves can grow as long as 120 cm in length and has a medium green colour with dark green transverse bands and short stems.

Sansevieria kirkii- Sansevieria Kirkii or Star Sansevieria is a rare variety of snake plants that is known for its star-shaped leaves. Its leaves are green and cream-coloured and are extremely sensitive to direct sunlight.

Sansevieria ehrenbergii- Sansevieria ehrenbergii or Blue Sansevieria is a variety of snake plant that has thick succulent leaves that grow in the shape of a fan. This plant’s leaves grow in the shape of a boat in dense clusters and have a blue tinge to them before they mature.

Sansevieria longiflora- Sansevieria longiflora is native to the countries of Angola, Namibia, and the Congo. It grows dark green leaves that are lightly spotted with a smooth leaf surface. The margin of the leaf is hardened and is either red-brown or yellow in colour. This plant needs a moderate amount of water but it cannot tolerate waterlogging. It also requires an adequate amount of direct sunlight to grow properly. 

Sansevieria Parva- Sansevieria parva or Kenya Kyacinth is a low-maintenance plant that has narrow, spiky leaves with darker green patterns. Its leaves can grow as long as 16 inches and its flowers, which are pinkish-white in colour, bloom in the spring.

Sansevieria subspicata- This variety of snake plants is native to the region of Mozambique. Its green to slightly blue upright leaves can grow 20 to 60 centimetres in length. Its leave also tapers towards the end and has a dark green margin with some white discolouration.