Snake plant has a reputation for being the ideal gift to inexperienced gardeners. This plant is tolerant of low light, suffers neglect without too much complaint, and is almost impossible to kill!
The original cultivars are native to West Africa, but snake plant has been heavily popularized in the Far East (where it is believed to bring good luck). It has many varieties that thrive in the climate conditions of Texas to Mexico and to as far as South America. It is hardy enough to be regarded as an invasive species in Florida, so ensure that your Mother-in-Law’s Tongue stays inside your home!
Trifasciata translates from Latin as the three bands, which refers to the markings on the spiked leaves. This variety is the one that comes to mind when we think of Dracaena trifasciata or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.
There are more than 60 different varieties of Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. These grow in a wide range of environments – from tropical jungle to near-desert conditions.
As long as you know what to do when it comes to snake plant care, these most popular types of snake plants can be yours to grow.
Sansevieria ‘Laurentii’
Also known as variegated snake plant, this is the most popular of Sansevieria varieties worldwide. It has elongated spiky leaves with fabulous vertical green patterns and lemon yellow borders.
Bird’s Nest ‘Hahnii’
This bird’s nest snake plant type is shorter than Laurentii. It grows quite low in comparison to other snake plants. Offsets that can be propagated are frequently produced by the basal rosette. There is also a Golden ‘Hahnii’ variety.
Trifasciata ‘Black Gold’
This variety has earned its name from its leaf edges, which seem to shine like gold. This plant requires little pruning because it grows very slowly. For this reason, it is another elegant choice for the novice gardener.
Sansevieria cylindrica
Also known as the African Spear plant, this name refers to its round, slightly bulging, spear-shaped leaves.
Starfish Sansevieria
This plant is named for its unusually shaped leaves. It is quite different from other Snake plants and can definitely spice up any gardener’s collection.
Sansevieria zeylanica
These plants are reputed to be good air purifiers, cleaning indoor air of pollutants. Their patterned leaves offer a tranquil dash of green indoors.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’
This is a shorter version of the standard Trifasciata variety. It can grow up to 2 feet tall, but it twists as it grows. The whole plant can often appear curled.
Sansevieria ‘Futura robusta’
This is a short variety which offers the gardener a set of broad leaves. The leaves are set apart by a sheen of silvery yellow edges.
Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’
This has to be a common favorite for its sculptural appearance and elegant silvery foliage. It grows very tall – some reach 4 feet in height. This variety has leaves with dreamy colours that look soothing to the eye. The curling orientation of the leaves can be endlessly eye-catching as well.
