Snake plants are not your ordinary succulents. With their strap-like leaves and spiky edges, they stand tall and flamboyant, exhibiting a wide range of strange and amazing variants. These remarkable plants can be found across the tropical regions of Western Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia.
While identifying some of these snake plant varieties may be challenging due to their peculiar leaf shapes and colors, one thing is certain: these plants are incredibly resilient. They are drought tolerant and forgiving, able to remain fresh and perky even in the face of neglect.
Previously known as the Sansevieria genus, snake plants have now been classified under Dracaena. Nonetheless, for simplicity’s sake, we’ll continue to use the more popular term below.
Are Snake Plants Rare?
While some snake plant varieties are widely available in major supermarkets and home improvement stores, they only represent a small portion of the diverse range of snake plants. Most of them belong to a single species called Trifasciata dracaena (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata).
Let’s explore some lesser-known snake plant varieties that range from simple to more striking designs.
Moonshine
The unique Sansevieria Moonshine is considered the most beautiful variety within the group. Its large, silvery-green leaves with sharp edges and pointed tips have earned it the playful nickname “mother-in-law’s tongue.” With a dark green border and light green stripes, this plant has a distinctive appearance.
Not only is it visually appealing, but it also boasts air-purifying properties that make it a perfect addition to bedrooms, promoting restful sleep. Growing up to two feet tall, the Moonshine variety requires moderate to strong indirect sunlight and can withstand drought, making it a low-maintenance plant.
Bantel’s Sensation
Bantel’s Sensation stands out with its long, thin, upright foliage. It is a distinctively textured plant, featuring olive-green leaves with stripes of yellow, light green, and white. This variety originates from the tropical regions of western Africa.
Low water and sunlight requirements make caring for Bantel’s Sensation easy. It can be grown outdoors and produces fragrant flowers in the spring. However, it should be kept away from direct afternoon sun to thrive.
Metallic Sansevieria Siam Silver
Another stunning variety is the Metallic Sansevieria Siam Silver, also known as Siam Silver or Sansevieria Metallica. Its large, leathery green leaves feature fine silvery grey stripes and yellowish stripes on the edges. As the plant matures, its foliage gracefully drapes, giving it a lush and healthy appearance.
Siam Silver thrives in sandy soil but can also adapt to rich loam soils with good drainage. It is commonly grown indoors for decorative purposes and requires regular watering and partial to full sunlight.
Black Dragon
The Black Dragon variety is a unique type of the uncommon snake dragon dwarf sansevieria. Its lustrous, unvariegated forest-green leaves, consistent in shape, create an alluring appearance for any space. The leaves’ rich green color and subtle mottling on the underside further contribute to its charm.
Black Dragon can adapt to different levels of sunlight and prefers moderate to medium humidity. Exposure to direct sunlight results in rich green, black-gold leaves, while shade produces darker green and black leaves.
Samurai
Samurai, also known by various names, adds a captivating look to any landscape. Its twisted and bent inward leaves grow in meandering rows, alternating with one another. The substantial blade-like leaves, colored bottle green with coppery-gold margins, set it apart from other snake plants.
This variety requires direct sunlight but can tolerate shade. Well-draining soil is crucial for its growth. The graceful elegance of the Samurai snake plant makes it a wonderful addition to any outdoor landscape.
Golden Hahnii
The Golden Hahnii is a small indoor plant known for its attractive oval-shaped leaves that emerge from a rosette. The waxy leaves display rippled patterns with bright and dark green hues, pointed tips, and creamy golden borders, giving them a refined and alluring appearance.
Occasional watering and exposure to bright, indirect sunlight will keep the Golden Hahnii healthy and long-lived. While they thrive in the summer, they prefer temperate temperatures. It’s important to note that this plant is slightly toxic, so appropriate safety measures must be taken.
Sansevieria cylindrica Or African Spear Plant
Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as the African Spear Plant, is a perennial succulent that grows erect with long, thin, tube-like leaves. The leaves are a light, grassy green color with horizontal stripes of varying widths in bright green. When grown outdoors, this plant can reach a height of six feet.
This variety thrives in strong, direct sunlight, bringing out its vibrant color and making it look full and robust. While it can tolerate shade, its growth will be slower. Fast-draining soil is essential for Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Cylindrica.’ The braided leaves add to its captivating aspect.
These rare snake plant species can be found in various forms, from short and stubby to tall and statement-making. Some have rapier-shaped leaves with sharp color contrasts, while others have rounder, tubular leaves. Explore the world of snake plants, and add a touch of unique beauty to your surroundings.
