Snake plants are easy-care succulents perfect for indoor growing. About 70 species were once grouped in the Sansevieria genus but have now been moved into Dracaena. Hundreds of named cultivars exist, ranging from tall upright varieties to compact rosettes. Here are 10 popular snake plant cultivars to grow as houseplants.
‘Laurentii’ snake plant
‘Laurentii’ is one of the most common snake plant cultivars. The dark green sword-shaped leaves have bright yellow margins running along both edges. This variegated pattern makes the plant stand out in any indoor setting. Plants grow 2 to 4 feet tall and spread slowly by underground rhizomes. ‘Laurentii’ is widely available at garden centers and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings.
‘Black Coral’ snake plant
‘Black Coral’ has narrow, flat leaves in a very dark green that reads almost black in low light. The color is uniform across the leaf surface without variegation. This cultivar grows 2 to 3 feet tall when mature. The muted color works well in modern minimalist interiors. The slim leaf profile gives the plant an elegant upright form.
‘Moonshine’ snake plant
‘Moonshine’ has broad pale grey-green leaves with a soft powdery appearance. The leaves are lighter than most snake plants and grow in a compact upright clump. Mature plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall, making this cultivar perfect for tabletops and small spaces. The silvery leaf color stands out among the darker green types. This is a popular specialty cultivar often sold at higher prices than standard green forms.
Whale fin snake plant
Whale fin snake plant is Dracaena masoniana, a separate species known for its single broad leaf that resembles a whale fin. The leaf is thick, paddle-shaped, and marked with irregular dark green mottling on a lighter green background. Mature plants can grow multiple leaves but are often sold as single-leaf specimens. The wide leaf makes a bold statement in modern interiors. Care is the same as for other snake plants: bright indirect light, well-drained succulent soil, and infrequent watering.
‘Boncel’ starfish snake plant
‘Boncel’ is a dwarf cultivar of Dracaena angolensis with short, fat cylindrical leaves that fan out from the base like a starfish. The leaves are dark green with faint banding. This slow-growing plant reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads outward rather than upward. The unusual form makes it a conversation piece. Some plants grow in a flat plane while others form a more rounded rosette.
‘Sayuri’ snake plant
‘Sayuri’ is a specialty cultivar with silvery grey-green leaves and faint vertical striping. The leaves are sword-shaped and grow upright. The soft coloring is more subdued than many variegated types. Like other snake plants, ‘Sayuri’ produces small greenish-white flowers on mature plants when light levels are adequate. This cultivar is less common than ‘Laurentii’ or ‘Moonshine’ but worth seeking out for its unique coloring.
‘Black Gold’ snake plant
‘Black Gold’ has very dark green leaves with thin bright yellow margins along both edges. The contrast between the nearly black center and the yellow stripe is sharp and graphic. This cultivar grows 2 to 3 feet tall with stiff upright leaves. The variegation pattern is similar to ‘Laurentii’ but with a darker center color and thinner yellow edges.
‘Futura Superba’ snake plant
‘Futura Superba’ is a compact cultivar with broad green leaves, yellow margins, and pronounced horizontal grey-green striping across the leaf surface. The leaves are wider than many other types. Mature plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall. The bold horizontal stripes give this cultivar a distinct textured appearance. It grows more slowly than taller varieties and works well in smaller containers.
‘Twist’ snake plant
‘Twist’ is a dwarf cultivar with twisted, undulating leaves. The dark green center is marked with horizontal grey stripes. Bright yellow wavy margins run along the rippled leaf edges. This compact plant grows 12 to 18 inches tall. The curled leaf form adds texture and movement. ‘Twist’ is sometimes sold under the similar name ‘Twisted Sister’, though the two may be slightly different cultivars.
‘Hahnii’ bird’s nest snake plant
‘Hahnii’ is a dwarf rosette form that grows in a funnel shape rather than upright. The grey-green leaves have horizontal darker stripes and fan out from a central point. Mature plants reach only 6 to 8 inches tall, making this one of the smallest snake plant cultivars. The compact rosette form is sometimes called bird’s nest type. ‘Hahnii’ works well on plant shelves, desks, and tabletops where taller varieties would be too large. A variegated version called ‘Golden Hahnii’ has yellow margins and is equally compact.
Growing snake plants
Snake plants are succulents native to dry regions of Africa and southern Asia. They need bright indirect light but tolerate low light better than most houseplants. Direct sun can scorch the leaves. Use a well-drained potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents. The soil needs to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot and plant death. Water every 2 to 6 weeks depending on light, temperature, and pot size.
Snake plants grow best at 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) but tolerate a wide range. They can survive down to 50°F (10°C) and up to 90°F (32°C). Higher temperatures increase water needs. These plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water when kept in cool low-light conditions. Feed once or twice during spring and summer with diluted liquid organic fertilizer. Do not feed in fall or winter when growth slows. Repot snake plants every 3 to 5 years or when roots fill the container. Use a pot only slightly larger than the root ball. These plants prefer being somewhat rootbound and bloom more readily when pot-bound.
Propagate snake plants by division, leaf cuttings, or rhizome cuttings. Division is the fastest method and works for all types. Carefully separate rooted sections from the parent plant and pot them individually. Leaf cuttings work for solid green varieties but variegated forms often revert to plain green when propagated this way. Cut a healthy leaf into 3-inch sections and insert the bottom end into moist soil. New plants will grow from the base in 2 to 4 months. For more details, see how to propagate snake plant.
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