How many kinds of snake plants are there? Snake plants or Sansevieria is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of Asparagaceae. Snake plants are among the popular indoor plants in homes and offices.
When it comes to the wide variety of snake plants on the market, there are many questions that may arise such as “how many kinds of plants are there?” or “are they all safe for pets and children?”
We have put together a list with detailed information on snake plant varieties so you can choose the best one for your needs.
How many kinds of snake plants are there?
There are more than 70 species of Sansevieria, commonly called snake plants. They are native to Africa, where they grow in very dry and poor soils.
The plants have stiff leaves that are grouped together at the base of a long stem. The leaves can be green or striped with yellow or white, depending on the species.
The most common species, Sansevieria trifasciata or mother-in-law’s tongue, has three vertical stripes on its leaves. It may reach up to two feet tall and is sometimes used as an indoor plant.
Other varieties include: Sansevieria zeylanica (snake plant) has two green stripes down its leaves, which grow about two feet tall and produce flowers with yellow petals in summer or fall.
This variety prefers bright light but no direct sun; it will tolerate low light indoors if watered regularly and kept from drying out completely between waterings.
Outdoors it can handle full sun but must be kept well-watered; it’s best if grown in pots because its deep roots will make it difficult to manage outdoors in areas where there’s little foot traffic to keep soil aerated around the roots
Three most popular snake plant varieties
Three most popular snake plant varieties
Golden Birds’ Nest (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’)
This variety of snake plant is a hybrid created by crossing a Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and a Bird’s Nest. It is a very hardy plant that can thrive in low light levels, but it also makes an excellent houseplant in bright rooms. With its short, thick leaves and yellow accents, it makes an attractive addition to any space.
Father-in-Law Tongue (Sansevieria aubrytiana)
The Father in Law Tongue has tall, slender leaves with white stripes running down them. It can grow up to 2 feet tall with 2-inch long leaves that grow up from the soil at an angle. Like other Sansevierias, this variety prefers low light levels and high humidity conditions.
Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
This species of snake plant is native to Africa, but it has become popular as a houseplant because of its easy care requirements and beautiful foliage patterning. The variegated variety has green leaves with yellow or white stripes on them.
What is the Most Beautiful Snake Plant?
Sansevieria Masoniana is a very attractive and popular snake plant. It has beautiful dark green leaves with white stripes and is one of the best-selling Sansevieria.
This snake plant can grow up to 14 inches in height and 6 inches in width, which makes it perfect for small spaces. It’s also one of the most cold-tolerant plants on this list, which makes it great for people who live in colder climates.
It is a very attractive plant with leaves that are green on the top and yellow on the bottom. It has a stiff, upright growth habit and makes an excellent focal point in any room.
What is the rarest snake plant?
The rarest snake plant is Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine.’ This variety has a variegated leaf pattern with yellow, cream and green stripes on dark green leaves. It’s a slow grower that can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and wide over time.
Conclusion
There are over 70 species of snake plants. The most common is Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or viper’s bowstring hemp.
Other popular varieties include S. nelsonii and the dwarf snake plant (S. linearis). Snake plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have similar characteristics: upright leaves with pointed tips, stiff leaves that resemble fangs, and a strong ability to survive in low light conditions.
