7 Types of Sansevieria Plants (A Comprehensive Guide)

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Exploring Popular Sansevieria Varieties

Sansevieria, also known as snake plants or mother-in-law’s tongue, is an incredibly diverse family of plants.

There’s no shortage of interesting snake plant varieties to choose from, each with its own unique features and appearances.

One of the most popular types of snake plants is the Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, known for its tall, green leaves with yellow borders.

Other crowd-pleasers include the unique cylindrical Sansevieria Cylindrica ‘Boncel’ and the silvery-green Sansevieria Moonshine.

Let’s take a closer look at these popular varieties and the reasons behind their fame.

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Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’

Meet the Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, a popular snake plant variety that brings both beauty and function to your indoor space.

Its tall, green leaves feature yellow borders, giving it a striking appearance. But it doesn’t stop there – it’s also known for its air-purifying properties and low-maintenance care.

This snake plant does an excellent job of removing toxins like Trichloroethylene (TCE), Benzene, and Formaldehyde from the air.

Place it in your bedroom or living room, and breathe a little easier knowing that Laurentii is hard at work, purifying the atmosphere.

READ NEXT: 25 Aesthetic Bedroom Plant Ideas (Modern Decor You’ll Love)

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Sansevieria Cylindrica ‘Boncel’

If you’re looking for a cylindrical snake plant that stands out from the crowd, look no further than the Sansevieria Cylindrica ‘Boncel’.

This unique variety features long, green tubular leaves that grow up to 7 feet in length, forming a fan shape and collecting from one rosette. It goes without saying – this plant will stand proud in your plant collection.

Looking beyond appearance, the ‘Boncel’ is also quite hardy. This snake plant can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from bright light to partial shade.

Just ensure you plant it in a well-drained soil mix, and be cautious of overwatering, as it can be prone to root rot and pests like spider mites and mealybugs.

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Sansevieria Moonshine

The Sansevieria Moonshine, also known as the moonshine snake plant, can be easily recognised by its silvery-green leaves that can grow up to 4 feet tall.

This stunning snake plant variety adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

Because of its tall and upright growth, the Moonshine is perfect for brightening corners or adding height to your plant collection.

Its low maintenance requirements also make it the perfect choice if you’re a busy plant owner or are new to the world of indoor gardening.

Rare and Unique Sansevieria Species

Now that we’ve explored some of the most popular Sansevieria varieties let’s dive into the world of rare and unique species.

Have you ever heard of Sansevieria Cleopatra or Sansevieria Eilensis? These distinctive plants offer intriguing appearances and interesting growth habits that will surely pique your interest if you’re a plant enthusiast.

Let’s take a closer look at these uncommon gems.

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Sansevieria Cleopatra

Sansevieria Cleopatra, also known as blue sansevieria, is a rare hybrid variety that boasts intricately patterned, curved leaves.

Growing up to 11 inches tall, this slow-growing plant is sure to become a stunning focal point in any indoor garden.

The unique crisscross of dark green lines against a light green background, along with rippled edges highlighted by a reddish-brown line, make this plant a true showstopper.

When it comes to caring for your Sansevieria Cleopatra, it’s fairly low-maintenance. Here are some quick tips to keep your Cleopatra fit and healthy:

• Place it in a medium-sized pot.
• Ensure it receives bright, indirect light.
• Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Keep it at a temperature between 18-29°C for optimal growth – the best rooms tend to be a conservatory, living room, or warm bedroom.

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Sansevieria Eilensis

Meet Sansevieria Eilensis, a slow-growing, dwarf bird’s nest snake plant with thick, bluish-green leaves that curl downward.

This unusual plant is perfect if you love unique foliage (the twisted sister snake plant is also a great one if you’re really into foliage!)

The leaves can grow up to 5 inches in height, making it a petite addition to any indoor space.

Sansevieria Eilensis is not only visually intriguing but also requires minimal care. Like most snake plants, it’s drought-resistant and doesn’t need much water.

Just make sure you place it in a well-drained soil mix and ensure it receives bright, indirect light for optimal growth.

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Compact Snake Plants for Small Spaces

If you’re short on space but still want to enjoy the benefits of Sansevieria plants, worry not!

There are compact snake plants perfect for small spaces, such as the dwarf cultivar Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’ and the petite Sansevieria Ballyi (Dwarf Sansevieria).

Let’s explore these small wonders and how they can brighten up even the smallest of spaces.

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Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’

The Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’ is a small, rosette-forming snake plant perfect for coffee tables or small rooms. Its features include:

• Green leaves with yellow stripes that create a unique pattern.
• Compact size, making it an ideal choice if you love, love, love snake plants but have limited room. 
• Rosette of stiff, sword-shaped leaves that grow from a thick rhizome.

These characteristics make it an excellent conversation starter when your pals come over, particularly those who love houseplants too!

Caring for your ‘Golden Hahnii’ is a breeze. Here are some tips:

• This compact snake plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
• Keep it in a comfortable temperature range of 18-29°C, just like Sansevieria Cleopatra.
• Water it regularly, ensuring that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.

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Sansevieria Ballyi (Dwarf Sansevieria)

Sansevieria Ballyi, also known as Dwarf Sansevieria, is a petite plant with dark green leaves and a light green stripe. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches tall, so it’s simply perfect for a small space!

Want to enjoy the benefits of Sansevieria without taking up too much room? Then this one is undeniably for you. 

When it comes to caring for your Dwarf Sansevieria, it’s best to keep it simple. Here are some tips:

• Place it in a well-draining soil mix.
• Ensure it receives bright, indirect light.
• Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature range between 18-29°C.

Unlike many other rare plants, with minimal care, your Sansevieria Ballyi will continue to grow and thrive in your small space. 

Sansevieria Plant Care Tips

Proper care is essential to ensure the health and vitality of your Sansevieria plants. In this section, we’ll dive into essential care tips, including proper watering and soil requirements, as well as ideal light and temperature conditions for optimal growth.

These tips will help you keep your snake plants looking their best and thriving for years to come.

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Watering and Soil

Well-drained soil and appropriate watering techniques are crucial for the health and longevity of your Sansevieria plants.

Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, while underwatering can cause the leaves to curl and wilt.

To strike the right balance, water your Sansevieria plants when the soil is dry to the touch. Use a well-draining potting mix that allows for quick drying between thorough waterings.

If the plant is grown in the ground, water it about once a month during the spring and summer, and reduce watering to twice a month during the winter months.

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Light and Temperature

Sansevieria plants are quite adaptable when it comes to light and temperature. They can tolerate low light conditions and a wide range of temperatures, making them an excellent choice for indoor spaces.

However, providing the ideal conditions will help your snake plant thrive and grow to its full potential.

Place your Sansevieria plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 18-29°C.

Keep them away from drafts and extreme temperatures, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant.

READ NEXT: 21 Best Plants for Rooms Without Windows

Propagation Techniques for Sansevieria Plants

One of the joys of plant ownership is the ability to propagate your plants and create new ones.

Sansevieria plants are no exception, and there are several propagation techniques that you can use to expand your collection or share it with fellow plant enthusiasts.

In this section, we’ll explore two popular methods: division propagation and leaf cuttings.

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Division Propagation

Division propagation is a simple and effective method for creating new Sansevieria plants from existing ones.

This process involves splitting the crown of the plant into multiple sections, each containing at least one leaf and some roots, and planting each section in its own pot.

To successfully propagate your Sansevieria plants through division, follow these steps:

1. Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to cut the plant into sections.
2. Plant each section in a well-draining potting mix.
3. Place the divided plants in a warm, bright location.
4. Water the plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater as it can cause root rot.
5. Keep the soil slightly moist to encourage new growth.

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Leaf Cuttings

Another propagation technique for Sansevieria plants is through leaf cuttings. This method allows you to grow new plants from individual leaves, making it an excellent way to expand your collection or share with friends.

To propagate your snake plant through leaf cuttings, simply follow these steps:

1. Cut a healthy leaf from the mother plant.
2. Plant the leaf in a potting mix, burying the cut end in the soil.
3. Place the potted leaf cutting in a warm, bright spot.
4. Water the cutting regularly, ensuring the soil remains slightly moist.

With proper care, the leaf cutting will develop roots and eventually grow into a new snake plant.

After a few weeks, roots and new growth will begin to appear, signalling the successful propagation of your Sansevieria plant.

The new plant will be an exact clone of the parent plant, providing you with a beautiful new addition to your indoor garden.

Troubleshooting Common Sansevieria Problems

Despite their hardy nature, Sansevieria plants can still encounter issues that may affect their health and appearance.

In this section, we’ll tackle two common problems faced by Sansevieria plants: overwatering and pest infestations.

By understanding the signs of these problems and learning how to address them, you can ensure the health and vitality of your plants.

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Overwatering

Overwatering is a common issue for Sansevieria plants. Signs of overwatering include:

• Soft, mushy, drooping, and yellowing leaves
• Rotten and loose roots
• Soil with white patches
• Unpleasant smell

If you notice these signs, it’s important to adjust your watering routine to prevent further damage to your Sansevieria plant.

To prevent overwatering, follow these steps:

1. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
2. Use a well-draining potting mix.
3. Make sure your plant is placed in a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

By adjusting your care routine to provide the appropriate amount of water, you can prevent damage to your Sansevieria plant and promote healthy growth.

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Pest Control

Common pests that may affect Sansevieria plants include:

• Spider mites
• Scales
• Gnats
• Aphids
• Whiteflies

Overwatering, high humidity, and poor air circulation can make the plants more prone to these pests.

To control and prevent infestations, maintain good sanitation practices by clearing away dead leaves and debris, which can harbour pests.

For existing infestations, apply insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils to eliminate pests without harming your plant. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help keep your Sansevieria plants healthy and pest-free.

Summary

In conclusion, Sansevieria plants offer a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and colours to suit any indoor space.

From popular varieties like the Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ to rare gems like Sansevieria Cleopatra, these resilient plants can brighten up your home while providing air-purifying benefits.

By mastering essential care tips and propagation techniques, you can ensure the health and vitality of your Sansevieria plants, creating a thriving indoor garden that will be the envy of fellow plant enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between snake plant and Sansevieria?

Snake plant and Sansevieria are actually the same plant, with Snake Plant being its more common name.

Other common names for this plant include Mother-in-law’s tongue, Saint George’s sword, and Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, and it is native to Africa, Brazil and southern Asia.

So while they may have different names, they’re really just one plant!

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How do I identify Sansevieria?

Sansevieria can be easily identified by its striking foliage. The leaves of this plant grow upright in dense, spear-like clusters and are usually a pale green colour with darker stripes and patches. They can also feature thicker, tubular leaves with wavy edges.

Additionally, they produce small white flowers that sprout from the top of the plant.

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What are some popular Sansevieria varieties?

If you’re looking for a popular Sansevieria variety, look out for Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, Sansevieria Cylindrica ‘Boncel’ and Sansevieria Moonshine.

These are three varieties that many plant enthusiasts enjoy.

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How can I propagate my Sansevieria plant?

Propagating your Sansevieria plant is easy and rewarding. You can choose between division propagation and leaf cuttings – both of which will give you new plants from an existing one.

So why not give it a try?

What are the ideal light and temperature conditions for Sansevieria plants?

If you’re looking for the ideal conditions for your Sansevieria plant, aim for bright, indirect light and temperatures between 18-29°C – your plant will thank you!

Water your Sansevieria when the soil is dry to the touch, and be sure to empty the drainage tray after watering. Fertilise your plant every two to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Can’t get enough of spiky plants? If you’ve decided on a snake plant but are unsure what other plants to add to your collection, you’ll love our article, 25 Spiky Plants, Hedges & Bushes.