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Snake plants (Sansevieria)
Also known as : Snake Tongue, Bow string hemp, Devil's tongue
Snake plants comprise a genus of evergreen plants with basal leaves with distinctive snake-like shapes, coloring, and markings. The leaves feature a sharp tip, giving these plants the nickname "mother-in-law's tongue." They can survive outdoors in warm climates but also make low-maintenance houseplants. Healthy varieties will produce tiny green flowers in spring.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Snake plants
Feedback
Attributes of Snake plants
Plant Height
60 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Snake plants
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Asparagus
Genus
Snake plants
How to Grow and Care for Snake plants
Feedback
The snake plants, renowned for its hardiness, requires minimal attentive care. Basic care needs entail moderate light—though they can adapt to various levels—watering only when soil is dry, temperatures between 70 and 90°F, and well-draining soil. Common challenges may include mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot, typically due to overwatering. Seasonal considerations aren't pressing, but they prefer warmer conditions and may need less frequent watering in colder seasons.
How to Water Snake plants?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Snake plants?
How to Propagate Snake plants?
How to Plant Snake plants?
Exploring the Snake plants Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Snake plant
Snake plant can be considered a houseplant and an architectural display due to its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns, which are distinctive and eye-catching. However, use caution with this plant because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.
Mason congo
Mason congo (Sansevieria masoniana) is a plant species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mason congo is also called the Whale Fin Snake Plant for its wide leaves. This species is often cultivated as a succulent houseplant and grown in pots.
Snake plant
Snake plant (Sansevieria suffruticosa) is a hardy perennial that will grow from 15 to 46 cm tall. It has thick green leaves with horizontal stripes, like a snake. Leaves have sharp tips and edges. The beautiful leaves are evergreen and provide a nice backdrop to a garden or container. When grown indoors, the snake plant purifies the air. A great choice for office or home.
Cylindrical snake plant
The cylindrical snake plant (Sansevieria cylindrica) is a succulent houseplant that can grow up to 2 m tall. It has slender, upright leaves that are striped and resemble a snake. This species is a hardy succulent and can grow in conditions with low light. It adapts to dry, sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Walking sansevieria
The scientific name of this bizarre plant, Sansevieria pinguicula, is attributed to the leaves' shape; the Latin "pinguis" means "fat." The walking sansevieria gets its common name because it produces aerial shoots followed by stilt-like rooting, resulting in a plant that appears to be walking away from its parent.
Snake plant
Sansevieria bagamoyensis is often confused with Sansevieria arborescens, both native to Tanzania and Kenya, but Sansevieria bagamoyensis has longer, but narrower and thinner leaves. However, both species are succulents, often used as ornamental plants.
Snake plant
Like many other Sansevieria species, Sansevieria canaliculata is a popular houseplant, prized not only for its appearance but for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions as well. Sansevieria canaliculata features light-green cylindrical leaves arranged around the growing point.
Star sansevieria
The star sansevieria (Sansevieria kirkii) is a low growing cousin of the wildly popular upright houseplant many refer to as the Snake Plant. Native to Tanzania's arid regions, it requires very little water and will close its microscopic pores during the day to help preserve the water it has internally.
All Species of Snake plants
Snake plant
Snake plant
Snake plant can be considered a houseplant and an architectural display due to its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns, which are distinctive and eye-catching. However, use caution with this plant because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.
Mason congo
Mason congo
Mason congo (Sansevieria masoniana) is a plant species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mason congo is also called the Whale Fin Snake Plant for its wide leaves. This species is often cultivated as a succulent houseplant and grown in pots.
Snake plant
Snake plant
Snake plant (Sansevieria suffruticosa) is a hardy perennial that will grow from 15 to 46 cm tall. It has thick green leaves with horizontal stripes, like a snake. Leaves have sharp tips and edges. The beautiful leaves are evergreen and provide a nice backdrop to a garden or container. When grown indoors, the snake plant purifies the air. A great choice for office or home.
Cylindrical snake plant
Cylindrical snake plant
The cylindrical snake plant (Sansevieria cylindrica) is a succulent houseplant that can grow up to 2 m tall. It has slender, upright leaves that are striped and resemble a snake. This species is a hardy succulent and can grow in conditions with low light. It adapts to dry, sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Walking sansevieria
Walking sansevieria
The scientific name of this bizarre plant, Sansevieria pinguicula, is attributed to the leaves' shape; the Latin "pinguis" means "fat." The walking sansevieria gets its common name because it produces aerial shoots followed by stilt-like rooting, resulting in a plant that appears to be walking away from its parent.
Snake plant
Snake plant
Sansevieria bagamoyensis is often confused with Sansevieria arborescens, both native to Tanzania and Kenya, but Sansevieria bagamoyensis has longer, but narrower and thinner leaves. However, both species are succulents, often used as ornamental plants.
Snake plant
Snake plant
Like many other Sansevieria species, Sansevieria canaliculata is a popular houseplant, prized not only for its appearance but for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions as well. Sansevieria canaliculata features light-green cylindrical leaves arranged around the growing point.
Star sansevieria
Star sansevieria
The star sansevieria (Sansevieria kirkii) is a low growing cousin of the wildly popular upright houseplant many refer to as the Snake Plant. Native to Tanzania's arid regions, it requires very little water and will close its microscopic pores during the day to help preserve the water it has internally.
Somali snake plant
Somali snake plant
Somali snake plant is a succulent with a characteristically slow growth rate. It is a popular ornamental house plant due to the exciting banana-shaped appearance of its fleshy leaves. Somali snake plant is used to arid conditions with little water, so it has adapted to CAM photosynthesis, meaning it only collects carbon dioxide during nighttime.
Snake plant
Snake plant
Dracaena arborescens, synonym Sansevieria arborescens, is a succulent plant native to Kenya and Tanzania.
Snake plant 'Hahnii'
Snake plant 'Hahnii'
A cultivar of Snake plant, snake plant 'Hahnii' is often referred to as the "bird's nest sansevieria" for its evocative shape and splayed leaf structure. The dark mottling upon the green leaves is standard for this cultivar and thought to add to its beauty.
Golden hahnii
Golden hahnii
The golden hahnii (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Golden Hahnii') was patented in 1941 and accredited to a botanist known only as Hahn. This variant lives happily in temperatures anywhere from 15 to 23 ℃. Golden hahnii is mildly poisonous, so keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Bird's nest snake plant
Bird's nest snake plant
Bird's nest snake plant is a dwarf snake plant hybrid with evergreen leaves that have green centers and cream margins. This attractive variation makes this a popular houseplant ideal for growing in small containers. This classic houseplant is well-adapted to low light-situations.
Iguanatail
Iguanatail
Iguanatail features stiff, upright leaves with mottled, green patterning. Its robust form allows it to thrive in a range of conditions, typically favoring dryer environments. This resilience, coupled with its air-purifying abilities, makes it a popular houseplant. Iguanatail occasionally blooms with a tall stem of fragrant, white flowers.
Snake plants 'Moonshine'
Snake plants 'Moonshine'
Snake plants 'Moonshine' is an exotic snake plant variety known for its unusual green-silvery-gray foliage with dark green margins. Exposure to shade causes the green to darken even more. It is a cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata, named for its silvery sheen that gives it a moonlit glow. Perfect as an exotic indoor plant in your home or office.
Variegated snake plant
Variegated snake plant
Variegated snake plant is one of the tallest Sansevieria varieties – it can grow 1.2 m tall. Like all Snake plants, this variety is a marvelous choice for beginner gardeners as it is nearly impossible to kill! It can tolerate dry air, fluctuating temperatures, and will be quite forgiving if you forget to water it. It can be mildly toxic to your dog and cat, so do not let them snack on your plants!
Elephant tusks plant
Elephant tusks plant
Elephant tusks plant gets some of its ornamental appeal because it is so easy to grow, sprouting in great upright spears from subsoil rhizome roots. It grows in most soils and a variety of light and moisture environments. But in cooler climates, it must be grown as an indoor plant since it doesn't tolerate frost.
Snake plant 'Silver Flame'
Snake plant 'Silver Flame'
The Snake plant snake plant 'Silver Flame' is a hardy indoor plant that will clean your air by absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and more. Its tall, silvery-green leaves with dark green edges make it an elegant addition to any room.
Variegated Snake Plant
Variegated Snake Plant
The Variegated Snake Plant makes quite an impression with its two-colored, or 'variegated' leaves that rise in tall snake-like spikes. This award-winning tropical native is most popular as a temperate climate houseplant but also looks great in Mediterranean and coastal gardens, especially when grown on patios in containers.
Star sansevieria 'Silver Blue'
Star sansevieria 'Silver Blue'
Star sansevieria 'Silver Blue' is distinguishable from other Sansevieria species because of its thick, silvery-blue leaves that are intricately detailed with lines and splotches. This cultivar isn't confirmed to be related to Sansevieria kirkii, so its parent plant is ambiguous. Its name, "Silver Blue," was simply given because of the plant's appearance.
Snake plant 'Bantel's Sensation'
Snake plant 'Bantel's Sensation'
Snake plant 'Bantel's Sensation' has grey-green leaves with creamy white variegation. These leaves are also thinner than other varieties of Snake plant. This plant is a cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata 'var. laurentii and is named for its breeder, Gustav Bantel. It is commonly used as a houseplant due to its low light needs and drought resistance, though the variegation of this cultivar means it needs slightly more light.
Snake plant 'Golden Flame'
Snake plant 'Golden Flame'
Snake plant 'Golden Flame' is distinct for its dark green leaves, which are vertically striped with yellow-green. New leaves emerge entirely yellow. A cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata, it is named for the color of these young leaves. Though often prized as a low-maintenance houseplant, this plant does well in bright sun and dry conditions outdoors.
Star sansevieria 'Friends'
Star sansevieria 'Friends'
Star sansevieria 'Friends' is a unique plant with sword-shaped leaves and a striking pattern that resembles a starburst. It is an excellent air-purifying plant and a popular choice for modern home decor. In Africa, the plant is believed to ward off evil spirits and is commonly grown in homes for protection. The leaves of this plant are toxic and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Mother-in-law's tongue
Mother-in-law's tongue
Mother-in-law's tongue is the striking result of crossbreeding Sansevieria parva and Sansevieria suffruticosa. It is an attractive succulent plant with a more upright growth form than either of its parents. Its striped leaves offer great ornamental appeal and this tropical hybrid is a common houseplant, despite its mild toxicity.
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
The snake Plant cultivar is a slow-growing hybrid with fascinating patterns on its leaves that grow in a perfect rosette and of unknown parentage. It is the most common species of Sansevieria, discovered in Europe in the late 1800s. Its name is a reference to the renowned Egyptian monarch. It is slightly harmful to humans and pets like other snake plants.
Cylindrical snake plant 'Motum Kenya'
Cylindrical snake plant 'Motum Kenya'
Cylindrical snake plant 'Motum Kenya' is a Cylindrical snake plant cultivar characterized by its upright, cylindrical, light green leaves with dark green, concentric variegations. Cylindrical snake plant 'Motum Kenya' is further distinguished by its fan shape, as all leaves grow from the same basal rosette.
Snake plant 'Craigii'
Snake plant 'Craigii'
Snake plant 'Craigii' is a cultivar from the snake plant genus bred for its unique foliage and rosettes. Snake plant 'Craigii' grows longer leaves than other plants in the genus. It also produces upright rosettes instead of irregularly shaped ones, making it a popular indoor houseplant.
Mason congo 'Victoria'
Mason congo 'Victoria'
Mason congo 'Victoria' is a surprising succulent that grows as a single fin-like leaf blade that makes for an arresting houseplant, growing to 30 cm tall. The parent plant averages larger, growing up to 53 cm. The name 'Mason" celebrates the succulent plant collector Maurice L. Mason (1912-1993).
Sansevieria bacularis 'Mikado'
Sansevieria bacularis 'Mikado'
The Sansevieria bacularis is visually interesting as it has cylindrical-shaped leaves that protrude from the ground almost like spikes. This species photosynthesizes at night which differs from most other plants that readily photosynthesize in the morning and have a "rest period" at night.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii
Sansevieria ehrenbergii
Sansevieria ehrenbergii is known for its sword-shaped, succulent leaves which grow in a fan pattern. Naturally adapted to arid environments, this hardy plant conserves water, facilitating survival in dry climates. Its sturdy leaves, often edged with a red tinge, span up to several feet, contributing to its striking architectural silhouette.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Snake plants
Sansevieria
Also known as: Snake Tongue, Bow string hemp, Devil's tongue
Snake plants comprise a genus of evergreen plants with basal leaves with distinctive snake-like shapes, coloring, and markings. The leaves feature a sharp tip, giving these plants the nickname "mother-in-law's tongue." They can survive outdoors in warm climates but also make low-maintenance houseplants. Healthy varieties will produce tiny green flowers in spring.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Snake plants
Feedback
Attributes of Snake plants
Plant Height
60 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Snake plants
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Asparagus Genus
Snake plants How to Grow and Care for Snake plants
Feedback
The snake plants, renowned for its hardiness, requires minimal attentive care. Basic care needs entail moderate light—though they can adapt to various levels—watering only when soil is dry, temperatures between 70 and 90°F, and well-draining soil. Common challenges may include mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot, typically due to overwatering. Seasonal considerations aren't pressing, but they prefer warmer conditions and may need less frequent watering in colder seasons.
How to Water Snake plants?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Snake plants?
How to Propagate Snake plants?
How to Plant Snake plants?
Exploring the Snake plants Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Snake plant
Snake plant can be considered a houseplant and an architectural display due to its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns, which are distinctive and eye-catching. However, use caution with this plant because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.
Mason congo
Mason congo (Sansevieria masoniana) is a plant species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mason congo is also called the Whale Fin Snake Plant for its wide leaves. This species is often cultivated as a succulent houseplant and grown in pots.
Snake plant
Snake plant (Sansevieria suffruticosa) is a hardy perennial that will grow from 15 to 46 cm tall. It has thick green leaves with horizontal stripes, like a snake. Leaves have sharp tips and edges. The beautiful leaves are evergreen and provide a nice backdrop to a garden or container. When grown indoors, the snake plant purifies the air. A great choice for office or home.
Cylindrical snake plant
The cylindrical snake plant (Sansevieria cylindrica) is a succulent houseplant that can grow up to 2 m tall. It has slender, upright leaves that are striped and resemble a snake. This species is a hardy succulent and can grow in conditions with low light. It adapts to dry, sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Show More Species
All Species of Snake plants
Snake plant
Mason congo
Snake plant
Cylindrical snake plant
Walking sansevieria
Snake plant
Snake plant
Star sansevieria
Somali snake plant
Snake plant
Snake plant 'Hahnii'
Golden hahnii
Bird's nest snake plant
Iguanatail
Snake plants 'Moonshine'
Variegated snake plant
Elephant tusks plant
Snake plant 'Silver Flame'
Variegated Snake Plant
Star sansevieria 'Silver Blue'
Snake plant 'Bantel's Sensation'
Snake plant 'Golden Flame'
Star sansevieria 'Friends'
Mother-in-law's tongue
Snake Plant
Cylindrical snake plant 'Motum Kenya'
Snake plant 'Craigii'
Mason congo 'Victoria'
Sansevieria bacularis 'Mikado'
Sansevieria ehrenbergii
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
