When people think of easy indoor plants, snake plants are usually at the top of the list. And for good reason.
These tough, stylish plants can survive in almost any corner of your home. Low light? No problem. Forget to water? They’ll forgive you. Don’t know anything about plants? That’s totally fine — snake plants are very beginner-friendly.
Also known as the sansevieria snake plant or mother-in-law tongue plant, these beauties come in many different types. Some grow tall and dramatic. Others stay small and compact. Some are dark green, others almost silver. You’ve got choices — and they all look great.
In this blog, we’ll cover 10 popular types of snake plants, what makes each one special, and how to take care of them without stress. Whether you’re shopping at your local Plant Shop or browsing online, this guide will help you pick the perfect one.
1. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
Let’s start with the one most people know — the ‘Laurentii’. This is the tall, classic snake plant with green, sword-like leaves edged in yellow. It’s bold, upright, and makes a strong visual statement. Pop it in a corner and it instantly adds structure and style to the room.
Sansevieria Trifasciata Care Tip:
Give it bright, indirect light if possible. But honestly, it’ll survive in low light too. Water only when the soil is dry. Don’t drown it!
2. Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Zeylanica’
This one looks a lot like Laurentii, minus the yellow edges. Its deep green leaves are covered in silvery waves and stripes — a bit more subtle, but just as lovely. It’s slightly bushier and gives off a very calming, natural vibe. Great for workspaces or bedside tables.
Snake Plant Care Tip:
Water every 2–3 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity. Let the soil dry between watering. It hates soggy roots.
3. Sansevieria Cylindrica (African Spear Plant)
Now this one’s cool — the leaves are round, thick, and stick straight up like spears. Some people even braid them for a fun twist. If you like clean, modern decor, this sansevieria snake plant fits right in.
Sansevieria Cylindrica Care Tip:
Needs bright, indirect light to stay upright and strong. Use cactus soil or well-draining mix. Overwatering is a no-no.
4. Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’
If snake plants had a soft, dreamy cousin — it would be Moonshine. The leaves are a pale, silvery green and glow softly in good light. It has a very calm, spa-like feel and works beautifully in white or minimal interiors.
Snake Plant Care Tip:
Avoid dark corners. Moonshine needs a bit more light than others to keep its pale colour. Water once the top inch of soil is dry.
5. Sansevieria Masoniana (Whale Fin)
Want something dramatic? Whale Fin is your answer. The leaf is huge — one broad, paddle-shaped leaf that can grow over a foot wide. It’s slow-growing but very striking. Looks great in minimalist settings or as a solo feature plant.
Whale Fin Plant Care Tip:
Likes plenty of light but can adapt. Needs very little water. Once a month is often enough, especially in winter.
6. Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird’s Nest)
Tiny but mighty, this mother in law tongue plant is short, compact, and shaped like a little rosette. Perfect for shelves, windowsills, or desks. It stays under 8 inches tall and spreads slowly, so it doesn’t need much space.
Snake Plant in Water Tip:
You can start it in water when propagating — just place a leaf cutting in a glass jar. Once roots grow, move it to soil for long-term health.
7. Sansevieria Black Gold
If plants had a luxury edition, this would be it. Black Gold has deep green, almost black leaves bordered in golden yellow. It’s elegant and bold — ideal for darker rooms or adding contrast in a bright space.
Sansevieria Black Gold Care Tip:
Needs good drainage. Let the pot dry out completely between waterings. Use a terra cotta pot if you can — it helps with moisture control.
8. Sansevieria Kirkii ‘Starfish’
Now this one is just plain fun. Its leaves are short, fat, and grow outward in a starfish pattern. It almost looks like a mini alien plant. People love it for its odd shape and easy care. Great for kids’ rooms or quirky plant collections.
Sansevieria Kirkii Care Tip:
Bright, indirect sunlight works best. Water lightly. Starfish can grow slowly but lives a long time.
9. Sansevieria Ballyi (Dwarf Snake Plant)
Tiny and tidy — this one’s ideal for tiny apartments or shelves with limited light. It has pointy green leaves with red-tipped edges and grows in little clusters. It’s a slow grower and doesn’t need much attention at all.
Snake Plant in Water Tip:
This one can start in water too, but like others, it prefers to live in soil long-term. Avoid keeping it in standing water.
10. Sansevieria Ehrenbergii (Samurai Dwarf)
Another small type with a big personality. Its leaves grow in a stacked, V-shaped pattern and have a strong, sculptural look. It doesn’t take up much space but still turns heads.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii Care Tip:
Use fast-draining soil. Let it dry out between watering. This one’s perfect for pots with sharp edges or geometric designs.
General Snake Plant Care Tips
Now that you know the types of snake plants, let’s cover the basics. Whether it’s Laurentii or Starfish, most snake plants like the same things:
Light Needs: Snake plants are super flexible. They’ll grow in bright light, low light, or anything in between. That said, if you want vibrant colour and faster growth, aim for medium to bright indirect light. Avoid harsh sun — it can scorch the leaves.
Watering Rules: Here’s the golden rule: Less is more. Snake plants don’t like wet feet. They store water in their thick leaves, which means you can water them just once every 2–3 weeks. In winter, you can go even longer. Always check the soil before watering. If the top inch is dry, you’re good to go.
Best Soil: Use a cactus or succulent mix. It drains quickly and keeps roots happy. If you’re using regular potting soil, mix in sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Fertilizer: Not needed often. But if you want a boost, feed your snake plant once a month in spring and summer. Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. No feeding in fall and winter — they like to rest.
Humidity: Average room humidity is fine. Snake plants aren’t picky. They also do well in slightly humid rooms like bathrooms, as long as there’s some natural light.
Can You Keep a Snake Plant in Water?
Yes, but with limits. You can grow a snake plant in water, especially during propagation. Many plant lovers start new plants by cutting a leaf and placing it in a jar of water.
Tips for Success (Growing Snake Plants in Water)
Thinking of growing a snake plant in water? It’s totally doable – and looks pretty cool too. But to keep your plant healthy and happy, here are a few more real-world tips to help you out:
- Keep just the bottom part of the leaf submerged — around 1 to 1.5 inches deep. If too much sits in water, the leaf can start to rot from the inside.
- Change the water every 5–7 days. Don’t skip this! Stagnant water can attract bacteria or start to smell.
- Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if you can. Tap water often has chlorine, salts, or fluoride, which can build up and cause leaf damage over time.
- Rinse the leaf cutting every couple of weeks. Just a quick rinse under cool water helps keep it clean and healthy.
- Wipe or clean the glass container regularly — especially if you notice algae, slime, or cloudy water. A clean jar = healthy roots.
- Keep the jar in bright, indirect light. Too much sun can heat the water and damage the cutting. Low light slows down root growth.
- Avoid placing it near heating vents or cold drafts. Room temperature is perfect — nothing too extreme.
- Don’t overcrowd the jar. One or two cuttings in a small container is enough. If you cram too many, they may rot or compete for space.
- Add a drop of liquid fertilizer once a month — only if you’re keeping the plant in water long-term. Go light; snake plants don’t like rich nutrients.
- If you see mushy or black parts on the leaf, cut them off immediately. That’s rot starting — and it spreads quickly.
- Be patient. Roots can take 2–6 weeks to appear depending on the season, temperature, and light conditions. In winter, it may take even longer.
- If the roots reach 2–3 inches, you can move the cutting to soil. Or leave it in water — just monitor it carefully for signs of stress like drooping or yellowing.
Bonus Tip: Snake plants rooted in water make amazing gifts. Pop one in a cute glass jar, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got a unique little present that’s low-maintenance and looks beautiful.
Where to Buy Snake Plants
You’ll find snake plants almost everywhere — from garden centres to your local Plant Shop. Online shops also offer rarer types like Whale Fin or Starfish. When buying, look for:
- Firm, upright leaves with no mushy spots
- Healthy roots, if visible
- No bugs hiding in the soil or under leaves
Many Plant Shop owners also sell Lucky Bamboo, which pairs beautifully with snake plants. Both are low-maintenance and look great side by side.
Why Snake Plants Are a Great Choice
Still wondering why snake plants are so popular? Here’s a quick list:
- They’re tough as nails.
- Super forgiving if you forget to water.
- Survive in both sun and shade.
- Make the air cleaner — NASA tested this.
- Fit every home style, from modern to rustic.
- Can be paired with other low-care plants like Lucky Bamboo or ZZ plants.
Plus, they’re just cool to look at.
Final Words
Whether you love tall plants that stand proud in a corner or small ones for a windowsill, there’s a snake plant out there for you. The best part? These plants don’t need much. Just a little sunlight, water every few weeks, and some occasional love. They won’t whine if you’re busy. They just keep growing.So go ahead — visit your favourite Plant Shop, choose your favourite from the types of snake plants we talked about, and give your home a touch of green that’s stylish, easy, and surprisingly fun. And who knows? You might fall in love and end up starting a whole plant family. If that happens, don’t forget to add a Lucky Bamboo next to your snake plant. Good vibes all around.
