5 Types of Snake Plant: How To Identify Sansevieria Varieties

What are the different types of snake plant?

1. Bacularis
2. Boncel
3. Robusta
4. Sansevieria Hybrid or Francissi
5. Trifasciata

There are over seventy varieties of sansevieria plants that are referred to as “Snake Plant,” which can confuse beginner plant lovers. While it can be tricky to remember all the different names, certain differences between varieties can help you identify which type of snake plant you’re looking at.

Whether you already have a few snake plants in your plant collection or are considering buying your first one, you’ll have plenty to choose from — here are five of the most common snake plant types in the Philippines, and how to tell them apart.

Bacularis

This one may not look like the kind of snake plant you’re familiar with. Also known as the sansevieria trifasciata cylindrica, or African Spear, this snake plant type looks more similar to a lucky bamboo plant than a snake plant.

It features green, spear-like cylinder shoots that grow straight up, which gives it a contemporary feel. The bracularis shoots can be left to grow naturally, or be braided together to form a unique shape. They make excellent potted indoor plants and can grow up to 15 inches tall.

Boncel

The boncel is another type of snake plant with an unusual shape. It has tubular leaves that grow in the shape of a spike. Its leaves are light grayish-green with dark, concentric circles. Each leaf can become quite chunky — up to 1-inch wide.

This variety goes by many names, such as cylindrical snake plant and starfish sansevieria. While it starts out small, its leaves can grow up to 7 feet long — if their containers allow it.

Robusta

This ornamental variety of snake plant has a striking appearance. The sansevieria robusta has sword-shaped, gray-green foliage with a mottled, banded pattern. These grow in a clumping, upright manner, with their most distinctive feature being a twisted growth on the leaves.

The robusta is also a much shorter plant than most other sansevieria types — it only reaches up to 24 inches, fully grown. It’s perfect for those with limited space or those who want small but stunning plants for their home.

Sansevieria Hybrid or Francissi

A bit rarer than others on this list, the sansevieria hybrid, also known as sansevieria francisii, diverges from the typical snake plant appearance. Its leaves have the characteristic thin, flat shape with vibrant green marbling that many types of snake plants are known for — but that’s where similarities end.

Their leaves grow in rows that spiral upward in a rosette shape. This gives it a look similar to the leaves of a pineapple. Thus, it has a fuller, more sculptural appearance than other snake plant types.

Trifasciata

This is the most popular type of snake plant you can find. The sansevieria trifasciata, which also goes by the names “mother-in-law’s tongue” and “Saint George’s Sword,” is the original from which other snake plant varieties have been developed.

There are a few variations in the trifasciata’s appearance. Some plants feature deep green foliage with yellow edges, while others may be variegated or lighter in color. Its leaves grow long and sword-like, and can reach up to three feet tall and 2 and ½ inches wide. It is a popular choice for an indoor plant and can be used in landscaping as well.

How Do I Care For My Sansevieria Plant?

Caring for any type of snake plant can be easy. When maintained correctly, this plant type will grow rapidly. You can propagate and repot them easily with some basic gardening tools and extra clay pots.

One thing to note before buying a snake plant is that they’re mildly toxic — so place them away from the reach of your children and/or pets. On the other hand, they’re very tolerant of most pests and diseases, so this won’t be an issue.

Here are the recommended growing conditions for sansevieria varieties:

Recommended climate for snake plants

They can live in most conditions as long as the temperatures never dip below 10°C. They make great indoor plants, but they can also be planted outdoors in your garden or backyard. As tropical plants, they’ll appreciate being in more humid areas — but will do fine even in drier conditions.

Recommended watering for snake plant

It can be somewhat challenging to water your sansevieria properly. As they’re similar to succulents, overwatering and root rot are common issues. We recommend bottom watering your snake plants — this helps you avoid flooding the roots, as excess water can be drained or tipped out. Always check the soil before watering again, and only water when completely dry.

Recommended lighting for snake plants

As tropical plants, they thrive in bright sunlight. We recommend giving them partial or indirect sunlight if you want your sansevieria plant to grow rapidly. Otherwise, place them in a shaded area that only gets a few hours of bright sunlight.

As tolerant as this plant can be, avoid letting it sit in direct sunlight for long periods. This may cause their leaves to yellow, become brittle, and split. This can result in permanent scarring on their leaves — which can only be removed by trimming off damaged foliage.

Key Takeaway

The plants on this list are just a few of the many wonderful types of snake plants available in the Philippines. Each type is fairly easy to take care of, making them good choices for even beginner gardeners. They also feature attractive, contemporary appearances — perfect for indoor gardens and outdoor landscaping alike.

With so many varieties to choose from, how can you bring home just one? Buy some snake plants today from Unbeleafable PH!

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