Snake plants, also known as sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are popular and easy to care for houseplants known for their striking foliage. With over 70 species, there is great diversity in the appearance of these plants. This article will provide a complete guide to the many images of snake plants, including the most popular varieties and their key features.
Overview of Snake Plant Images
Snake plants are native to Africa, Madagascar and Southern Asia. Their common name comes from the long, pointy leaves that look like spears or snake tongues. The leaves are different shades of green, silvery-gray, yellow, and white. It can have bands, stripes or edges of color. The leaves grow straight up in rosettes or fans, and they can be round, wedge-shaped, or flat.
When searching for snake plant images online or looking to identify a specimen, pay attention to the leaf characteristics The size, color, pattern and shape are key to distinguishing between the different types Images highlighting these features will allow you to recognize varieties.
Most Popular Snake Plant Varieties in Images
Certain snake plant varieties are encountered more frequently than others Here are some of the most popular types seen in images
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Dracaena trifasciata: This is the classic snake plant with green leaves banded in grey-green. It has a stiff, upright habit.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’: One of the most common variegated varieties. Its leaves have yellow edges.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ A compact type with short, curved, bird’s nest-like foliage
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Dracaena angolensis: Grows in clusters of round, upright gray-green leaves. Also known as the African spear plant.
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Dracaena angolensis ‘Boncel’: A unique, low rosette with stubby starfish-shaped leaves.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine’: Broad silvery-green leaves with dark green edges on this cultivar.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Bentel’s Sensation’: Dark green leaves with contrasting white vertical stripes.
These are some of the most frequently encountered snake plants in images and collections. Looking out for their distinct features makes identifying them much easier.
Identifying Snake Plants by Leaf Features
When you see a picture of a snake plant variety you don’t know, start by writing down what the leaves look like:
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Color: Green, gray-green, silvery-gray or variegated
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Variegation: Yellow or white edges or stripes
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Shape: Sword-like, cylindrical, round, fan-shaped, rosette
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Texture: Smooth, banded, striped, patterned
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Size: Short, compact or tall
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Habit: Upright, arching, spreading, clustered
Once you have made these observations, you can compare to descriptions of known varieties to get an ID. Pay attention to any distinct markings as well.
Additionally, factors like plant height and spread, growth rate and native habitat can also aid identification but leaf features are most diagnostic.
Images of Rare and Unusual Snake Plant Varieties
While the common green-banded and variegated snake plants are widely available, there are also some rare and unusual varieties collector’s prize:
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Dracaena masoniana: Thick wavy leaves with a striking gray and green marbled pattern.
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Dracaena angolensis ‘Starfish’: Extremely stubby leaves pressed close together in a star shape.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’: A variegated form of the bird’s nest cultivar with yellow margins.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Gold’: Dark leaves with bright gold edges make this variety stand out.
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Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’: Compact, twisting variegated leaves give it a distinctive look.
These unique snake plants may be harder to find available for sale but make exciting additions to any plant collection. Images spotlight their ornamental characteristics.
Tips for Photographing Snake Plants
Here are some things you can do to get good pictures of your own snake plants:
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Select healthy, mature leaves that showcase the variety’s notable features
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Photograph against a plain, non-distracting background
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Take pictures in bright, natural light for vivid color
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Capture the entire leaf as well as close-ups of details like variegation
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Shoot from multiple angles – side view, above, close-ups
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Clean leaves gently so they look their best
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Rotate the pot to find the most photogenic angle
With the right conditions and a little practice, you can take fantastic snake plant images worthy of these stunning houseplants.
Final Thoughts on Snake Plant Images
Pictures are a great way to see the many different kinds of snake plants that are out there, not just the common green-banded type. Their leaves are very pretty and come in a lot of different colors, shapes, textures, and patterns.
When trying to identify a new snake plant, pay close attention to the diagnostic leaf features like color variegation, shape and growth habit. Comparing these observations to descriptions of known varieties makes identification easier.
Part of the fun of snake plant collecting is discovering unusual and rare types. Their unique foliage makes them stand out from the more common selections.
With the right conditions, equipment and techniques, you can take beautiful photographs of your own snake plants to document your collection or share with other plant lovers.
So explore the incredible diversity of snake plants through pictures, and use their leaf patterns and details to tell different varieties apart. Images allow you to fully appreciate these fantastic houseplants.

Potted (Décor Pot) ½′ – 1′ $599
Unfortunately local laws prevent us from shipping this item to the following locations. AK, AS, AZ, FM, GU, HI, MH, MP, PR, PW, VI.
The Snake Plant ‘Laurentii’ is a stunning and low-maintenance house plant that livens any room. The Snake Plant’s upright sword-shaped leaves, which are a deep green color with bright yellow edges, are very striking and add a sense of sophistication to any room. It not only looks fantastic, but it also offers air-purifying characteristics that facilitate the removal of toxins and impurities from the air. The Snake Plant is hardy and thrives in low light settings. It doesn’t need much water, which makes it a great choice for busy people or people who are new to taking care of plants. *The Snake Plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, avoid consumption.
- Thrives on neglect
- Hardy
- Unique Foliage
- Air-purifying qualities
The Snake Plant Grows in zones 2 – 11
Full Shade, Partial Sun/Shade
The Snake Plant, sometimes known as Mother-in-Laws Tongue, is a West African native that was introduced to Europe in the late 1700s. It became a favorite houseplant very quickly because of its unique look, durability, and ability to live in low light. The plant has been used for a long time in traditional African medicine, and it is thought to have spiritual and healing properties.
Guaranteed Healthy Delivery When you order trees from The Arbor Day Foundation, your order is guaranteed to arrive in a good, healthy condition or we’ll replace them at no charge. Your trees will be shipped at a suitable time for planting. Each tree and plant is guaranteed to grow, or we’ll replace it within six months of shipment. See details for more information.
When you order trees from The Arbor Day Foundation, your order is guaranteed to arrive in a good, healthy condition or we’ll replace them at no charge. Your trees will be shipped at a suitable time for planting. Each tree and plant is guaranteed to grow, or we’ll replace it within six months of shipment.
The Arbor Day Foundation is happy to provide a one-time refund or replacement per order under the following term and conditions:
Our trees and shrubs are living things. They need planted at the correct depth, watered and cared for in a way that is favorable to the plant’s health, and protected from the elements and animals.
We’re here to help and want to provide you with as many resources as possible to achieve successful planting and growth of your trees and shrubs.
However, to initiate your one-time free replacement or refund, please contact us. Upon submission, a request for s or documentation to support the claim may be required.
Promotional items not included. Please note, replacements must be the same root type as the original items ordered. Trees sent to planting locations outside the recommended horticulture zones will not be guaranteed. Bare-Root Tree
Bare-root trees are shipped without soil around their roots. They are shipped when dormant (sleep state). In this dormant state, deciduous trees may display small buds but not leaves. Roots will come coated in a hydrating gel. Bare-root trees require more attention and care initially to ensure they remain properly watered and protected from extreme weather conditions.
- Cost-effective
- Roots re-establish quickly once planted, meaning growth will begin faster
- Easy to plant at the correct depth
Potted trees are available in a variety of sizes. Because the roots are packed in soil, the trees do not need to be dormant for shipping. Potted trees often have a more established appearance with leaves and foliage, providing an immediate visual impact on the landscape.
- Reduced transplant shock
- Extended shipping/planting season
- Higher survivability
Which Tree is Right for Me?
With the option of ordering either standard or semi-dwarf trees and either bare-root or potted, be sure to consider the benefits of each option when deciding which is best for you.
- Also functions as a shade tree
- Can be planted farther from compatible pollinator
- Fills a larger space
- Easier to harvest fruit
- Bears fruit sooner
- Fits in a smaller space
How to Propagate Snake Plant from Leaf
FAQ
Where should I place a snake plant in my house?
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are versatile and can thrive in various locations within your home. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Ideal spots include near a window with filtered light, living rooms, bedrooms, or even a darker corner.
What are the disadvantages of a snake plant?
Disadvantages of Snake plantThe leaves become bending or droop. The leaves become tall and thin. The leaves become soggy and weak. The leaves become distorted or irregular. The tips or patches of leaves become brown. Yellowing leaves become visible. The leaves become wilted. Curling or twisting leaves.
What’s the benefit of having a snake plant?
Snake plants offer several benefits, including air purification, low maintenance care, and aesthetic appeal. They are known to clean the air inside by getting rid of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene and letting oxygen out, which may help people sleep better. Additionally, they are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and light.
How do you identify a snake plant?
- Plant Height: 2-foot diameter, 4-foot height.
- Leaves: Erect, stiff, linear leaves striped with gray, white and pale green.