The snake plant, widely recognized for its upright, architectural foliage, has long been known botanically under the genus Sansevieria. Recent phylogenetic studies, however, have led to a reclassification, moving most species into the genus Dracaena. Most common varieties are now technically classified as cultivars of Dracaena trifasciata. Despite this scientific update, many nurseries and plant enthusiasts continue to use the familiar Sansevieria name, creating confusion for those trying to identify their specific plant. The sheer number of cultivars means that distinguishing one variety from another requires close attention to specific visual markers.
Key Visual Features for Identification
Determining your snake plant’s identity begins with a methodical assessment of its physical structure and coloration. The most fundamental distinguishing trait is the overall growth habit, which describes how the leaves emerge from the soil. Look closely to see if the plant grows with leaves standing tall and separate in an upright, V-shaped manner, or if the leaves cluster tightly in a low, circular, “bird’s nest” shape. A third distinct habit involves leaves that are entirely round, like spears or tubes, rather than the typical flat, sword-like blades.
Another important feature is the leaf’s size, which determines if the plant is a standard variety, often reaching several feet in height, or a dwarf variety, which stays compact. Examine the leaf surface for its pattern and color, paying attention to the variegation. This includes whether the striping is horizontal (like bands or waves) or vertical (like lines), and if the leaf edges display a contrasting color, such as a sharp yellow border. Finally, note the leaf shape itself, which can range from the classic flat, sword-like blade to the distinctly round, cylindrical form.
Identifying the Tall and Upright Varieties
The most commonly encountered snake plants are the tall, upright varieties featuring flat, sword-shaped leaves. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is the most recognizable, distinguished by its vibrant, creamy yellow margins that run vertically along the edge of each leaf. The center displays the typical snake plant pattern of horizontal, wavy bands of dark green alternating with lighter gray-green. This variety maintains its striking coloration and often reaches three to four feet in height.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Zeylanica’ shares the tall, upright growth habit but entirely lacks the yellow marginal stripe of ‘Laurentii’. Its leaves are characterized by a deeper green base color with prominent, wavy horizontal stripes in a lighter, silvery-green hue. This variety presents a more subtle, classic striped look and is sometimes mistakenly labeled because it closely resembles a ‘Laurentii’ that has lost its yellow edge.
A third popular tall type is Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine,’ which stands out due to its coloration. The leaves possess a pale, silvery-green color that often appears almost uniform, with only faint banding visible across the broad surface. This variety is typically shorter and wider than ‘Laurentii’ and ‘Zeylanica,’ usually maturing to about two feet tall, though it will darken if kept in low light.
Identifying the Rosette and Cylindrical Varieties
Plants that do not exhibit the standard tall, upright growth fall into the rosette or cylindrical categories. The ‘Hahnii’ group, commonly called Bird’s Nest snake plants, are characterized by their dwarf, compact structure. These cultivars feature short leaves that fan out from the center in a dense, vase-like cluster, rarely exceeding six to eight inches in height.
The standard Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ has dark green leaves marked with lighter, transverse stripes, forming a clustered shape that is perfect for tabletops. A popular variation, ‘Golden Hahnii,’ is easily identified by the creamy yellow edging present on every leaf, which brightens the overall appearance of the small, rosette structure.
Moving away from the flat-leafed types, cylindrical varieties, such as Dracaena angolensis (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica), are unmistakable due to their unique foliage. This plant is often called the African Spear Plant because its leaves are round, stiff, and tubular, arching outward from the base like long, green spears. These leaves are typically solid green or have subtle grayish-green banding, offering a distinctive, sculptural look.