15 Different Snake Plant Varieties You Can Grow Indoors (With Pictures)

What Are The Different Varieties of Snake Plant?

There are over 70 varieties of snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata), but the most popular indoor types include Laurentii, Moonshine, Zeylanica, Bantel’s Sensation, and Starfish. These varieties differ in leaf shape, color, and growth habits.

As a houseplant parent, I’ve personally grown more than 20 snake plant varieties over the years. Two of my all-time favorites for beginners are Moonshine, with its silvery foliage, and Black Gold, with bold golden edges—they’re not only eye-catching but also incredibly resilient.

Whether you’re drawn to classic upright types like Laurentii or quirky fan-shaped cultivars like Starfish, this guide highlights 15 of the most stunning and beginner-friendly snake plant varieties you can grow indoors.

15 Popular Snake Plants Types

Whether you prefer tall and bold varieties or compact and decorative ones, there’s a snake plant variety perfect for every indoor space. Below are some of the most popular and unique types you can grow at home.

1. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’

This is the go-to snake plant for most people—and for good reason. With its dramatic yellow edges and tall, upright leaves, ‘Laurentii’ is like the golden standard of snake plants. It adds height, structure, and contrast to any corner of the home. Plus, like many snake plants, it’s known to improve indoor air quality and enhance your living space—learn more about what snake plants do for your house.

• Nickname: Variegated Snake Plant
• Max Height: Up to 4 feet
• Leaf Style: Flat, sword-like, edged in sunny yellow

2. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine’

With soft silvery-green leaves, ‘Moonshine’ has an ethereal quality that glows in brighter rooms. New leaves come in almost white, then fade to mint or pale green over time.

• Max Height: Around 2 feet
• Leaf Style: Upright, wide, moonlit silver

3. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’

Perfect for smaller spaces, ‘Hahnii’ forms low-growing rosettes that resemble a bird’s nest. It’s compact, fast-growing, and fits on any shelf or windowsill.

• Max Height: 1.5 feet
• Leaf Style: Broad, flat, stacked in tight rosettes

4. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’

If you’re a fan of stripes, this one’s for you. The narrow leaves are streaked with crisp white lines that give it a clean, modern vibe.

• Max Height: 3 feet
• Leaf Style: Thin, vertical, pinstripe detailing

5. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’

Shorter and bushier than most snake plants, this variety has cool silvery mottling across its leaves. It adds visual interest without taking up much space.

• Max Height: About 2 feet
• Leaf Style: Inverted triangle shape, muted green with silver blotches

6. Dracaena masoniana ‘Whale Fin’

You can’t miss this plant. The ‘Whale Fin’ has one giant leaf that fans out like a paddle. It’s slow-growing but packs a visual punch—even one leaf looks like art.

• Nickname: Whale Fin
• Max Height: 4 feet
• Leaf Style: Massive, wide, splashy green with purple-tinted edges

7. Dracaena pethera (Sansevieria kirkii)

Unlike the straight-standing snake plants, this one arches and curves as it matures. The foliage is tough and heavily textured, often showing reddish outlines.

• Max Height: 3 feet
• Leaf Style: Wavy-edged, spotted, laid-back posture

8. Dracaena patens

This is the “wild child” of the group. Its leaves don’t stand straight—they curl and twist as they grow outward in every direction. It’s a great option if you love that untamed jungle look.

• Max Height: 3 feet
• Leaf Style: Curved, grooved, colour shifting from bright to bluish green

9. Dracaena ballyi

Tiny but mighty, this miniature variety thrives in tight spots. Its skinny tube-shaped leaves come with reddish tips and an interesting texture.

• Max Height: Just 6 inches
• Leaf Style: Cylindrical, stiff, banded with reddish-brown accents

10. Dracaena hanningtonii

Also known as the blue sword snake plant, this variety forms a striking upright rosette. The leaves are thick, symmetrical, and lean toward a bluish tone.

• Max Height: 5 feet
• Leaf Style: Pointed, sword-like, blue-green

11. Dracaena parva

Also known as the Kenya hyacinth, this plant might surprise you with fragrant flowers if it’s super happy. The foliage starts out banded and becomes more uniform as it matures.

• Max Height: 1.5 feet
• Leaf Style: Long, narrow, lime to deep green

12. Dracaena zeylanica

If you like the classic snake plant look but want something a little softer, zeylanica is a great pick. It has elegant, olive-toned leaves with muted striping—and no yellow borders.

• Max Height: 3 feet
• Leaf Style: Tall, sword-shaped, olive with lighter striations

13. Dracaena angolensis

The poster child for architectural plants, this variety has cylindrical leaves that stand tall like spears. Some are trained into braids or spirals, but they’re stunning even when left wild.

• Nickname: African Spear
• Max Height: 6 feet
• Leaf Style: Tubular, upright, muted grey-green

14. Dracaena angolensis ‘Starfish’

This small, sculptural cultivar spreads its thick, finger-like leaves out from the center like a sea star. It’s both fun and low-maintenance.

• Max Height: 1 foot
• Leaf Style: Stubby, radiating like a starburst

15. Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’

Looking for a plant with personality? This one’s got it. Its green and gold leaves spiral and twist into a playful swirl, making it a standout in any collection.

• Max Height: 1 foot
• Leaf Style: Twisted, curled, yellow and green variegation

Snake Plant Care Tips (From a Longtime Grower)

• Don’t overwater – Let the soil dry out between drinks. Snake plants store moisture in their roots and leaves.
• Give them light – Bright, indirect light keeps their colours bold, but they’ll tolerate low light too.
• Pick the right potting mix – Use cactus or succulent soil to prevent soggy roots.
• Dust their leaves – Wipe with a soft cloth now and then so they can breathe better.
• Let them stay cozy – Snake plants like being a bit rootbound—no need to rush into a bigger pot.

👉 Need a full breakdown? Check out our complete guide to snake plant care for watering schedules, soil recipes, and troubleshooting tips.

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 Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Match

Whether you want a low-maintenance plant to freshen up your home or you’re on the hunt for a rare gem to add to your collection, snake plants offer the best of both worlds—easy care and stunning variety. From statuesque ‘Laurentii’ to quirky little ‘Hahnii’, there’s a snake plant for every space and style.