Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, ‘Hahnii’, ‘Compacta’, ‘Goldiana’, ‘Silver Hahnii’, and ‘Silbersee’ are most common Dracaena trifasciata varieties. In this post, I will give you a list of 11 elegant Dracaena trifasciata types and points that will help you choose the best for your house. so, keep reading.
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular houseplant due to its low-maintenance nature (that can tolerate low light and drought conditions) and striking appearance. You can find it in various sizes from tall to small. So, Snake plants can easily match all indoor décor.
Dracaena trifasciata was previously classified as Sansevieria. In 2017 they were classified as in the genus Dracaena. Hence most people still call them Sansevieria instead of Dracaena. For example, you may find Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘laurentii’ in some garden centers.
Another thing you must note is that Dracaena trifasciata is commonly known as the snake plant although not all Snake plants are Dracaena trifasciata. For instance, the Whale Fin Snake Plant belongs to the species Dracaena Masoniana. I will also mention the most common snake plant types that don’t belong to Dracaena trifasciata at the end of this article
Besides Snake Plant, Dracaena trifasciata is known by other common names such as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Saint George’s Sword, and Viper’s Bowstring Hemp. Remember that common names can vary in different regions, cultures, and languages or may even be shared between various species. So, to choose the correct variety, the most reliable way is to search your plant by its botanical name (scientific name).
I recommend reading my other posts about Dracaena identification and Red Dracaena varieties. In addition, you can find a lot of benefits of having a snake plant in your bedroom in my other post.
5 Common Types of Dracaena trifasciata Varieties
There are many different cultivars with varying leaf colours, patterns, and sizes. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
Common name: Variegated Snake Plant, Gold-Edge Snake Plant
This classic variety features dark green leaves with a bright yellow border.
Appearance:
Leaves: Long, sword-shaped leaves with a striking contrast of dark green in the centre and a bright, golden-yellow border. The leaves grow upright from a central rosette.
Size: Typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) indoors, but can grow taller in optimal outdoor conditions.
Overall, the ‘Laurentii’ variety is known for its elegant and dramatic appearance, making it a popular choice for adding a touch of tropical flair to indoor spaces.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’
Common name: Dwarf Snake Plant, Whale Fin Snake Plant
A compact form with short, wide leaves, often called the “bird’s nest” snake plant.
Unlike the taller, upright ‘Laurentii’, the ‘Hahnii’ variety is known for its compact and low-growing habit. It forms a dense rosette of short, wide, fleshy leaves that often have a rounded tip. Depending on the specific cultivar, the leaf colour is typically a deep green with darker green or yellow variegations.
The ‘Hahnii’ snake plant is a true dwarf, rarely exceeding 6 inches (15 cm) in height. This makes it an ideal choice for small spaces, terrariums, or as a groundcover in larger planters. You can easily grow it in water too.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Compacta’
Common name: Compact Snake Plant
Similar to ‘Hahnii’ but with even shorter leaves.
Appearance
The ‘Compacta’ variety is an even more diminutive version of the ‘Hahnii’. It shares the same rosette growth pattern, but the leaves are typically shorter, broader, and often more rounded. The leaf colour is usually deep green, although some variations might exhibit darker or lighter shades.
As the name suggests, ‘Compacta’ is exceptionally compact. It rarely grows taller than 4 inches (10 cm), making it one of the smallest snake plant varieties. This makes it an ideal choice for miniature gardens, terrariums, or as a unique accent plant.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silver Hahnii’
Common name: Silver Hahnii Snake Plant
A variation of ‘Hahnii’ with silvery-grey leaves.
Appearance
A variation of the popular ‘Hahnii’ variety, the ‘Silver Hahnii’ boasts a unique silvery-grey leaf colour. The leaves are typically short, wide, and fleshy, forming a compact rosette. The silvery hue can vary in intensity, with some plants exhibiting more pronounced silver tones than others.
Similar to the standard ‘Hahnii’, the ‘Silver Hahnii’ is a dwarf variety. It rarely exceeds 6 inches (15 cm) in height, making it an excellent choice for small spaces or as a centrepiece in a terrarium.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silbersee’
Common name: Silver Lake Snake Plant (less common)
Known for its silvery-blue leaves with darker green margins.
Appearance
The ‘Silbersee’ variety is characterized by its striking silvery-blue leaves. These leaves are typically long, sword-shaped, and have a glossy texture. The silvery hue creates a beautiful contrast with the darker green margins that often adorn the leaf edges.
The ‘Silbersee’ snake plant can grow to a moderate height of about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) indoors. It’s a slower grower compared to some other varieties, but its unique leaf colour makes it a prized addition to any plant collection.
6 Unique and Modern Types of Dracaena trifasciata Varieties
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Gold’
Common name: Black Gold Snake Plant
This variety has dark, almost black leaves with striking green margins.
Appearance
The ‘Black Gold’ variety is a striking addition to any plant collection. Its leaves are a deep, almost black-green colour, often with a slight sheen. The contrast between the dark green centre and the brighter green edges creates a captivating visual effect. Like other snake plants, the leaves grow upright from a central rosette.
The ‘Black Gold’ can reach a moderate height of about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) indoors. However, its growth rate is generally slower compared to some other varieties. Do you know where you should put your Snake plant at your home? I discussed it in my other post.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’
Common name: Twisted Snake Plant
Features curly, twisted leaves with a unique appearance.
Appearance
The ‘Twisted Sister’ is a unique and eye-catching variety of snake plants. As the name suggests, its leaves have a distinctive twisted or curled appearance. The foliage is typically a combination of green and gold, with the golden variegation often forming bands along the leaf. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern, similar to other snake plant varieties.
The ‘Twisted Sister’ is a relatively compact plant. It usually grows to a height of about 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm). Its low-growing habit and unique leaf shape make it an interesting focal point in any indoor space.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
Common name: Moonshine Snake Plant
This variety has pale, silvery-green leaves.
Appearance
The ‘Moonshine’ variety is a striking departure from the typical green snake plant. Its leaves are a unique pale, silvery-green colour, almost resembling moonlight. The leaves are broad, flat, and succulent, with a pointed tip. They grow upright from a central rosette, forming a clumping habit.
The ‘Moonshine’ snake plant is a relatively compact variety. It typically reaches a height of about 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm). Its moderate size and distinctive leaf color make it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’
Common name: Bantel’s Sensation Snake Plant
Similar to ‘Moonshine’ but with slightly wider leaves.
Appearance
The ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ is a striking variety with long, slender leaves that are a deep grey-green color. The standout feature of this plant is the dramatic, vertical, creamy white stripes that contrast beautifully against the dark green background. These stripes give the plant a modern and elegant look.
This variety tends to be taller and more slender than other snake plants. It can reach a height of around 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) indoors.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Jack’
Common name: Black Jack Snake Plant
Another variety with dark, nearly black leaves.
Appearance
The ‘Black Jack’ is a striking variety known for its deep, almost black leaf colour. This makes it a standout among other snake plants. The leaves are typically long, sword-shaped, and grow upright from a central rosette. While the primary colour is a deep, dark green, some leaves may exhibit subtle variegations or lighter edges.
Similar to other snake plant varieties, the ‘Black Jack’ can vary in height depending on growing conditions. However, it generally grows to a moderate size, reaching between 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) indoors.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’
Common name: Black Robusta Snake Plant
Similar to ‘Black Jack’ but with thicker leaves.
Appearance
The ‘Black Robusta’ is another dark-leaved variety of snake plant. It features deep green leaves with a distinct mottled or textured appearance. The leaves are typically broad and sturdy, giving the plant a robust look. Like other snake plants, it has an upright growth habit with leaves emerging from a central rosette.
As the name suggests, ‘Black Robusta’ is a medium-sized variety. It generally grows to a height of about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) indoors. Do you know you can keep your Snake plant in the bathroom?
Snake plants Types that are not Dracaena trifasciata
- Dracaena Masoniana (formerly Sansevieria masoniana): Commonly known as the “Whale Fin Snake Plant” due to its distinctive leaf shape.
- Dracaena Pethera (formerly Sansevieria kirkii): Often called the “Star Sansevieria” for its star-shaped rosette.
- Dracaena Patens (formerly Sansevieria patens): Known for its broader, flatter leaves compared to many other snake plants.
- Dracaena Ballyi (formerly Sansevieria ballyi): Often referred to as the “Dwarf Sansevieria” due to its compact size.
- Dracaena Hanningtonii (formerly Sansevieria ehrenbergii): Known for its bluish-green leaves, it’s sometimes called the “Blue Sansevieria.”
- Dracaena Angolensis (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica): Often referred to as the “African Spear” due to its cylindrical leaf shape.
Conclusion
Now you have a comprehensive list of Stunning Dracaena trifasciata varieties including Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Compacta’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silver Hahnii’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Silbersee’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Gold’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Twisted Sister’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Moonshine’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’, Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Jack’, and Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’. Do you know other Dracaena trifasciata types that I didn’t mention in this list?
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.