Sansevieria robusta identification is very challenging. While searching it on Google or looking for it in nurseries, you will find 3 plant species with completely different appearances called Sansevieria robusta. Sometimes Google shows you a kind of snake plant as Sansevieria robusta, while if you search it with its new name (Dracaena robusta ) Google will show you a plant which is very similar to Corn plants!!!! You may also see Sansevieria robusta plants which are lookalike to Sansevieria ‘Samurai Dwarf’ plant. Who is Sansevieria robusta?
Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and today, I want to answer a frequent question about the Sansevieria robusta plant in this post. Keep reading to find out.
Sansevieria robusta or Dracaena robusta
Sansevieria is an old plant genus, and most of its species are transferred to other species such as Dracaena. Hence almost all Sansevieria houseplants are indeed a Dracaena. Dracaena robusta is a popular houseplant prized for its robust nature and attractive foliage.
In the following, you can see Dracaena robusta.
General Appearance
- Size: Can grow quite tall indoors, often reaching 6-8 feet, but can be managed through pruning.
- Stem: Thick, woody, and often single, though older plants may develop multiple stems. It’s typically smooth and grey-green.
- Leaves: Large, sword-shaped, and leathery. They are usually a deep, glossy green, though some varieties may have variegated patterns. Leaves typically grow in a rosette at the top of the stem.
Mature Plant Characteristics
As the Dracaena robusta matures, it develops a more tree-like appearance.
- Trunk: The lower part of the stem can become quite thick and woody, resembling a miniature tree trunk.
- Branching: Older plants may develop branches, with new leaf growth occurring at the tips of these branches.
- Size: Mature indoor specimens can become quite large, requiring more space.
Note: While the Dracaena robusta is generally a sturdy plant, it can be susceptible to pests like scale and mealybugs. Regular inspection is recommended.
Sansevieria robusta Snake Plant
After transferring the Sansevieria species to the Dracaena genus, most Snake plants previously known as Sansevieria moved to Dracaena trifasciata. This new species has numerous varieties. Two of them Dracaena trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’ and Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’, sometimes incorrectly called Sansevieria robusta Snake Plant.
So, when you spot a snake plant in a nursery or on the results of a Google search, it’s actually a variety of Dracaena trifasciata. In the following, you can see Dracaena trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’ and Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’
Both ‘Futura Robusta’ and ‘Black Robusta’ are popular cultivars of the Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the Snake Plant. While they share the same basic structure as the typical Snake Plant, they have distinct leaf patterns that set them apart.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’
In plant nurseries you may find it as sansevieria futura robusta, futura robusta, futura robusta snake plant, snake plant futura robusta, and sansevieria trifasciata futura robusta.
- Leaf Appearance: This cultivar boasts a striking combination of dark green and silvery-green blotches on its leaves. The silvery patches create a unique and eye-catching contrast against the deep green background.
- Growth Habit: Similar to other Snake Plants, it has a rosette growth pattern with upright, sword-shaped leaves.
Dracaena trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’
In the plant nurseries, you may find this plant with other names such as black robusta snake plant, sansevieria black robusta, and sansevieria trifasciata black robusta
- Leaf Appearance: As the name suggests, ‘Black Robusta’ has darker leaves than the typical Snake Plant. The leaves are a deep, rich green with subtle silver mottling, giving them a nearly black appearance in low-light conditions.
- Growth Habit: Like its counterparts, it grows in a rosette form with upright, sword-shaped leaves.
Both cultivars are known for their:
- Durability: They are hardy plants that can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering.
- Air-purifying qualities: Snake Plants, including these cultivars, are known to improve indoor air quality. Have you ever think where is the best place in your house for putting your snake plant? I discussed it in my other post, especially in the bathroom and the benefit of this plant in the bedroom.
Sansevieria robusta Dwarf
Sansevieria robusta ‘Dwarf’, Sansevieria robusta ‘Blue’, and Sansevieria robusta ‘Variegata’ are varieties of an unknown plant species which is not Dracaena trifasciata and nor Dracaena robusta. These plants are very similar to the Sansevieria ‘Samurai Dwarf’ plant whose scientific name is Dracaena hanningtonii ‘Samurai’ (Sansevieria ehrenbergii).
However, I cannot confirm that there are varieties of Dracaena hanningtonii, and I must do botanical studies to find their correct species. In the following, you can see their images
Sansevieria robusta ‘Dwarf’
Sansevieria robusta ‘Blue’
Sansevieria robusta ‘Variegata’
Sansevieria ‘Samurai Dwarf’
This species is very similar to the above plants, however, this information is not enough to find their correct identity. Dracaena hanningtonii ‘Samurai’ is a striking and unique variety of the Snake Plant family. It’s characterized by its:
- Distinct leaf arrangement: The leaves grow in opposite pairs, creating a distinctive fan-like or sword-like appearance. This is where the “Samurai” name comes from, as the leaves resemble samurai swords.
- Leaf shape: The leaves are typically long, narrow, and pointed, with a rounded cross-section.
- Leaf colour: Usually a deep, glossy green colour.
- Growth habit: This plant tends to grow in a clumping fashion, with new leaves emerging from the base of the plant.
Overall, Dracaena hanningtonii ‘Samurai’ is a visually appealing plant with a strong, architectural form.
Conclusion
I show you three plant groups which call as Sansevieria robusta plants that belong to different species. You found out Sansevieria robusta snake plants are actually two varieties of Dracaena trifasciata: ‘Futura Robusta’ and ‘Black Robusta’.
Dracaena robusta is the new name of Sansevieria robusta. When you search it on Google you will see plant species which is very similar to Corn plants (Dracaena fragrans). Another group of Sansevieria robusta plants are very similar to the Sansevieria ‘Samurai Dwarf’ plant, however, I couldn’t find their real species.
Do you know other plant species which are similar to Sansevieria robusta Dwarf? Do you have a Sansevieria robusta? Your lovely plant belongs to which group? Have you ever used plan identifiers? Please tell my reader and me about your experience and you can ask me your questions below this page.
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.