From a botanical perspective, the term "Snake Plant" most commonly refers to the species *Dracaena trifasciata* (formerly classified as *Sansevieria trifasciata*). This species, native to West Africa, has been extensively cultivated and hybridized, leading to a wide array of varieties that differ in morphology, size, coloration, and growth habit. These variations are the result of natural mutations and, more prolifically, selective breeding programs aimed at enhancing specific ornamental traits for the horticultural market.
The progenitor of most common varieties is the species itself, characterized by its stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves. These leaves are a deep green with irregular, horizontal bands of a lighter silvery-green, an adaptation for efficient light capture in its native understory habitats. The leaves feature a strong apical tip and a fibrous texture, containing saponins—compounds that help deter herbivory. This species is notoriously resilient due to its rhizomatous root system, which allows for water and nutrient storage, enabling survival in periods of drought.
Horticulturists have developed varieties that exhibit significant divergence from the typical growth form of the species. For instance, *Dracaena trifasciata* ‘Hahnii’, known as the Bird's Nest Snake Plant, is a dwarf cultivar that forms a compact, rosette-shaped cluster of leaves, rarely exceeding 20 cm in height. In stark contrast, the *Dracaena trifasciata* ‘Laurentii’ (Goldband Snake Plant) maintains the classic upright form but can grow quite tall, often reaching over 1 meter. Its most distinguishing feature is its vibrant golden-yellow leaf margins, a result of a chimeral mutation where two genetically distinct tissues grow adjacent to one another.
A primary focus of cultivation has been on leaf variegation and color. The *Dracaena trifasciata* ‘Moonshine’ cultivar is prized for its wide, upright leaves of a uniform, silvery-light green color, with dark green margins only visible upon close inspection. Conversely, the *Dracaena trifasciata* ‘Black Gold’ features very dark green, almost black-centered leaves sharply edged in a bright gold-yellow. Another striking example is *Dracaena trifasciata* ‘Bantel’s Sensation’, which exhibits narrow leaves with vertical white striping, a pattern caused by a lack of chlorophyll in specific cell layers.
Beyond the *trifasciata* species, other plants within the *Dracaena* (formerly *Sansevieria*) genus are also colloquially called Snake Plants and showcase entirely different growth forms. A prominent example is *Dracaena angolensis* (formerly *Sansevieria cylindrica*), the Cylindrical Snake Plant. As its name suggests, this species produces smooth, round, spear-like leaves that grow in a fan-like arrangement. This cylindrical leaf shape is an adaptation to reduce surface area and minimize water loss. Another unique variety is *Dracaena pearsonii* (formerly *Sansevieria desertii*), which has stiff, reddish-tinted, cylindrical leaves that grow in a rosette, resembling a spiky agave more than a typical snake plant.
