If you think you know snake plants, think again. Beyond the common varieties, there’s a whole world of rare snake plant varieties – exotic and highly sought-after. These special plants have unique shapes, colors, and patterns that make them the crown jewels of any collection.
Finding them can be a challenge, but caring for them is surprisingly straightforward. This guide will show you some of the most stunning types and how to keep them thriving.
Let’s look at what makes these plants so special and where you might find them.
Rare Snake Plant Varieties – Exotic And Highly Sought-After
This category includes plants that are difficult to propagate, slow-growing, or simply new to the market. Their scarcity drives demand among houseplant enthusiasts. Owning one is a point of pride for many gardeners.
Each variety has its own distinct personality. From silvery blues to twisted leaves, there’s something for every taste.
What Makes a Snake Plant Variety “Rare”?
Several factors contribute to a plant’s rarity. Understanding these helps explain the prices and the hunt.
- Propagation Speed: Some varieties grow very slowly or produce few offsets (pups). This means growers can’t produce large numbers quickly.
- Propagation Method: Certain cultivars, especially those with unique variegation, must be propagated by division to maintain their traits. Leaf cuttings often revert to a plain green form.
- Market Availability: A plant might be common in one country but heavily restricted for export, making it rare elsewhere.
- Trends: Social media can suddenly make a particular variety hugely popular, creating temporary scarcity.
Top Rare and Exotic Snake Plant Varieties
Here are some of the most incredible rare snake plants you might encounter. Keep your eyes peeled for these names.
Sansevieria masoniana ‘Whale Fin’
This is a true statement plant. It features a single, massive, paddle-shaped leaf that can grow over a foot wide. It resembles a whale’s fin, hence the name. It’s a slow grower, often sold as a single leaf planted in soil.
Care is similar to other snake plants. It needs bright, indirect light to maintain its sturdy structure. Be patient; it may take years to produce a second leaf.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
‘Moonshine’ is known for its wide, silvery-green, almost ghostly leaves. The color is stunning and can brighten a dark corner. It’s slightly more common than others on this list but still highly prized for its unique hue.
It can lose its silvery color if kept in too low light, becoming a darker green. Give it moderate to bright indirect light for best color.
Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’ (Starfish Snake Plant)
This variety has short, fat, cylindrical leaves that fan out from the base like a starfish. It’s a compact and architectural plant. Its quirky form makes it a fantastic centerpiece.
It grows in a tight cluster and is relatively slow. It prefers plenty of light to keep its form compact and prevent leaning.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’
This cultivar is elegant and vertical. It has tall, narrow leaves with distinctive white vertical striping. The pattern is crisp and clean, giving it a modern look.
It’s a slow grower because the variegated parts have less chlorophyll. Ensure it gets good light to support its growth rate.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Samurai Dwarf’
The ‘Samurai’ has a unique V-shaped leaf cross-section. The leaves grow in a stacked, fan-like pattern. It’s a true dwarf, staying quite small, which is perfect for shelves.
Be very careful with watering. Water that gets trapped in the tight leaf bases can cause rot. Water from the soil level, not over the top.
Sansevieria ‘Fernwood Mikado’
This hybrid has slender, cylindrical leaves that arch outward from the base. It creates a grassy, fountain-like effect. It’s more readily available than some, but its texture is highly sought-after.
It’s quite forgiving and can tolerate lower light than some cylindrical types. It will fill out a pot nicely over time.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’
A rare bird’s nest type snake plant. It forms a low rosette with wide, short leaves. The leaves have bright golden-yellow margins with a green center.
This one needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant yellow coloring. In low light, the yellow will fade to a pale green.
How to Care for Your Rare Snake Plants
The good news is that rare snake plants share the same basic, easy-care needs as their common cousins. Their rarity doesn’t mean they are fussy.
Light Requirements
Most rare varieties prefer medium to bright, indirect light. This helps maintain their unique colors and patterns and supports their often slower growth.
- Variegated types (like ‘Bantel’s Sensation’) need brighter light to keep their variegation strong.
- Silver types (like ‘Moonshine’) need good light to prevent darkening.
- Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, especially on lighter-colored varieties.
Watering and Soil
This is the most critical part of care. Overwatering is the number one cause of failure.
- Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. You can add extra perlite or pumice for drainage.
- Plant in a pot with a drainage hole. This is non-negotiable for rare varieties.
- Water only when the soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot. In winter, this could mean watering only once a month or less.
- When you water, water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole, then empty the saucer.
Temperature and Humidity
Snake plants are tropical but adapt well to average home conditions.
- Keep them in temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Ideal range is 60-80°F (15-27°C).
- They do fine in average household humidity. You don’t need to mist them; in fact, misting can promote fungal issues.
- Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents.
Fertilizing for Growth
Because rare snake plants grow slowly, they need less fertilizer.
- Fertilize only during the active growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) at half strength.
- Apply it once every 4-6 weeks. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Propagating Your Rare Finds
Propagation allows you to create new plants and share them with friends. But be cautious: some methods won’t work for variegated types.
Propagation by Division (Best Method for Variegated Types)
This is the only way to guarantee the new plant will look exactly like the parent if it’s a variegated cultivar.
- Remove the plant from its pot during the growing season.
- Gently separate a pup (offset) from the main plant, ensuring it has some roots attached.
- You may need to use a clean, sharp knife to cut through connecting rhizomes.
- Plant the pup in its own small pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
- Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light. Resume normal care once you see new growth.
Leaf Cutting Propagation (For Non-Variegated Types)
For solid green or cylindrical types, you can use leaf cuttings. This method takes longer.
- Cut a healthy leaf at the base using a clean, sharp tool.
- Let the cut end callous over for 2-3 days to prevent rot.
- Place the cutting upright in a pot of moist, well-draining soil or in water.
- If using soil, water very sparingly until roots develop. If using water, change the water weekly.
- Roots and a new pup will form in a few months. Be patient—this is a slow process.
Remember: A leaf cutting from a variegated plant like ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ will usually grow into a plain green plant, losing the stripes.
Where to Find Rare Snake Plants
You won’t typically find these at big-box stores. You need to know where to look.
- Specialty Nurseries: Local plant shops often carry unique varieties or can order them for you.
- Online Retailers: Many reputable sellers on Etsy, eBay, and dedicated plant websites offer rare snake plants. Always check reviews.
- Plant Shows and Swaps: Local gardening clubs or cactus and succulent society shows are excellent places to find rare specimens and talk to experts.
- Social Media Groups: Facebook groups or Instagram communities focused on rare houseplants often have members who sell or trade.
When buying online, consider the season. Avoid having plants shipped in extreme heat or cold, as this can damage them.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even tough plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing or Mushy Leaves
This is almost always a sign of overwatering. The roots are rotting.
- Stop watering immediately.
- Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
- Cut away any soft, brown, or smelly roots with sterile scissors.
- Repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
- Wait at least a week before watering again, and then water sparingly.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips
This can be caused by a few things.
- Underwatering: While rare, if the soil is bone dry for months, the tips can dry out. Water more regularly (but still only when dry).
- Low Humidity: In very dry homes, especially in winter, tips can brown. You can trim the brown tips off with clean scissors.
- Chemical Sensitivity: Snake plants can be sensitive to fluoride or salts in tap water. Try using filtered or distilled water if browning is persistent.
Leaves Losing Color or Variegation
If your colorful plant is turning plain green, it needs more light. Move it to a brighter location gradually to avoid sunburn. The existing leaves won’t change back, but new growth should show the correct color.
Leaning or Flopping Over
This is often due to too little light. The plant is stretching and becoming weak. Move it to a brighter spot. For top-heavy plants like the ‘Whale Fin’, you can use a small stake for support temporarily.
Displaying Your Collection
These plants are art. Show them off!
- Use simple, modern pots that complement the plant’s form, not compete with it. Terracotta pots are excellent for breathability.
- Group several varieties together for a stunning textural display. Play with heights and shapes.
- Place a single, dramatic specimen like a ‘Whale Fin’ as a solo focal point on a plant stand or shelf.
- Ensure the display location meets their light needs. Don’t sacrifice health for decor.
FAQ Section
What is the most expensive rare snake plant?
Prices fluctuate, but the ‘Whale Fin’ (Sansevieria masoniana) and true, mature ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ often command high prices, especially for large, established specimens. Newly discovered or imported hybrids can also be very expensive initially.
Can I grow rare snake plants in low light?
They will survive in low light, but they likely won’t thrive. Growth will be extremely slow, and variegated or colorful types will lose their distinctive patterns and fade to green. Medium to bright indirect light is best for maintaining their rare qualities.
How often should I repot a rare snake plant?
Repot only when the plant is root-bound, which may be every 2-4 years due to their slow growth. They actually prefer to be slightly pot-bound. Use a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the old one. Spring is the best time to repot.
Are rare snake plants toxic to pets?
Yes, like all snake plants, they are considered mildly toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. They contain saponins which can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.
Why is my rare snake plant not growing?
First, remember they are slow growers. If you see no growth for months, check light and temperature. Too little light, cool temperatures, or a lack of fertilizer during the growing season can all halt growth. Also, if it’s recently been repotted or propagated, it may be focusing energy on root development.
Can I put my rare snake plant outside in summer?
You can, but you must be cautious. Acclimate it slowly to outdoor conditions over a week or two. Place it in a shaded or dappled light spot—never in direct, hot sun. Bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Check for pests more frequently when it’s outside.
Building a collection of rare snake plant varieties is a rewarding hobby. It combines the thrill of the hunt with the satisfaction of nurturing a beautiful, low-maintenance plant. With the right care, these exotic specimens can be the centerpiece of your indoor garden for many years to come. Start with one that catches your eye, master its care, and you might just find yourself hooked on finding the next unique treasure.