The old saying “everything old is new again” has special meaning when it comes to sansevieria, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue. That’s because this classic houseplant has been around for generations, yet still reigns supreme when it comes to modern interior design.

Vertical foliage

Prized for its striking vertical foliage this super easy houseplant adds beauty and architectural interest to even the tiniest apartment or home. It also tolerates a wide range of light conditions so it will thrive almost anywhere you place it. Plant newbies also love sansevieria because it’s so trouble-free, only requiring an occasional drink to keep it in top form.

Beautiful colors

Sansevieria comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Some forms can grow 3 to 4 feet tall and sport dark green stripes over a paler background while others show off bright yellow margins along the leaf edges. We’ve even used taller types to mimic “flames” in our fireplace. 

A variety of sizes

There are also dwarf types that grow only 6 to 8 inches tall, forming handsome clumps of foliage. And one of my favorite varieties produces bright green cylindrical leaves that remind me of huge, green bendy straws. Both types work well on a bedside or kitchen table or clustered together in a living room display.

Make more snake plants!

Sansevieria is a snap to propagate, too. Just pop them out of their containers and use a sharp knife to separate them into smaller pieces. The plants produce new growth from around their base and eventually can even break the container they are growing in if you don’t divide or repot them.