With their upright sword-shaped leaves in sophisticated patterns, it’s no wonder snake plants are a favorite houseplant for modern interiors. But if you love the look of snake plants, also called sansevieria, you’ll be thrilled to know there are many other plants with a remarkably similar appearance.

As a houseplant enthusiast who adores the architectural nature of snake plants, I’ve discovered numerous options that make excellent alternatives or companions. If you’re looking to expand your plant collection with varieties bearing resemblance to sansevieria, check out these top 13 choices.

1. Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant)

Let’s start with the OG – Dracaena trifasciata, most widely known as snake plant. Native to tropical West Africa, these hardy succulents grow in clumps, sprouting long, rigid leaves in various shades of green with lighter crossband patterns. Their sword-like foliage adds strong vertical shapes. Snake plants thrive in bright indirect light and are tolerant of neglect.

2. Yucca Elephantipes (Spineless Yucca)

A close cousin to the snake plant, the spineless yucca has similar spear-shaped leaves but with a bluer tint. As the name suggests, this yucca variety lacks the sharp tips usually seen on yuccas. Its rosette form works well in contemporary pots. Spineless yucca needs bright light and excellent drainage.

3. Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)

Another dracaena, the dragon tree features spear-shaped leaves with red edges that resemble some snake plant varieties. Its slender stems give it a tree-like form. Red-edged dracaena brings a bold pop of color and thrives with moderate watering and indirect sun.

4. Agave Attenuata (Foxtail Agave)

Native to central Mexico, the foxtail agave has a rosette form with curved, pointed blue-green leaves bearing resemblance to certain sansevieria cultivars Far more drought tolerant than snake plants, foxtail agave needs minimal watering and benefits from summer garden placement

5. Furcraea Foetida (Mauritius Hemp)

This tropical subshrub produces sword-shaped leaves striped in creamy yellow. Native to South America, it enjoys light shade in summer and bright sun in winter. Water when the soil dries out. The spiky leaves contrast beautifully with its sweet-scented white blooms.

6. Gasteria (Ox Tongue)

For a mini snake plant look, try gasteria. Native to South Africa, these succulents stay compact with thick, tongue-shaped leaves in variegated green patterns. They thrive in bright, indirect light. Gasteria is perfect for dish gardens and mixing with other succulents.

7. Cryptanthus Zonatus (Zebra Plant)

Named for its zebra-like striping, cryptanthus features rosettes of pointed leaves banded in white. A popular bromeliad houseplant, it stays under 6 inches tall and does best in humid conditions with indirect sun. Group cryptanthus in planters to showcase the striped foliage.

8. Tradescantia Spathacea (Moses in the Cradle)

Also called boat lily, Moses in the Cradle is a low-growing perennial with sword-shaped green and purple striped leaves. Native to Mexico, it takes moderate watering and thrives in partial sun containers on porches or patios, where its pink blooms appear in summer.

9. Aechmea Fasciata (Silver Vase Bromeliad)

Native to Brazil, the urn plant or silver vase bromeliad forms long arching leaves edged in silver that resemble the flowing bands seen on some snake plants. Growing over 2 feet tall and wide, it enjoys bright indirect light. Colorful pink bracts with blue flowers appear in summer.

10. Asplenium Nidus (Bird’s Nest Fern)

This easy-care groundcover fern has lightly ruffled sword-shaped fronds that spiral outward from the center like a snake plant. It hails from tropical locales in Africa and Asia. Thriving in shady, humid conditions bird’s nest ferns make excellent tabletop plants or hanging baskets.

11. Ledebouria Socialis (Silver Squill)

Also called silver onion plant, this South African bulb has lance-shaped spotted leaves with purple undersides that resemble smaller snake plants. It stays under 6 inches tall and spreads by offsets like sansevieria. Silver squill needs well-drained soil and indirect sunlight.

12. Clivia Miniata (Bush Lily)

Often grown for its showy orange and yellow blooms, bush lily also has attractive, wide straplike leaves that complement its flowers nicely. Native to South Africa, bush lily enjoys partial sun and moderate water. Its lush texture contrasts beautifully with its bold blooms.

13. Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant)

With its upright growth and sword-shaped leaves striped lengthwise in shades of green and yellow, corn plant looks quite similar to various sansevieria varieties. This dracaena grows over 5 feet tall indoors. It needs bright indirect light and occasional feeding.

Caring for Snake Plant Look-Alikes

While their foliage may resemble snake plants, many of these alternatives have different care needs. Here are some general tips:

• Most require bright indirect light, with some tolerating partial sun.

• Let soil dry between waterings; take care not to overwater.

• Pot in a fast-draining cactus/succulent mix.

• Feed a diluted liquid fertilizer during growing season.

• Keep humidity moderate to high for tropical varieties.

• Repot when root bound, usually every 2-3 years.

Designing With Snake Plant Alternatives

One benefit of snake plant look-alikes is they allow for more diverse arrangements! Here are some ways to incorporate them:

• Contrast lengths and textures for interest.

• Group plants of different heights in floor pots.

• Let them fill space as living sculptures.

• Mix clumping types with trailing varieties.

• Use bushy agaves as living borders.

• Let them bring architecture to shelves.

Expand Your Houseplant Horizons

If you adore the clean modern look of snake plants, branching out to these stellar look-alike plants lets you bring that vibe to all corners of your home. With the variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, you can create dynamic, nature-inspired spaces.

The similar strappy leaves unify the look, while the different textures and growth habits add welcome contrast. If snake plants have a special place in your heart, try adding a few of these fabulous alternatives to your plant family!