PlantFiles: Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Crane's Black Sport'

Easy Sansevieria to grow, has thicker dark leaves that are almost black in color, outer edge looks like its painted with a thin gold leaf. I have read that Crane's Black Sport was discovered by Ruth Crane who lived in TX (unsure if this is 100% correct). Also note Nelisonii or banded Nelisonii looks like this plant, but Crane's is smaller from what i see. Another Sansevieria that might be this plant with another name is Sansevieria Parva "Gilt Edge" Dark Form. I'm pretty sure based on pictures its the same, but not confirmed. Overall its an awesome Sansevieria, pictures don't do it justice. Looks very waxy and has a nice dark green color.

Without a doubt this is one of the nicest/most beautiful varieties of the whole Sansevieria Trifasciata group. What makes this Sansevieria so attractive is its dark, wax-like leaves with some variegation. Overall, it looks like erect tulip-shaped rosette of black-green leaves with a thin bright variegated rim. Habit similar to s. nelsonii or to a giant incurved Sansevieria 'Loop's Pride' but more "ornate" than either of these. It is not readily available in the trade, since it grows so slowly. I have only seen this Sansevieria available at specialty plants shops online. It takes many years to get the Crane's Black Sport to fill up an average sized pot. This is a good plant if you like a smaller, darker, and lightly variegated version of a Sansevieria plant (Snake Plant). I have read online this cultivar is a unique very slow growing treasure from someone named Ruth Crane.

This plant is easy to care for and can be treated almost in the same manner as the standard Sansevieria Trifasciata. The only major difference is water less often since it grows so slow. I notice this Sansevieria height is dictated by the environment it is grown in and pot size. In low light, it grows approx 4-6 inches and very slow. Outdoors in dabbled sun, mine have grown over 17 inches high and much faster. If the pot size is smaller, it dwarfs the Sansevieria Crane’s Black Sport similar to a bonsai. It’s a versatile Sansevieria that can be used in many household settings and planters.

Crane's Black Sport leaves start off lighter green, and then matures to a very dark green, usually with a slim variegated outer-edge (often variegated in other spots on the leaf too). If the plant is grown in brighter light, the leaves become darker, almost black. Also note the back of the leaf has the typical Sansevieria chevrons/striations, while the front part of the leaf is almost completely void of any markings. Once the leaves mature they becomes so dark, the back leaf chevrons/striations almost disappear from view.

When growing this Sansevieria in a light colored planter, the Crane's Black Sport looks striking. I have also seen this plant called, Crane's Special Black online. The only current source as of 09-29-08 to purchase is glass house works.