Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is commonly called the Variegated Snake plant. It is one of the easiest plants to care for. The most well-known variety of the snake plants and the leading commercial variety of Sansevieria. Grown for the hemp-like fiber in the leaves. Variegated snake plant leaves are green with dark green horizontal lines and yellow edges. An attractive plant in pots and very durable in a wide range of conditions. Growth of Sansevieria is relatively slow and plants last for many years. Recently its name has changed to Dracaena Trifasciata.
Water
Water the snake plant thoroughly to evenly moisten the soil surface. Allow the soil to dry in between waterings.
Light
Grows in medium to low light but will thrive in bright light.
Humidity
Does not require any extra humidity
Temperature
70-90°F (21 to 32°C) Not cold hardy
Soil
Prefers a well draining potting soil
Fertilizer
Use balanced liquid fertilizer in spring when new growth is evident. Dilute the product to about half-strength.
Size
Plant grows up to 48″ (120 cm) tall
Special Features
Purifies the air
Colors
Green, dark green. grey-green with yellow edges
Scientific Name
Sansevieria Trifasciata Laurentii or Dracaena Trifasciata Laurentii
Common Names
Mother-in-law’s Tongue, Variegated Snake Plant, Devil’s Tongue, African Spear, Bow String Hemp, Bowstring Hemp, Snake Plant, Good Luck Plant, Goldband Sansevieria, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, Magic Sword, Laurentii Snake Plant, Saint George’s Sword, African Bowstring Hemp, Dracaena trifasciata var. laurentii
Pronunciation
san-se-VEER-ee-uh try-fas-ee-AY-tuh law-REN-tee-eye or dra-SEE-nah try-fas-ee-AY-tuh law-REN-tee-eye
Pests
Mealy bugs/Spider mites
Common Problems
The Snake Plant is prone to root rot if overwatered.
Toxicity
Can be toxic to dogs and cats
Sansevieria plants are low maintenance plants that improve air quality. Variegated Snake Plants or Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, will survive in a wide range of conditions. They tolerate the low light conditions (60-80% shade) and are very drought tolerant. The Snake Plant is a common succulent that thrives on neglect. Perfect for offices or homes that need some green. A favorite among beginners and plant enthusiasts. Sansevierias have wide leaves that grow straight up, tapering to a point at the top.
The Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii” tends to need less water than other succulents. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
It’s hard to find a succulent that’s easier to care for than the Snake Plant. They grow in medium to low light. But, will thrive in bright light. Low-light conditions make it a perfect plant for an office or an area of your home that needs a little green. It also converts CO2 into oxygen at night, purifying the air while you sleep. Studies have shown Snake Plants also remove toxins from the air.
Sansevieria Laurentii Soil
Plant it in a pot with a well-draining sandy or cactus mixture. Any well draining potting medium will do as Snake Plants are not fussy about soil conditions. They tolerate a pH range of 4.5 to 8.5, with 5.5 to 7.5 being optimum.
Feed with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer in spring when new growth is evident. Dilute the product to about half-strength. Repeat the application in late summer. Follow the packaging instructions for proper amounts.
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ Propagation
How to Propagate Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ Snake Plant
Propagating Sansevieria is almost as easy as it is to grow. This can be done a few different ways. Watch our Snake Plant division and Water Propagation video here. Below we discuss a few propagation options.
Leaf Propagation
Remove a healthy leaf from the main plant and cut it into 2-3 inch sections. Make sure you remember which portion is supposed to be on top. Allow cuttings to callous for several days before placing in well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Water Propagation
Using sharp scissors, remove a healthy leaf from the main plant. Cut it into 2-3 inch sections. Fill a container with just enough water to cover the lower. Place in indirect light, changing the water every several days. Keep in mind that propagated cuttings of the Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii” will revert back to all green and will lose the yellow edging.
Divisions
Sansevieria grow from rhizomes (a root-like organ).This forms a large mass under the soil, where the leaves grow up from. The rhizome can be carefully divided using very sharp scissors.
Be sure the section removed has at least one healthy leaf growing from the rhizome. Allow it to dry for a day, then replant in well-draining soil. Wait to water until several days after planting. For more info on Snake Plant Propagation read our post here.
When your Snake Plant is not growing as fast as it should it may need some fresh soil. If it takes a while to drain out the plant pot’s drainage holes that could be another indication to swap out some more nutrient rich soil. Water gathering on the surface of the potting mix is also never a good sign. Repot every few years or when roots are very dense. Add fresh soil or fertilizer in between repotting.
Related Articles:
Air Plant Care Guide – Tillandsias
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) Care
10 Flowering Plants That Are Better Than a Bouquet
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