Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii is also known as the variegated snake plant. These plants are low maintenance and can tolerate neglect and continue to grow beautifully. It has fleshy, deep greens that have sharp points.
When they are raised outdoors, they sometimes form green flowers and also produce orange berries. Unfortunately, these flowers and fruits don’t frequently appear when they are raised indoors.
A snake plant makes a beautiful plant whether it is raised indoors or outdoors. They have a striking color and make a wonderful centerpiece. They can also be used as an accent to a room with a more gray and white contemporary design.
Let’s get into it and talk a little more about the proper care required to grow these houseplants.
Many Names
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Lauranetii’ plants also go by many other names. These nicknames include Striped Mother-in-law’s Tongue, Striped Snake Plant, and Variegated Snake plant.
Physical Characteristics
As you might be able to imagine from its nickname, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, it is a plant with leaves that are tall and tongue-like. It has green leaves that are flanked by yellow stripes that taper into a sharp point.
The plant itself grows up to about 3-4 feet tall.
Snake Plant Care
Sun Requirements
Snake plants grow best when they have full sun exposure. They also tolerate part shade in hotter, sunnier areas. Although they may survive in low light, we do not recommend it – as with all plants, they rely on the sun for photosynthesis.
When you grow them indoors, it is best to keep it as close to a window as possible to give it the light that it requires and to maximize the growth rate. It can survive on nearly any window ledge, whether it be north-facing or south-facing.
If you notice that the leaves’ edges are turning very yellow, you may want to decrease the intensity of the light it is receiving by a little bit.
Ideal Soil
Sansevieria plants prefer well-drained soil. The soil should drain entirely between waterings. When you are watering, you should water deeply. To do this, water until water drips through the drainage hole on the bottom of your pot.
Sansevieria is a succulent, so it stores water within its leaves. For that reason, it does not need as much water as you may think it does. It will develop root rot quite quickly if you over water it.
Don’t let the plant’s roots sit in water-logged soil, and also don’t let the pot stand in water either. Root rot is one of the most common reasons that problems start developing.
In winter, you will want to further reduce the amount that you water because the snake plant will not require as much water. If you are growing your it outdoors, you may not need to water your plant at all because it may go dormant.
Fertilization
You’ll want to fertilize plant roughly once every 3 weeks during the growing season. You’ll want to be fertilizing it in late spring and throughout the summer. You can use a general fertilizer mix with an N-P-K ratio of 1-1-1 or slightly more nitrogen. Take the fertilizer’s directions and dilute the fertilizer to half strength.
Why You Should Own One
Beautiful Design Element
Sansevieria are wonderful and hardy plants that can be used to add color or brighten up any room. It is great when it is placed in a living room or even in a home office. The green color and tall leaves help provide a unique touch to a home.
You can plant snake plants in pots and leave them on the tabletop or the floor.
When you are growing outdoors, it can make an equally bold statement whether grown in the garden alone or in a group in a garden bed.
Low Maintenance
One of the great things about sansevieria trifasciata laurentii is that it is so easy to care for. This is why it is such a popular houseplant.
Because it is so tolerant of different environments, it makes the perfect houseplant for novice houseplant owners. The growth of the foliage is quite slow and snake plant itself will last for many years.
That being said, if your snake plant’s roots are becoming too big for its container, make sure that you divide and/or repot your plant.
Air Purifying
Sansevieria are known as good houseplants to purify the air. They remove many different toxins that are residing in the air. Its tall leaves also take in carbon dioxide and create oxygen that is released at night.
