The tall, statuesque Snake Plant Laurentii is a stunning, easy-care houseplant. Tall, thin foliage stands upright and adds instant and effortless style to any space. Like all snake plants, the Laurentii is also incredibly easy to maintain and almost seems to require some neglect. Here is everything you need to know about Snake Plant Laurentii care.
Plant Details
Sword-shaped foliage has green variegation surrounded by yellow borders. The variegation appears as abstract horizontal stripes in light and dark green hues. Formally known as the Snake Plant Laurentii or Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii,’ this plant hails from Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. Mature plants can stand an impressive 4 feet tall.
Like all Sansevieria plants, the Laurentii was reclassified as a Dracaena after genetic testing confirmed that Sanevieria and Dracaena are the same genus. A lot of plant people still use the Sansevieria name, and you may see this plant labeled as a Dracaena or a Sansevieria.
Snake Plant Laurentii Light Needs
The Laurentii can live in just about any light available. Limited direct sunlight, which can be found in a south-facing window, is okay. Too much direct sunlight will burn the foliage. Medium to bright indirect sunlight provides optimal Snake Plant Laurentii care, but this leafy plant can grow in low light. Saneveirias are slow growers under the best of conditions, and plants in low light will grow even more slowly. Spin the container every so often so each side receives sunlight.
How Often to Water Snake Plant Laurentii
Watering is where things fall apart in terms of snake plant care. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Seriously, the potting mix should be dry throughout before giving this plant a drink. Snake plants store water in their roots and foliage, and the plant has to work through those reserves before you top them off. Drench the soil when it’s time to water and allow excess water to drain through the pot.
Plan to water the Laurentii every 2 to 3 weeks during the spring and summer, depending on how much sunlight the plant receives. Water less often during the winter when the plant is dormant and less sunlight is available. Wait another day or two if you aren’t sure the plant is ready for a drink. Snake plants are much more forgiving of drought-like conditions than overly wet or damp conditions. Bottom watering is a good technique for Sansevieria plants.
Overwatering causes the leaf tips to turn yellow. In extreme instances, leaves will turn mushy and die. For what it’s worth, the leaves will wilt or wrinkle when the plant is dehydrated. Water immediately if the plant is too dry. Severally dehydrated leaves may not make and will have to be pruned, but slightly dry leaves will recover.
Best Soil for Sansevieria
Use a well-draining potting mix for the Laurentii. The potting mix should dry quickly and shed excess water to mimic the soil conditions the plant would experience in nature. A potting mix intended for cacti or succulents meets the needs of a Sansevieria. You can use a general potting mix, but add perlite to improve the drainage.
Temperature for Sansevieria Laurentii
Snake plants like warm temperatures, and most homes are plenty warm for these easy-care houseplants. Temperature swings can be damaging, so keep the plant away from drafts and position them clear of vents.
Monitor the temperature if you relocate your plant to a porch or outdoor space in the summer. Avoid temperatures under 55° F.
Snake Plant Laurentii Humidity Needs
Humidity is not a dealbreaker for snake plants. The Laurentii can live in low, average, or above-average humidity, although damp conditions are not required. Snake plants grown in humid areas will not need water as often. While the Laurentti can live in damp air, avoid placing this plant in naturally moist areas like a bathroom or kitchen.
Sansevieria Laurentii Fertilizer
Fertilizer helps the Snake Plant Laurentii grow, but it isn’t necessary, and limited doses do the trick. Feed the Laurentii using balanced plant food. Fertilize the plant twice per year. The start of spring and summer are good times to fertilize snake plants. Give the snake plant a third dose of fertilizer in temperate climates at the beginning of fall. Always water the plant before fertilizing to protect the roots.
Snake Plant Pruning Tips
Pruning is necessary but rare when it comes to Snake Plant Laurentii care. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed. Trim just below the damage if the damage is near the top. You can cut the leaf into a point to mimic the natural look of the leaves. Cut damaged leaves at the soil line if you do not like the look of a damaged leaf. You can always save cut leaves to propagate.
Does Snake Plant Laurentii Bloom?
Snake plants are capable of blooming. Whitish-green flowers emerge in the spring from tall spike-like stems. Houseplants only bloom if the conditions are just right. Some plant owners never see their plant bloom, while others may go years in between enjoying the blooms. The Laurentii is grown for its foliage, not flowers, so don’t be concerned if your plant doesn’t bloom. Encourage your plant to bloom by giving it the best Snake Plant Laurentii care possible.
When to Repot Snake Plant Laurentii
Snake plants are content to stay in the same pot for a long time. Plants in bright, indirect sunlight will be ready for an upgrade every 3 to 6 years. Low-light plants can go even longer in the same pot. Roots poking through drainage holes or appearing above the soil indicate it is time to repot. Root-bound snake plants are known to burst through ceramic pots when they cannot be contained any longer, so don’t let the plant become too tight in its pot if you like the container.
Snake Plant Laurentii Propagation
Propagate the Laurentii through division or stem cuttings. Division is the easiest propagation method since the plant does most of the work. It is often best to wait until repotting to divide a snake plant. Remove the plant from the pot, gently separate offshoots or untangle foliage. It may be necessary to cut roots to divide the plant, but make sure each new plant has a substantial root system. Repot each new plant in a separate container, and that’s it.
Stem cuttings need to be several inches long and can be propagated in soil, sphagnum moss, or water. Maintain the upright orientation when cutting one long leaf into several smaller pieces to propagate. Let the cut end callous over before placing it in the potting medium. Roots will form in about four weeks. Cuttings in moss or water can move to potting mix when the roots are a couple of inches long.
Is Snake Plant Laurentii Pet Safe?
The Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is not pet safe. The foliage contains saponins which can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when consumed. Keep snake plants away from cats and dogs, especially if your pet has a history of nibbling on foliage.
Snake Plant Laurentii Styling Tips
Plant styling the Snake Plant Laurentii is just as easy as everything else about this plant. The ideal plant pot will have drainage. Consider a porous container like terra cotta or unglazed ceramic so dampness can evaporate and the soil can more easily dry out. The natural look of unglazed ceramic complements the foliage.
It’s tempting to locate the Laurentii in a low-light spot that is not hospitable to other houseplants simply because this beauty can handle it. If you need something stunning for low light, this is a great option, but give it a bright home if you want this stunner to stand out and thrive. Small plants make a lovely addition to a desk or end table, while mature plants can frame a window or entertainment center.
Snake Plant Laurentii Care Tips
The long leaves can acclimate a lot of dust, so wipe the foliage with a damp cloth or give it a rinse to clean it up and help it thrive. The Laurentii is a popular Sansevieria cultivar because it is such a lovely and eye-catching plant with a stately appearance and low care requirements. Snake Plant Laurentii care is easy, mainly because the plant requires such infrequent attention.