The Details
• Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii' (syn. Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
• Common Name: Laurentii Snake Plant, Variegated Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue
• Pot Size: 150mm Nursery Pot
• Plant Type: Evergreen succulent perennial
Light
Laurentii Snake Plants are wonderfully adaptable and perform best in bright, indirect light, where their distinctive yellow margins and green leaf patterns remain vibrant.
They can tolerate medium and low-light conditions, making them suitable for spaces where many other houseplants struggle. However, growth will be considerably slower in lower light, and the plant will require less frequent watering.
They can also handle some gentle direct sunlight, particularly in the morning. Avoid suddenly exposing an indoor-grown plant to intense afternoon sun, as this may cause scorching or discolouration. Gradually acclimatise the plant if moving it into a brighter position.
For the healthiest growth and strongest variegation, choose a position with plenty of natural light.
Watering
When it comes to watering, less is definitely more!
Laurentii Snake Plants store moisture in their thick, fleshy leaves and underground rhizomes, allowing them to tolerate extended periods of dryness. Allow the potting mix to dry out completely, or very nearly completely, before watering again.
When the plant needs a drink, water thoroughly until excess moisture drains from the nursery pot. Always empty any water that collects in decorative cover pots or saucers.
During warmer months, watering may be required more frequently as the plant actively grows. In Melbourne's cooler winter months, however, the potting mix can remain moist for considerably longer, so watering should be reduced accordingly.
Overwatering is the most common problem with Snake Plants and can cause yellowing, soft leaves and root rot. If you're unsure whether to water, it's usually better to wait a little longer.
Feeding
Feed year-round with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to approximately half the recommended strength.
During spring and summer, when temperatures are warmer and growth is more active, feed approximately every four to six weeks to support healthy leaf development.
Through autumn and winter, reduce feeding frequency considerably, particularly if the plant is growing slowly or receiving less natural light.
Snake Plants are relatively light feeders, so avoid excessive fertilising. Gentle, occasional applications are more than enough to keep this resilient plant looking its best.
Growing
Laurentii is a slow-growing, upright succulent perennial that develops tall, rigid leaves directly from underground rhizomes. As the plant matures, it gradually produces new shoots around the base, creating a fuller, more established clump.
Its distinctive foliage features irregular horizontal bands of dark and lighter green, beautifully framed by golden-yellow margins. Mature plants can eventually reach approximately 60–120cm or more in height under favourable conditions, although growth is generally slow indoors.
Plant in a free-draining, well-aerated potting mix that allows excess moisture to escape quickly. A quality indoor arid mix containing ingredients such as pumice, perlite and coarse mineral components is an excellent choice.
Laurentii prefers warm temperatures and generally performs best between approximately 18–30°C. While established plants can tolerate brief cooler conditions, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C should be avoided, particularly when the potting mix is damp.
Repot only when necessary, usually once the plant becomes noticeably crowded or its rhizomes begin pressing against the sides of the pot. Snake Plants generally prefer a slightly snug container, so avoid moving them into an unnecessarily large pot.
Pet Friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Laurentii Snake Plants are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
The foliage contains saponins that may cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort if chewed or eaten.
If you share your home with curious pets, we recommend keeping this plant well out of reach or choosing one of our pet-friendly alternatives.
Good to Know
Although commonly known as Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii', this plant is now botanically classified as Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii'. Both names are widely used in the horticultural industry and refer to the same familiar Snake Plant.
The golden-yellow margins are a defining feature of the Laurentii variety. If propagating, division of the plant's underground rhizomes is the best way to maintain its variegation, as plants grown from leaf cuttings commonly revert to green foliage.
Laurentii is particularly well suited to modern interiors, offices and smaller spaces where its upright habit can provide height without spreading too widely.
While it is frequently described as a low-light plant, it is more accurate to say that it tolerates low light. Brighter indirect light will generally produce stronger growth and a healthier, more attractive plant.
• We photograph as many of our plants as possible; however, some listings may occasionally use supplier images.
• As plants are living things, every plant is unique and natural variations in size, colour and fullness should be expected.
• The plant you receive may not be the exact one pictured, but we'll always hand-pick a beautiful, healthy plant we'd happily display in our own home.