Sansevieria, also known as snake plant, is a sturdy houseplant with upright leaves that needs little water. Choose Laurentii with a yellow edge or zeylanica with pale cross bands, both around 1 metre tall.
The collection has four sansevierias, priced from €44.95 to €179.95. The Laurentii (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii') has firm, upright leaves with a grey-green pattern and a yellow edge. It comes at 90 cm in a ø21 cm pot and at 100 cm in a wide ø35 cm pot. The Zeylanica has no yellow edge and looks darker, with light horizontal bands across the leaf. It comes at 110 cm in a ø35 cm pot and at 120 cm in a ø27 cm pot.
All sizes are measured from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf. A sansevieria of around a metre stands out with its clean, vertical shape. It takes up little width, so it fits in a narrow corner, next to a cabinet or in a hallway with some daylight. Looking for another low-maintenance plant with straight lines? Also have a look at the Zamioculcas or the Yucca.
Light and position
A snake plant grows best in a bright spot but also tolerates partial shade. It can handle direct sunlight once it is used to it. In a dark spot it stays alive but barely grows, and the pattern can fade. Do not put it somewhere cold and draughty, and in winter keep it away from cold window panes.
Watering: better too little than too much
The most common mistake with a sansevieria is overwatering. The leaves store moisture, so the plant can go a long time without. Let the compost dry out completely before you water again. In summer that often works out at once every two to three weeks, in winter even less. Do not pour water into the centre of the leaf rosette and do not leave water in the decorative pot. Soft, limp leaves at the base usually point to rot from too much water. It hardly needs feeding; a little houseplant feed a few times in summer is plenty.
Because it is so easy to care for, the sansevieria is a good plant for beginners. You will find more options among the plants for beginners.
Delivery
Your sansevieria comes in a nursery pot, and you choose a decorative pot separately. We deliver upright in a sturdy plant box, within 4 to 5 working days in the Netherlands, with free delivery in the Netherlands from €99. If the plant is damaged in transit, send us a photo and we will send a new one free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you water a sansevieria?
Only when the compost is completely dry. In summer that is usually once every two to three weeks, in winter sometimes only once a month. Then give it a good soak and let the excess water drain away. A sansevieria copes much better with too little water than with too much.
Can a sansevieria stand in a dark room?
A sansevieria tolerates low light better than most houseplants. In a dark spot it stays alive, but it barely grows and the pattern on the leaves can fade. Water it even more sparingly there, because the soil dries out slowly.
Why are the leaves of my sansevieria going soft?
Soft, limp leaves at the base almost always point to too much water, which makes the roots rot. Let the soil dry out completely and check for water in the decorative pot. If the leaves are thin and wrinkled instead, the plant is short of water.
Is a sansevieria the same as a Dracaena?
Botanists have moved the sansevieria into the genus Dracaena, which is why you also see the name Dracaena trifasciata. In shops and in everyday language it is still called sansevieria or snake plant. It is the same plant, with the same care.
Do you need to repot a sansevieria?
A sansevieria grows slowly and likes a snug pot. Only repot when the roots start to deform the pot or grow out of the bottom, preferably in spring. Choose a heavy pot that is just slightly larger and use free-draining soil, for example potting compost mixed with some cactus soil.
How often should I water my sansevieria?
Only when the compost is completely dry. In summer that usually means once every two to four weeks, in winter once every four to six weeks or less. Push a finger or a stick deep into the pot: if it is still moist down there, wait.
Is the sansevieria toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, mildly. According to the ASPCA the plant contains saponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea when chewed or eaten. The symptoms are usually mild, but keep the plant out of reach of curious pets anyway.
Can a sansevieria stand in a dark spot?
It survives a dark corner better than most houseplants, but it hardly grows there and needs even less water. If you want new leaves and a strong pattern, put it somewhere bright. A few hours of sun a day suits it fine.
What is the difference between the Laurentii and the Zeylanica?
The Laurentii has a bright yellow edge along every leaf. The Zeylanica lacks that edge and is dark green with grey-green, wavy horizontal bands. Their care is the same; the Laurentii just wants a bit more light to keep its yellow edge looking good.
Does a sansevieria really purify the air?
A little. The well-known NASA study from 1989 was done in small, sealed test chambers. In an ordinary ventilated living room, the effect of a few plants is small. So buy a sansevieria mainly because it looks good and is tough, not as an air purifier.
