Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii'
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' (Yellow-edged Snake Plant) Care Guide
Featured photosansevieria-trifasciata-laurentii.jpgSansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii', sold as Yellow-edged Snake Plant, is a slow-growing succulent-leaved Asparagaceae member, reclassified into Dracaena in 2017 but still widely sold under the older Sansevieria name. The most widely-sold Snake Plant cultivar, with upright sword-like leaves marked by horizontal grey-green banding and bold yellow margins. It tolerates very low light, infrequent watering, and dry indoor air — the most forgiving foliage plant in cultivation.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Low light
- Water
- Water when the soil is fully dry — typically every 2 to 3 weeks in summer, every 4 to 6 weeks in winter.
- Humidity
- 30–60 %
- Temperature
- 13–29 °C
- Soil
- Free-draining cactus or succulent mix with extra perlite or pumice.
- Origin
- Tropical Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia.
- Mature size
- 30 cm to 1.5 m tall depending on species, slowly clumping spread.
Overview
Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii' was reclassified in 2017 from Sansevieria into Dracaena on the basis of DNA evidence, though most retail still uses the older Sansevieria name. The most widely-sold Snake Plant cultivar, with upright sword-like leaves marked by horizontal grey-green banding and bold yellow margins. The thick succulent leaves store water efficiently, which is why neglect rarely kills these plants.
Care Priorities
- Tolerates everything from low to bright indirect light.
- Water only when soil is fully dry — about every 2 to 4 weeks.
- Use a free-draining cactus or succulent mix.
- Avoid temperatures below 10 °C; cold + damp = rapid rot.
- Repot only when the pot cracks from rhizome pressure — every 3 to 5 years.
Common Problems
Soft yellow leaves at the base mean root rot from overwatering or compacted soil. Wrinkled leaves are extreme thirst — water sparingly and recovery takes a few weeks. Brown leaf tips are usually cosmetic and trace back to inconsistent watering or cold drafts.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Why are the yellow margins fading on my 'Laurentii'?
Yellow variegation is enhanced by bright indirect light. In deep shade, new leaves emerge greener with thinner yellow stripes. Move closer to a window — direct sun is fine for short periods on this cultivar.
How often should I water my Snake Plant?
Less often than you think — typically every 2 to 4 weeks in summer and every 4 to 8 weeks in winter. The soil should be fully dry between waterings. Overwatering kills more Snake Plants than any other cause.
Why are my Sansevieria leaves wrinkled?
Wrinkled or shrivelled Sansevieria leaves usually mean the plant has gone too long without water. A deep soak followed by full drainage typically plumps the leaves back within a week.
