Sansevieria Laurentii Dwarf Snake Plant

Have you had a streak of bad luck when it comes to keeping plants alive? Do you believe that the only type of plant you can keep alive is made of plastic? Well, it’s time to think again! The Sansevieria Laurentii Dwarf Snake Plant is very tolerant and extremely hard to kill. It can survive drought, low light levels, and even being generally ignored.

Historically, Sansevierias have been treasured in Brazilian, Japanese, African, and Chinese cultures. In Africa, the plant was valued for its medicinal qualities and used as both a protective charm against bewitchment and also to manufacture fiber! Let’s take a closer look at the Dwarf Snake Plant.

What is a Dwarf Snake Plant?

A common houseplant, the Sansevieria Laurentii Dwarf Snake Plant is the miniature version of the regular Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata). Also known as the Mother in Law’s Tongue, this plant is native to southern Kenya and Tanzania (like many Sansevierias).

This plant is easily recognizable by its short, evergreen, sword-shaped leaves that almost resemble artificial foliage and grow upright. Snake Plants are frequently used to decorate home and office spaces, as they are easy to care for, require little water to survive, and are quite pleasing to the eye.

Plant Size

The leaves of the Dwarf Snake tend to reach a length of 6″ long and 1/4″ thick. The Dwarf Snake’s size may change if it flowers, though flowering on an indoor Snake Plant is rare. The plant is relatively short (hence the name), reaching an overall maximum height of about 10″.

Light

These resilient little guys will thrive in just about any light except direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves over time. A shady spot is best for Dwarf Snake Plants, and you may even notice their leaves change depending on the light. Brighter light typically results in darker, longer, and thinner leaves.

In front of a north-facing or any bright, sunny window with a bit of protection against the brightest parts of the day would be a great indoor spot for your Dwarf Snake. If the light gets too intense, the leaves may turn yellow at the edges.

Water

The Dwarf Snake only needs to be watered about once a week during the growing season because it is very drought tolerant. Ensure that you have allowed the top inch or so of the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can easily cause root rot.

Water just enough to prevent the soil from drying out entirely, especially during winters. They don’t tolerate moist air well, so ensure that the humidity is nice and low wherever you decide to place your plant.

Safe Temperatures to Thrive in

The Dwarf Snake Plant is best suited for warmer temperatures within the range of 60-75° F (16-24° C). Make sure it doesn’t receive winter rainfall, as the cold temperatures may stunt its growth. Protecting your Snake Plant from freezing temperatures in general will encourage optimal growth.

Why Choose a Dwarf Snake Plant for Your Home?

One of the main benefits of growing any Snake Plant varieties indoors is their air-purifying abilities. Research has shown that growing Sansevieria laurentii (Mother in Law’s Tongue) indoors can greatly reduce the levels of the toxins trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and even formaldehyde.

Are Dwarf Snake Plants Good Indoors & Outdoors?

Dwarf Snake Plants have proven themselves to be as useful as they are aesthetically pleasing. They can grow both outdoors and indoors with little to no maintenance. What’s more, Snake Plants can keep you safe and healthy by helping to filter your indoor air. We highly recommend adding a Snake Plant to either your home or office space for both health and decorative reasons.

Are Dwarf Snake Plants Pet and Children Friendly?

Snake Plants are often found in office spaces and homes because they do just fine in low light. In some parts of the world, they’ve even been used as an herbal remedy. Unfortunately, these plants are also poisonous if ingested.

Large doses can cause vomiting and nausea, and the plant’s poison has a numbing effect that can cause the throat and tongue to swell up. Cats and dogs can suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea from consuming a Dwarf Snake Plant. We recommend keeping them out of reach of pets and children or choosing a non-toxic plant.

Dwarf Snake Plant Family Relatives

The asparagus family (Asparagaceae) comprises about 2,500 species of flowering plants and approximately 153 genera. Scattered throughout the world, this plant family is extremely diverse, with its members being united primarily by evolutionary and genetic relationships rather than physical similarities. A few notable members of the Asparagaceae family are listed down below:

• Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)
• Bluebell (Hyacinthoides)
• Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
• Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
• Spider Plant (C. comosum)
• Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Plant Types That Are Similar to the Dwarf Snake Plant

Even outside the Asparagaceae family there are plenty of plants that resemble the Dwarf Snake Plant, both in appearance and care requirements. Below are some similar plants to the Dwarf Snake that you might enjoy!

• Sansevieria Ballyi: Some people also refer to this plant as the Dwarf Snake Plant, but it looks much different from the true Dwarf. It is more similar to an Aloe Vera plant with thin, sharp-looking leaves shooting out of the soil. A flower spike sometimes joins the leaves.
• Mauritius Hemp: This evergreen produces sharp-tipped and sword-shaped green leaves with creamy yellow stripes at the center. It thrives in filtered light.
• Silver Vase Plant: Sometimes referred to as the “Urn Plant,” its leathery arched leaves have sea green and silver blotches that resemble the patterns of a Snake Plant. This plant gets even more attractive with blue flowers and pink flower bracts.
• Zebra Plant: This rosette-forming plant sports deep green to burgundy leaves with an irregular white cross bands pattern, similar to the Snake Plant.
• Pickle Plant: Don’t be fooled by the name; this plant won’t be good on your burger. We apologize for the disappointment. The pickle plant produces serrated pale green leaves that contrast beautifully with bright red blooms that grow straight up, similar to Sansevieria trifasciata.
• Flaming Sword: The strap-like glossy green leaves of this plant sport white bands, which creates a nice contrast with colorful blooms.
• Cornstalk Dracaena: This agave grows a basal rosette of hard, firm green leaves with sharp tips like some Sansevieria varieties and coarse margins. It tends to thrive in bright light.
• Century Plant: Bring a pop of color and some tropical vibes into your space with this sturdy houseplant. It sports patterned dark to light green leaves that look a bit like Snake Plants at first glance.

Final Thoughts – Dwarf Snake Plant

You’ve likely seen Dwarf Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) in offices because they are extremely low maintenance and can tolerate both low and bright light. Not only will a Dwarf Snake Plant add a beautiful splash of greenery to whatever space they find themselves in, but they may potentially help to improve your quality of life.

Properly caring for a Dwarf Snake Plant is about as easy as it gets. Once you have suitable soil and the right location, watering becomes an extremely simple once-a-week activity. Grab your Dwarf Snake Plant today!