Sansevieria trifasciata var. Laurentii

The Sansevieria trifasciata var. Laurentii is a garden cultivar, however, its mother plants are indigenous to tropical West Africa (Nigeria to the Congo). It is a stemless, perennial succulent herb that forms dense stands. This species replicates through creeping rhizomes.

Rhizomes, often referred to as "creeping rootstocks," are horizontal underground plant stems. Amazingly, this subterranean network produces the fully formed shoots and root systems of the mother plant's offspring. Additionally, rhizomes store starches and proteins to enable said plant(s) to perennate (survive an annual, unfavourable season) underground. To say plants have no intelligence is simply untrue.

The Sansevieria trifasciata var. Laurentii sports sword-shaped, upright leaves emerging from a basal rosette. Leaves are rigid, deep green with horizontal bands of light greyish-green. Moreover, creamy yellow margins of variable width run down the sides of each leaf (parallel with the veins). Flowers form in clusters (3 - 4 per cluster). Flowers take on a beautiful pale green to greenish-white color and carry a pleasant, sweet scent.

This species requires bright, but filtered light. Despite tolerating lower light levels, it is unlikely to flower. Full sun is OK, but provide afternoon shade during the summer months. Drought tolerant, but not cold hardy. It requires both heat and dry air during the winter months. For those living in colder regions, bringing your friend inside during the colder months should pose no issue. The Sansevieria trifasciata var. Laurentii is one the most commonly grown indoor succulents. It is commonly used in xeriscaping. It is very easy to cultivate, is grown best in containers, grows slowly, requires very little care and acts as an air purifier (you heard me).

Indoor air can be 10 times more polluted than outdoor air, especially during the winter months. According to NASA research, Sansevieria species purify the air inside the home by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. These chemicals are commonly found in carpets, upholstery, glues, dyes, paints and other building materials. Studies have shown that houseplants can reduce indoor air pollutants by as much as 85 percent. NASA recommends 15 to 18 large houseplants for an 1,800 square foot home. NASA wants you to buy this plant!

Synonyms:

Sansevieria laurentii De Wild.
Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii (De Wild.) N.E.Br.
Sansevieria zeylanica var. laurentii (De Wild.) L.H.Bailey