Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’

Sansevieria is a popular greenery for its simple look, adaptability and low-maintenance requirements. I have a Sansevieria houseplant like the one displayed in the picture at home and liked it without much thoughts in the past. Mom grew it and I remember I occasionally watered it. Knowing and taking proper care seemed naturally occurring and felt relieved when it was an easy houseplant to grow at home. Some things are better off removed and kept out of view if possible whether out of a demand or a need. Sometimes getting rid of them would be a better option fit for a tradition or a standard known to benefit us. Sansevieria has lived up to everyone’s expectation of a long useful life and of a few houseplants we have.

Wikipedia defines flora (pl.: floras or florae) as all the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally naturally occurring (indigenous) native plants. An Aloe plant and a small orchid we have at home grow next to each other in their planters in the living room near balcony. Along with a Sansevieria, they are the indoor houseplants. And, there are flower ornaments made of artificial flower bouquet and another made of a handful clay flowers nearby several other empty glass jars that were saved from a previous use at one time. They added not only a liveliness to the living room but also a special spot for an out-and-out tradition to be displayed at a low-maintenance reservation with a room to grow. 군자란 is another resilient houseplant we have at home. 소철 is yet another one. Designing a home well for the most productive and safe use adds value to a home. But for some with limited resource and restrictions, once a specific dwelling area situation such as a small apartment living room and a balcony area is at hand, coping with it for its best use (often with some decluttering effort if necessary or extra pre-caution for proper maintenance and due care to protect the floor and for cleanliness) could be the most prudent approach toward appreciating a home of its kind and worth. Sansevieria is a popular houseplant for its low maintenance requirements.

Sometimes called the variegated snake plant or striped mother-in-law’s tongue, Sansevieria is its scientific name like Homo sapiens is for humans. It is classified under the genus Dracaena and Dracaena trifrasciata ‘Laurentii’ is its botanical nomenclature name.

There are over 70 different species known, some of which may be worth growing indoor houseplant as one wishes to start one’s collection or expanding it as an experienced plant enthusiast. They are highly resilient and tolerable to a range of growing conditions such as lighting, watering, and soil type, etc. They love well draining soil. Water when the soil is completely dry. Water deeply until water runs out of the drainage hole. Generally known to be beneficial for its air purifying effects. Its upright aesthetics are appealing. Like many houseplant for decoration purposes proper care is recommended to prevent any accidental consumption especially by dogs or cats for this houseplant. Grower may need attentive watering not to overhydrate.

Mature size of a Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ grows up to be 2-5 feet tall. It grows straight up from roots structure or rhizomes forming a clean bundle of elongated blade-like greenery that grows well with adequate lighting and watering on a well draining soil as an easy beginner’s choice of a great indoor houseplant.

My Livingroom 5 Feet Tall Sansevieria Needed a Trimming and Propagation (Leaf-cutting method)

Last February, my living room Sansevieria houseplant had one of its protruding leaf measuring almost 5 feet tall and drew attention. Mom and I decided to prune or trim. Tall height and stable weight distribution were checked and balanced once again by trimming off the protruding portion with a possible propagation in mind.

It’s been many years we’ve had the Sansevieria houseplant. As it grew up, a support stick and a couple of ribbons hand-tied around the bundle were added for a better fortitude and aesthetics which helped ease of mind. It was placed at a spot in the living room next to the balcony sliding door by the adequate sunlight.

Propagating the cut-off leaf was for the first time learning from youtube videos.

We tried the leaf-cutting method. (How to Grow and Care for Snake Plant – the Spruce)

(1) Propagation by Division

Remove the snake plant
Brush off the roots
Cut the plant into sections
Repot the sections
Water

(2) Propagation from Leaf Cuttings

Cut of a leaf
Submerge partially in water (or allow the cut end to callous over for 24 hours and then pot it cut-end down in fresh soil).
Replace with fresh water regularly
- Change the water every 1-2 weeks to stay clear of any algae
- (If in soil, keep the soil moist)
Wait patiently
- Roots and offshoots will grow from the base of the cut leaf in 1-4 months
Transfer to potting soil
- When the roots have reached an inch long, plant the cutting in cactus potting mix
Water
- Water deeply and place in a spot with bright, indirect light.
- It can be moved to direct light once the roots are established

How to “Submerge Partially In Water” / What is Aquatic Plant?

The cut end portion submerged in water after callous over for 24 hours began showing roots in 2 months. The root kept growing to be 1 inch in length and kept growing as if the submerged Sansevieria were an aquatic plant.

Aquatic plants (hydrophytes) are perfectly adapted to living in or on water. Depending on how they grow, they are grouped in categories:
- Floating
- Submerged
- Emergent/marginal (rooted in mud with leaves above water)

Aquatic plants keep water clean, provide hiding place for fish, and naturally outcompete algae…

How to Aquascape (underwater landscaping) for Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (Leaf Cutting Propagation)

We used 1 gallon water bottle as a tank container and its water for the substrate which water was replaced once a week for the first several weeks. Seeing the roots or offshoots appearing in about 2 months replaced water once in every 2 weeks for another several weeks then a little bit less frequently replaced the water as the roots reached 1 inch in length. Being amazed by its resilience, we were cautiously optimistic with the flow of way that our intentional not paying attention too much but for an occasional observation once a week or so instead the roots kept growing slowly and amazingly so well. (Tap water normally has chlorine and could be let evaporate for a day then be used for the substrate or a distilled water or a clean rainwater could also be used according to youtube).