Snake Plants: Low-Maintenance Indoor Classic (Sansevieria)
Discover the bold, upright beauty of the Snake Plant (Sansevieria) at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town. Also known as 'mother in law's tongue' and scientifically as 'dracaena trifasciata', this beautiful plant is one of the most popular houseplants for indoors.
Celebrated for its sculptural form and exceptional resilience, the Snake Plant thrives in low, medium or bright light and tolerates irregular watering better than most houseplants. Snake plants thrive indoors and are an amazing plant for modern living spaces. Its air-purifying qualities make it a popular choice for bedrooms, offices and modern living spaces across London.
At Boma, we stock a carefully curated selection of Snake Plant varieties and offer expert guidance on placement, styling, watering and long-term care—perfect for anyone seeking a stylish, easy-care indoor plant that suits virtually any home.
About Snake Plants (Sansevieria) at Boma
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is one of the most iconic, sculptural and resilient indoor plants, prized for its upright architectural leaves and remarkable tolerance to a wide range of household conditions. At Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, the Snake Plant remains a customer favourite for London homes thanks to its ability to thrive in low light, withstand irregular watering and enhance indoor air quality. There are many different species of snake plants, each with unique characteristics, offering a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
The plant's leaves are thick, sword-like, and display distinctive patterns and colors, making them visually striking. Elegant, modern and almost indestructible, it’s the perfect choice for bedrooms, offices, hallways and contemporary interior schemes. In addition to their air-purifying qualities, snake plants filter indoor air and release oxygen, especially at night, making them ideal for improving the air quality in any room or space.
Native to dry regions of Africa and southern Asia, Sansevieria has naturally adapted to store moisture in its thick, sword-like leaves. This makes it an ideal plant for busy individuals or anyone wanting greenery without the need for frequent attention. With its strong vertical growth, the Snake Plant adds clean lines, balance and height to interior displays, while its air-purifying qualities help improve indoor breathing environments. Snake plants can enhance any room or space in the home, thriving in a variety of lighting conditions and fitting seamlessly into different interior settings.
Popular Snake Plant Varieties
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’
A classic variety featuring tall, upright leaves edged in golden-yellow. As the plant matures, new leaves may emerge from the base, contributing to its full, architectural appearance. This bold statement plant is suitable for corners, hallways, and minimalist décor.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Zeylanica’
Rich green leaves with subtle horizontal banding, and as the plant matures, you may notice new leaves emerging as part of its healthy growth cycle. The leaf is sturdy and upright, making it extremely hardy and ideal for low-light spaces or offices.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Moonshine’
A modern favourite with wide, pale-silver leaves that brighten darker rooms and complement contemporary interiors. The emergence of new leaves often displays a fresh, lighter green color before maturing to the signature silvery hue, making each new leaf a sign of healthy growth.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Coral’
Deep green to near-black leaf color with narrow silver striations. New leaves often emerge lighter before maturing to the characteristic dark hue. Striking, moody and perfect for dramatic styling.
Sansevieria cylindrica (African Spear Plant)
Known as the cylindrical snake plant, this variety features unique tubular leaves that radiate from the base or can be braided. The emergence of new leaves is a sign of healthy growth, and the distinctive leaf shape adds sculptural interest to modern plant collections.
Sansevieria ‘Hahnii’ (Bird’s Nest Snake Plant)
Compact and rosette-forming, with tightly arranged leaves that often produce new leaves from the center; ideal for desks, shelves or smaller living spaces.
How to Care for a Snake Plant
| Category | Care Instructions |
|---|---|
| Light | Highly adaptable to various lighting conditions. Thrives best in medium to bright, indirect sunlight but tolerates low light and shade. Can survive in rooms without windows and tolerates some direct sun. For best growth, place near a clean window with 8–10 hours of indirect sunlight daily. |
| Watering | Only water when the soil is completely dry. Snake plants are drought-tolerant and prone to root rot if overwatered. Always use pots with drainage holes and avoid letting water accumulate. These plants prefer slight neglect to excess moisture. |
| Humidity & Temperature | Prefers normal household humidity. Ideal temperature range: 15–27°C. Avoid extreme cold or draughty spots. |
| Feeding | Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser (half strength) every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer. Little to no feeding needed in autumn and winter. |
| Repotting | Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Use terracotta pots or other well-draining containers. Select a well-draining compost mix. Inspect and trim any damaged roots or leaves during repotting. |
| Styling | Complements modern, rustic, or industrial interiors. Looks elegant in ceramic, Elho, or woven basket planters. Vertical leaves pair nicely with broader-leaf plants for visual balance. |










