Silver Princess Snake Plant

Silver Princess Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Silver Princess') grows clusters of long, slender, upright leaves in pale silver green, marked with darker green bands. It reaches 30 to 50cm high, tolerates neglect and brings a cool, light coloured accent to well lit rooms and subtropical gardens. It is an easy first plant for busy people.

Why you'll love it

• Silvery foliage. Pale silver green leaves with dark green markings stand out in a room of plain green plants.
• Slim and upright. The narrow leaves give a vertical accent without eating up floor or shelf space.
• Very little effort. It suits beginners and busy gardeners, and the whole routine is to water when the soil has dried completely.
• It spreads by itself. Plants multiply sideways by root runners, so one pot slowly turns into a handsome group.
• Indoors or out. It is happy in a bright room, and in a frost free garden it grows outside in sun or part shade.

Where it works best

Living rooms, hallways and offices. At 30 to 50cm it suits a sideboard, a shelf or a floor pot beside a window. Keep it where pets cannot chew the leaves.

Subtropical gardens. Plant 30cm apart in a frost free bed for a block of silver spears that holds its colour all year.

Pots for control. Because the runners wander, keep the plant in a pot if you want it restricted. You can even plant the pot into the garden.

Growing Silver Princess Snake Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, filtered light brings out the best leaf colour, and it tolerates anything from full sun to part shade. It is a tropical plant, so protect it from frost. Outdoors it belongs in subtropical and tropical gardens and sheltered courtyards, while elsewhere it is an indoor plant.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential, whether in a pot or in the garden. Use a good quality potting mix indoors.

Water and feed. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, because wet roots are the one thing that kills a snake plant. Feed during spring with an organic liquid fertiliser mixed at half strength.

Pruning. There is no real pruning, only the removal of a damaged leaf at the base. When pups crowd a pot, remove the young plants and share them with friends or repot them.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Princess Snake Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Snake plants grow slowly, so the tube is a small starter plant, while the 140mm and 200mm pots give you a bigger plant sooner. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright and settle fast. Pot up soon after delivery in free draining mix and water sparingly while it settles.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse house and indoor plants
• Low light indoor plants
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Is Silver Princess safe for cats and dogs?

No. Snake plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, and can cause drooling and an upset stomach. Keep the plant out of reach of pets that nibble leaves.

How big does it grow?

The leaves reach 30 to 50cm high. Over time the plant spreads sideways by root runners, forming a clump.

Can I grow it outside?

Yes, in a frost free garden, in sun or part shade with free draining soil. Protect it from frost, and in cooler districts keep it as an indoor plant.