Futura Superba Snake Plant

Native to the dry, rocky landscapes of West Africa, the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, long known as Sansevieria) stores water in its thick upright leaves — which is exactly why it forgives almost any level of neglect. 'Futura Superba' is the compact, broad-bladed form, its olive-banded leaves edged in gold — the classic Laurentii look in a neater package. It grows slowly and holds its sculptural shape rather than sprawling, so the silhouette you buy is the silhouette you keep. Victorian parlours, seventies sitting rooms, modern flats: every generation rediscovers this plant, because nothing else offers this much architecture for this little effort. Just keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs, as the leaves are mildly toxic if chewed.