Three of the most popular structural houseplants in one set: a dragon tree, a rubber plant and a snake plant, each chosen for its bold shape.

The dragon tree, Dracaena marginata, carries a crown of narrow arching leaves edged in red-purple on a slender stem and adds height to a room. The rubber plant, Ficus elastica 'Robusta', has large, thick, glossy deep green leaves on an upright stem. The snake plant, Dracaena trifasciata, still widely sold as Sansevieria, holds stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves with green banding and is about as tough as a houseplant gets. All three were part of the NASA clean air study, and together they give a living room, bedroom, hallway or office an instant structural display.

Give the set bright to medium indirect light out of hot sun; the dragon tree and snake plant will cope with less, but the rubber plant wants good light and dislikes being moved, so choose a spot and keep it there. Water moderately, letting the top of the compost dry out between waterings, and water the snake plant least of all, because overwatering is the usual way to lose it. Normal room temperatures suit them; keep them above 10C and away from cold draughts. Feed once a month in spring and summer and wipe the rubber plant's leaves now and then.

Supplied as three plants in 1 litre root balls, ready to pot into your own containers. All three are harmful if eaten and the rubber plant's milky sap can irritate skin, so keep them away from children, cats and dogs.

Cultural Information

Common Name: Dragon tree, rubber plant and snake plant

Fully Grown Height and Spread: Dragon tree up to 200cm, rubber plant up to 200cm, snake plant up to 90cm indoors over time

Growth Habit: Upright and architectural

Perfect For: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and offices

Foliage: Narrow red-edged leaves, large glossy green leaves, and stiff banded sword-shaped leaves

Flowering Time: Grown for foliage

Planting Position: Bright to medium indirect light indoors

Soil Type: Free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost

Hardiness: Tender, indoor only; keep above 10C

Maintenance: Low to moderate; the rubber plant wants a settled spot and even watering

Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage

Type: Houseplant collection of three plants