Sansevieria trifasciata (also referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue or mother-in-law’s tongue) is one among the foremost popular and hardy species of houseplants. It features stiff leaves that range from six inches to eight feet tall, counting on the variability . Snake plants vary in color but usually have green banded leaves and commonly feature a yellow border. These plants are easy to grow and nearly indestructible; they’re going to thrive in either very bright light or almost dark corners of the house. If repotting, do so within the spring.

Snake plants may even improve your health and well-being. They were first cultivated and kept as treasured houseplants in China because it had been believed the eight gods bestowed their virtues (long life, prosperity, intelligence, beauty, art, poetry, health, and strength) upon those that grew the plant. More recently, sansevieria was chosen by NASA for a study on how plants are often used for air purification and to combat “sick building syndrome.” consistent with joint studies travel by the University of Georgia and Yonsei University, mother-in-law’s tongue features a demonstrated ability to get rid of formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

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Watch Now: the way to lookout of a mother-in-law’s tongue (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

Snake Plant Care

Snake plant is right for beginner gardeners because it is nearly impossible to kill them. a perfect container plant, it’s excellent during a grouping and can grow equally well on the ground or on tabletop displays. These plants also are drought resistant. There are two low-growing varieties, but these are rarely seen in garden centers.

Be careful to not overwater your mother-in-law’s tongue , as this will cause rotting. confirm the soil is dry before watering again. they will even go two months between waterings within the winter months. In warmer months, water every 3-4 weeks. Snake plants thrive in warm weather and can struggle in very cold conditions.

Light

Although they’re very forgiving, snake plants prefer indirect but steady light with some direct sun. they will adapt to full sun conditions and can also survive quite dim situations.

Soil

Sansevieria plants prefer a loose, well-drained potting mix. This plant will have the best in sandier soils. Pick a potting media low in peat, which eventually packs and refuses to re-hydrate or drain properly. An all-purpose cactus potting soil may be a good selection.

Water

Let the soil dry between waterings. During winter, reduce watering to monthly, or whenever the soil is dry to the touch. Err on the side of under-watering; an excessive amount of water can kill the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Sansevieria prefers warm conditions and can suffer if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the plant during a place where it’ll be shielded from drafts. A temperature range between 70 and 90 degrees is best.

Fertilizer

Feed with a light cactus fertilizer during the season or a balanced liquid slow-release (10-10-10 fertilizer) diluted to half-strength. don’t fertilize within the winter.

Is mother-in-law’s tongue Toxic?

Snake plant is moderately toxic to people, dogs, and cats. If they ingest the plant, humans may suffer short-term symptoms including mouth pain, salivation, and a few nausea. In rare instances, it can produce a dermatological reaction but is especially toxic as long as ingested. In cats and dogs, ingestion can cause excessive salivation, pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Snake Plant Varieties

There are a variety of various cultivars of this plant. Some don’t grow very tall et al. have a special coloration of the leaves. Try these snake plants for various effects:

• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ (bird’s nest snake plant) grows to only about six inches tall. Its clusters of leaves form a cluster resembling a bird’s nest.
• Sansevieria cylindrica (cylinder snake plant) has round, stiff leaves which will reach several feet long . The leaves arch outward from a central crown.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (variegated snake plant) has creamy yellow leaf margins. To propagate this plant, it must be divided instead of propagated from leaf cuttings.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’ has twisted leaves that are striped horizontally with yellow variegated edges. It grows to about 14 inches tall.
• Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ grows to around three feet tall and has narrow leaves with white vertical stripes.
• Sansevieria desert, sometimes called rhino grass, grows to around 12 inches with succulent red-tinted leaves.
• types of mother-in-law’s tongue illustration
• Illustration: The Spruce / Melissa Ling
• Propagating mother-in-law’s tongue
• Sansevieria plants are often divided easily during repotting. Alternatively, new shoots that emerge from the soil are often taken and potted independently. Cuttings also can be made, but it’s much easier to believe division.

Potting and Repotting mother-in-law’s tongue

When potting, choose a sturdy material as strong roots can easily crack and break weak pots. Sansevieria are generally slow growers and infrequently need repotting, but if given ample sunshine, they could grow rapidly and need repotting or dividing annually. Repot these plants within the spring. When repotting, always use fresh potting soil.