Sansevieria | Snake Plants
Whether you call it a snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, or simply the best air purifier ever, Sansevieria is one of the most popular succulents around. It can live in bright sun or in a room with limited lighting. It works well as an air purifier in bedrooms since it “breathes” at night when the hot sun can’t seep into its pores.
Note: Recent genetic testing has revealed a strong connection with Dracaena, so you may find it listed as Dracaena Trifasciata.
Most Popular Types
Sansevieria are great for collecting. Each type has distinctive leaf markings and growth pattern. Don’t miss the ones shaped like starfish or cyclinders.
Light
Sansevieria grow well in office settings, even with flourecent lighting. If you plan to put your snake plant in direct sunlight, move it to the new spot slowly so that the leaves don’t burn.
Temperatures
Snake plants do well on porches with indirect or partial sun. Once temps drop to 50 degrees, be sure to bring Sansevieria in.
Watering
These plants don’t like frequent watering. Outside in the summer, they can be watered once a week. Inside, every three weeks.
Toxicity
Sansevieria are not to be eaten by pets, however the sap is sometimes used as remedy for human earaches.
Growth
Height of sansevieria ranges from 10’ tall slender leaves of the stuckyi to cute little hanhii birds nest types. Not all sansevieria have spear-shaped leaves. You’ll find starfish-shaped (boncel), cylindrical (mikado), and francesii that resembles a Christmas tree when young. Snake plants seldom flower. When they do bloom, typically when rootbound, they have a tall inflorescence with small white flowers.
Origin
There are more than 70 species of sansevieria, originating from West Africa.
Propagation
To propagate, cut offsets from the main root, making sure the new plant has roots. Let the roots callous for 3-4 days before planting the offset. Water after two weeks. Snake plants can also be propagated by cutting a leaf and placing it in water until it roots. If done this way, It’s likely that new growth will not carry the same variegated pattern, though.
Dormancy
Sansevieria is winter dormant.
Sansevieria trifasciata moonshine
This Sansevieria variety is called Moonshine or silver snake plant.
Sansevieria laurentii
Sansevieria laurentii typically grows to 30 inches when potted.
Sansevieria golden flame
Sansevieria golden flame snake plant
Sansevieria francisii
Sansevieria francisii develops longer leaves at the top while the bottom remains compact.
Sansevieria dwarf – birds nest
Some Sansevieria are dwarf varieties, called birds nest snake plants.
Sansevieria cylindrica starfish
Sansevieria cylindrica starfish
Sansevieria birds nest II
Sansevieria birds nest
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.