Sansevieria

Sansevieria are succulent plants comprised of about 140 species and cultivars.  You may also know them a 'Mother-in-Law-Tongues' or 'Snake Plants'.  They are native to Africa, India and Madagascar with most of them found in the southern half of Africa.  Size can range from the tiny S. 'Minnie' to the huge leafed masonia and tall stuckyi and powellii.  Some have thick underground rhizomes and other send out above ground stolons.  All need bright light but not specifically full sun and all need well-drained soil.

All Sansevieria will eventually outgrow whatever pot you use so keep that in mind when planting.  You can use plastic or clay and for the top heavy species you can put some heavy rocks in the bottom to help it not tip over.  Use a loose soil mixed with sand, perlite, stones, pumice, hardwood bark mulch, or whatever is hand to promote drainage.  Water well in the spring through fall and sparingly in the winter.  Many of the variegated cultivars will need less water than their all green counterparts since they do not evaporate water through the leaves as quickly.  It's best to allow the soil to dry out some between waterings and depending on your climate once or twice a week is usually sufficient.  If the leaves seem to start folding up like an accordian then you are underwatering.  If the pot doesn't dry out in a few days then you are overwatering.  I basically water depending on the weather, more in hot dry times, less in rainy or cooler periods.  Playing it by ear is the best way and luckily most Sansevieria are very forgiving.

Sansevieria seem most like Agave in that they die after flowering.  The good news is it takes them a long time to die and they will have produced many offspring to take their place so you won't be without a plant.  Sansevieria prefer moderate climates and should be kept above freezing in the winter although there are a few that can take freezing for a short period of time.  They make great house plants due to their tolerance for low light and low humidity.   For more information please visit the Links page under the Help section.