Sansevieria: All You Need to Know
Sansevieria is an acaule plant mainly used for ornamental purposes. This species also has medicinal properties. For this reason, it is used in herbalism and phytotherapy.
It is widely used as an indoor plant due to its resistance to shade and low natural light. It is also very low maintenance; so it is easy to take care of. Sansevieria, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue plant, is one of the most common for home décor.
Sansevieria is one of the hardiest indoor plants out there. It is likely ‘immortal’. It stands dry and hot environment of the rooms, darkness, lack of irrigation and transplantation, and other stuff.
Sansevieria varieties encompass approximately 130 species, most of which are Asian and African. The most popular variety in home decor is Sanseviera Trifasciata, aka tiger’s tongue. But in general, there are 3 outstanding variations: Sansevieria Laurentii, Sansevieria moonshine, and Sansevieria cylindrica.
What does the sansevieria plant mean?
Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue bears this name because of its leaves. Its long leaves are often related to the tongue of the mothers-in-law who speak and criticize their sons-in-law. It is also known as sanseveria. Others call it cat’s tongue as we’ll see below. Overall, it has several names. You can refer to it as you prefer.
Properties
Mother-in-law’s tongue has chemical substances such as anthraquinones, which act as a laxative, in addition to other components that help fight parasites, fungi, and bacteria.
It has other components, such as nepodin, emodin, chrysophanic acid, lapathinic acid, tannins, and proteins.
Sansevieria benefits
This succulent plant is perennial and suitable for exteriors and interiors. In fact, it is great for balconies and terraces in spring and can be transferred inside the house. Although sansevieria is very hardy, the exposure to extremely cold climates is counterproductive.
Originally from Asia and Madagascar, it has been cultivated for hundreds of years and is a plant that has no pest problems. As it takes up very little space and grows vertically, it is a houseplant that decorates any corner. It is also very suitable for people who are new to home styling and gardening.
Sansevieria is perfect for creating a healthier workplace with plants. It is used to improve the environment of sick buildings. Although there is always an open debate between the benefits or harms of plants in the room, it seems this shrub is conducive to environments with low light.
This species releases oxygen, even at night, which encourages rest. It is also highly recommended for those who apply the precepts of Feng Shui philosophy to the decoration of rooms and better sleep.
Types of snake plant
There are more than seventy varieties of mother-in-law’s tongue or Saint George’s swords. Although they are divided into two types, depending on the height.
Some of the most decorative mother-in-law’s tongues are:
Sansevieria moonshine: it can withstand winter and summer. Ideally, put it in the office. Watering it once a month is enough.
Sansevieria cylindrica: this variation is one of the hardiest succulents and ideal if you are just getting into the plant world. However, it is an amazing species for homeowners with expertise in plants.
Sansevieria laurentii: this houseplant needs very little water and adds vitality to your home. It also improves the air quality.
Sansevieria care
It is a plant that requires very little water, you only need to water it once every two weeks in spring and summer, or in hot climates. In autumn, you can water it once every three weeks, and once a month in winter. These instructions play a vital role in sansevieria laurentii care.
Light: although this plant is very resistant, ideally place it in sunlit places, otherwise, it will grow slowly, and the leaves will not be strong enough to be straight and upright.
Temperature: 15 and 20°C is a good temperature. However, in summer it can withstand temperatures of 30º.
Watering: If you want to keep it vigorous, do not water excessively and do it only when the soil is dry. In winter, it needs water once or twice a month, always depending on the temperature of the indoor environment. We must consider it as a succulent plant, so you only have to water it when the substrate is dry.
Excess water can rot the rhizome. This houseplant does not like humid environments, so it is better to avoid spraying or misting water on it.
Transplant: if the pot has become small, move this houseplant to a larger one when spring begins, between March and April. To ensure good drainage, place some pieces of baked clay or stones at the bottom of the pot to prevent the substrate from being completely waterlogged. If it is not transplanted, remove 3 cm of the superficial substrate and put new soil to renew the upper substrate.
Compost: Apply compost when temperatures start to rise steadily (late spring and early summer). Do it once a month until temperatures plummet (autumn).
Pruning: this shrub does not require pruning, but it is advisable to remove dry leaves to avoid diseases.
Flowering: This tropical plant does not usually flower indoors, but if it does, small flowers can appear in late summer.
Sansevieria additional care tip: try not to touch the tips of the leaves, as they are sensitive and can be easily damaged.
What sanseveria is good for
Sansevieria is an elegant plant with vivid colors. It is easy to integrate into any corner of the house.
One way to decorate with plants like sansevieria is by placing some on shelves. Add about 6-8 small pots and grow different varieties. Some subspecies like laurentii snake plant have sword-shaped leaves, while others have rosette-shaped ones.
Sansevieria is distinguished by its elongated leaves, resistance, and low maintenance. This makes Feng Shui consider it a plant for protection and good luck.
If you want to attract money to your home, we recommend placing sansevieria moonshine at the entrance, so fortune protects you from bad vibes and boosts your finances.
Although this plant is not attractive to the eye, it can attract money, as per Feng Shui.
