Used widely as an indoor plant and readily available for sale Sansevieria species such S. trifasciata, S. cylindrica, S. hahnii and S. laurentii are popular for the air purifying qualities.
A widely used species is Sanseviera laurentii, pictured right.
Way back in 1989 NASA performed some trial to test the efficiency of plants in purifying air in buildings Sanseviera trifascata was one of the better performers in this trial.
- Sanseviera trifasciata are sometimes called ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’ or ‘snake skin plant’ because of its long tongue like leaves and the patterned foliage. Grown for their foliage Sanseviera make a good indoor plant.
- S. hahnii is called the ‘Dwarf Mother In Law Tongue’ and with its fan like foliage
- S. Cylindrica sometimes get the name “Fansevieria”.
- S. Schweinfurthii – Pencil thin green leaves and very upright in growth habit.
- S. aubrytiana – Mottled green and cream leaves, upright to 60 – 70 cm, similar to S. kirkii but with flatter leaves.
- Sanseviera sp. – ‘Pink Bat’ – Thick mottled foliage said to be a form of Sansevieria hallii.
How to Grow Sansevieria – Snake Plants
They key to growing Snake Plants are:
- A free draining potting mix – Most cactus and Succulent potting mixes are ideal.
- Choosing a container or pot with good drainage holes.
- Growing the plant in a position that is in dappled shade or bright indirect light.
- Watering on a very strict wet/dry cycle.
- Fertilising lightly from spring through summer.
Care and Growing Details
- Sun/Light
- Indoors choose a position away from the direct sun through windows yet still in bright light. A lack of light (deep shade) will cause the variegation in the foliage to be less prominent or faded.
- Choose the right Pot Size.
Only repot when the root system is too big for the pot or after 3 – 4 years to replenish and refresh the potting mix.
Choose a pot that is heavy enough for the weight of the plant. Light pots can fill over as the plant becomes heavier (top heavy) - Watering
Water well and then wait for the soil to dry. You should not need to water more often than once every 3 weeks.
Water the soil not the foliage.
Do not mist spray. - Fertiliser
A liquid fertiliser every 3 – 4 weeks from spring through summer should be sufficient.
Common Problems
- Yellow or Browning Leaves
Old foliage can dies and turn yellow or brown, simply remove it.
If it’s younger leaves that are turning yellow then chances are that you are overwatering. HOWEVER, extreme under watering, can cause the similar issues.
A lack of light can also cause the foliage to yellow. - Soft Mushy leaves
Usually a sign of overwatering, you will need to repot into dry potting soil and not water for at least 3 weeks. - Wrinkled leaves
Usually means you are underwatering. It can also mean that the pot is full of roots and needs to be repotted. - Leaf splitting
Usually due to high humidity, make sure the plant gets good air flow.
Over fertilisation can also cause leaf splitting. - Lack of new growth
The plant may be potbound.
Lack of light - Brown Leaf Tips
Over fertilisation
Build up of salts in the potting mix
Grown mainly for the foliage although they do have fragrant flowers as well, and the indestructible nature, yes they are a drought resistant, and almost entirely disease free and pest free plant they grow well in a range of conditions from full sun to low light indoors. The range of plant forms and foliage is widely appreciated by landscapers.
Sanseviera plants and species are available for sale from the following nurseries
132 Silver Valley Rd. MS 415 Mt.Garnet QLD 4872
Australia's largest collection & specialist breeders of world class frangipani cultivars & rare species. Includes Dwarf cultivars. Mail order specialists Australia & worldwide. Australia's biggest range of the Worlds best frangipani.
www.sacredgardenfrangipanis.com
Other Sansevieria Species include:
- S. kirkii
- S. hyacinthoides
- S.Laurentii
- S. suffruticosa
- S. pinguicula
- S. scabrifolia
- S. ehrenbergii