Snake plant, Mother-in-law's tongue

(Sansevieria trifasciata `Laurentii')

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Upright, rigid, sword-like leaves are mottled green with cream colored marginal stripe.

FOLIAGE COLORS:

Dark Green, Light Green, Yellow

CONTAINER:

Small planter (dish garden), small container.

LIGHT:

Low to medium. Tolerates artificial or existing room light, near a north, east, or west window, and up to 1000 footcandles.

WATER:

Occasional. Water thoroughly, let soil dry to touch to a soil depth of 1" to 1-1/2".

TEMPERATURE:

Medium - warm. 61 - 85 (degrees F) days, 56 - 75 nights.

HUMIDITY:

Average house

FERTILIZER:

Every six months

SOIL MIX:

1 part sterilized garden loam, 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite, and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnum peat moss.

PROPOGATION:

Division

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked leaves.

CARE:

Easy. Tolerates wide range of conditions. Good for beginners.

OTHER CULTIVARS:

`Hahnii' (Bird's nest sansevieria) - dwarf, short rosette form

PROBLEMS:

Root rot: Provide adequate drainage. Do not let plant sit in water.

COMMENTS:

Leaf cuttings will not retain marginal stripe as new plant develops from one cell. Good in heavy traffic area. Requires little care. Often used in dish gardens.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension