Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

Sansevieria

Characteristics

Culture

Winter hardy to USDA Zone 10-12, Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is an easy-to-grow houseplant that tolerates a wide range of cultural and environmental conditions. It prefers warm, sunny locations, but tolerates some shade. Protect from hot afternoon sun. Best grown in a soil based potting mix. Water Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) regularly during the growing season, with significantly reduced watering from fall to late winter. Do not pour water on the center of the rosette. Wider than normal clay pots are often used to make sure this tall and narrow plant is stable and does not topple over. Indoor plants may be taken to shady outside locations in summer.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sansevieria trifasciata, commonly called Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is native to tropical western Africa. It is a stemless evergreen perennial that, with proper care, will last for many years. In its native habitat, plant foliage may rise to as much as 4’ tall, but is often smaller (to 2’ tall) on indoor plants. Erect, fleshy, sharply-pointed, sword-shaped leaves are deep green with light gray-green horizontal stripes. Leaves rise stiffly in a rosette from a thick rhizome. Small fragrant greenish-white flowers bloom on mature plants in spring, followed by orange berries. Flowers and fruit rarely appear on indoor plants. ‘Laurentii’ leaves have yellow edges.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Overwatering often causes root rot. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.

Garden Uses

Good low-maintenance indoor plant.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder