Mother-in-law’s tongue is a plant that has many names: sansevière or sansevieria, devil’s tongue or snake plant. Not only is it a beautiful plant, but it is one of the easiest to grow and maintain. In this article we share with you tips to make it bloom and enjoy its aromas.

If we like sansevieria, it is because it is particularly robust and has the ability to survive even in poorly lit spaces. You should also know   that it is a decontaminating plant that can absorb harmful molecules   such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and benzene that we find in our interiors. It is therefore one of the best plants for purifying the air.

Sanseviere varieties

Sansevieria trifasciata:   This is the most common and classic version of Sansevieria. It has thick and rigorous leaves whose length varies between 30 and 60 cm. Its colors turn dark green or silvery gray.

Read also: The trick to having an infinite number of single-stem geraniums without spending a cent

Sansevieria trifasciata golden hahnii:   This is the smallest variety of sansevieria. It is characterised by wide leaves, 10 cm high, on which we can see a grey band surrounded by two other yellow bands.

Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii:   The only difference between this plant and Sansevieria trifasciata is the line that borders its leaves.

Sansevieria cylindrica:   As its name suggests, it is a cylindrical plant whose leaves curl up or become braided. Due to its particular aesthetic, it is a plant appreciated by followers of modern decoration.

Sansevieria trifasciata argentea:   Again, as its name suggests, its leaves are characterized by a silver color.

These varieties are also part of the indoor plants that do not necessarily need sun to grow.

plant care

Since sanseviere is an undemanding and hardy plant, it only requires a few steps to maintain it.  The first is to expose it to light   without direct sunlight.

In fact, if it needs light, too much sun will only alter the foliage, which will dry out and turn yellow over time. If, on the other hand, it is able to survive in poorly lit places,   the ideal is to place it indoors near a bright area   such as a window and provide it with an ideal ambient temperature of between 18 and 21°C.

Transplant

If you notice that the plant’s roots are beginning to overtake the pot or if it has been in the pot for more than 3 years, it will be necessary to repot it. To do this, you only need to change to a pot that is 2-3 cm larger than the previous one in terms of diameter. Then, choose a quality potting soil   whose composition is conducive to quality drainage.

irrigation

While this plant does well with intermittent watering, too much water will only cause it to rot  . It is recommended to water it once the soil is dry.

Considering the growth phase of the sansevieria, which is between March and June, gradually increase the frequency of watering. However, you can stick to regular watering   depending on the water needs of the soil.

For the summer period between June and September, it is advisable to water the plant once a week, knowing that it can be placed outdoors   but not exposed to direct sunlight.

For the following months, from September to November, you will return to watering less frequently but no less regularly. During this period, the snake plant gradually enters the dormant phase that will take place in winter   and will then only need monthly watering.   As you will have understood, the sanseviere generally prefers a dry environment.

Fertilizers

If you want to add fertilizer,   you can settle for liquid fertilizer   intended for green plants. Note, however, that if you regularly add potting soil, you will not need fertilizer.

Take care of the leaves

To maintain the leaves, there’s no rocket science involved. You’ll just need to cut them off as soon as you notice they’re drying out. To dust the plant,   just use a soft, damp cloth.

the cuttings

To propagate mother-in-law’s tongue, take advantage of the transplant to divide the plants. To do this, cut the root ball into 2 or 3 parts and then replant them in another substrate. This is the best method   to promote the multiplication of the variety with variegated foliage.

Now that you know how to enjoy beautiful sansevierias, you can also check out the 7 gardening secrets to have beautiful plants in your home.