How To Care For Sansevieria

Sansevieria

☀️- Thrives in bright, indirect light but is highly adaptable and can tolerate low light and some direct sunlight.

💧- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In spring and summer, water moderately, but reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter. Overwatering can cause root rot.

🌡️- Prefers temperatures between 18°C to 30°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.

🪴- Repot every 2-3 years in spring using a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

🐾- Toxic to pets.

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Known for its resilience and striking architectural form, Sansevieria (also called Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is a popular choice in homes and offices worldwide. Native to West Africa, this hardy plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is recognized for its upright, sword-like leaves, which can vary in green, yellow, or even a variegated pattern. Some varieties, like Sansevieria Trifasciata 'Laurentii', have golden yellow edges, while others like 'Moonshine' feature silvery-grey leaves. Despite its intimidating name, the Sansevieria is one of the easiest plants to care for, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.

While often lauded for its tough nature, Sansevieria does require a bit of attention to thrive. It is a succulent, so it’s best suited to drier conditions and is adaptable to a range of light situations. Though it can tolerate low light, it grows best in bright, indirect light and should be placed away from cold drafts or direct sun, which could scorch its leaves. Sansevieria is fairly low-maintenance and highly forgiving, making it perfect for busy or forgetful plant owners.

Care

Sansevierias are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings. It's crucial not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. During the warmer months, water when the top 2” of soil has dried out, and reduce watering in winter. They are quite adaptable when it comes to light, thriving in everything from low light to bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight can cause their leaves to burn. A south or west-facing window is ideal, but avoid placing them in spots where they’ll be exposed to drafts or extreme temperature changes.

While Sansevierias don’t require frequent feeding, they’ll benefit from an occasional dose of balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Every 4-6 weeks is sufficient. Be sure to avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is in its dormant phase. Sansevieria’s thick, waxy leaves also help it conserve water, making it well-suited for dry indoor environments. However, a bit of misting now and then won’t hurt, especially if your home’s air is very dry.

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Problems

• Yellowing leaves – Overwatering or poor drainage.
• Brown tips – Underwatering or exposure to direct sunlight.
• Soft or mushy leaves – Root rot from too much water.
• Pests – If you notice a sticky residue or small webs, you may have mealybugs or spider mites. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.