Sansevierias offer a variety of patterns and colors and are among the easiest houseplants to care for. They are drought-tolerant and require no pruning.
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As we decorate our homes for the holidays, plants are an important component. Beyond the popular choices such as poinsettias, cyclamen and fragrant paperwhite narcissus, there are a host of striking indoor plants to add a distinctive flair to your living room. One of my favorites is sansevieria, commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue . Hailing from tropical and subtropical Africa, these usually stemless, rhizomatous, evergreen perennials offer an eye-catching variety of patterns and colors on stiff, linear to ovate leaves.
Most familiar to those perusing houseplant sections are several varieties with upright, banded light- and dark-green leaves bordered in gold. Reaching 3 to 4 feet over a period of years, the banded leathery leaves do evoke serpentine images. Given that this genus, and more specifically the many varieties of S. trifasciata, is all about the foliage, these plants do not disappoint. Start with S. trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ types, which offer distinctive variations on the upright banded green with gold margins. Once those have caught your eye, let it wander to more intriguing offerings. ‘Black Coral’ offers darker greens with white bands, forming upright colonies of 3-inch wide tongues. ‘Robusta’ is also upright, but with much broader leaves to 4 inches across, and interesting patterning on its leaves.
There is also a lower-growing grouping called bird’s nest sansevierias. They form dwarf rosettes of broad leaves that top out at 8 inches in length, with a customary height of 6 to 8 inches. Most commonly available is S. trifasciata ‘Hahnii.’ Featuring mid-green leaves generously marked with white bands, it offers plant lovers a smaller, tabletop variety. For something more colorful, one can usually find the variegated form, S. ‘Golden Hahnii,’ its green leaves generously bordered in rich golden yellows.
Sansevierias are versatile houseplants. The vertical ones make good floor plants or can be shown to greater effect on plant stands or coffee tables. This time of year they are striking enough to hold down a centerpiece on your dining room table. Bird’s nest types can be tucked into smaller spaces such as bookcases or on an end table beside a piece of art.
Did you know?
Sansevierias are part of the agavaceae family and are considered succulents.
S-curve
Now that I’ve introduced you to these wonderful houseplants and you have a feeling for what they look like, here’s a curve. S. cylindrica has, as its name implies, cylindrical leaves about an inch across that fan out from the base in a vase-like pattern. These spires can reach 3 feet in length.
Plant care
Sansevierias can tolerate neglect and, other than the occasional wiping down to remove dust, are one of the easiest houseplants to care for. They are very drought tolerant and can take a lot of indirect light or be situated in the corner of the room. They require excellent drainage, so use a soil mix with liberal amounts of pumice or simply buy a succulent soil mix. They require no pruning and will not need to be repotted for a very long time.
Pests & diseases
Mealy bugs may be a problem, but generally these are extremely tough plants.
Availability
Sansevierias are found in every nursery and garden center, though you might have to order some of the less common types.
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