Scientific name: Sansevieria
Common names: Snake Plant, Mother-in-law’s tongue, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: Native to Africa, Arabia, and India
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Zones: 10 through 12
Sources1,2
Most known for their vertical snake, or tongue-like growth, sansevieria has become a popular house plant. There are many varieties that are native to a region stretching from Africa to India. Through Crassulacean acid metabolism, snake plants absorb carbon dioxide at night versus the daytime like the majority of plants. 3
Plant Care
Sun: Partial sun
Water: Moderately watered, water when dry.
Soil: Does well in poor, dry soils, needs good drainage in containers
Frost Tolerant: No
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Sources1,2
Propagation
Methods: Division or cuttage
Cuttings taken from leafs must be planted with bottom ends down. Insert 1-1.5 inches into a well drained medium. For best results, keep medium between 70-75 F degrees, and roots should begin to grow between 4-6 weeks.4
Safety
Toxic to dogs and cats5
Cited Sources
- 1.Floridata. Sansevieria trifasciata. https://floridata.com/plant/1250. Accessed March 8, 2019.
- 2.Sansevieria trifasciata. Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b617. Accessed March 8, 2019.
- 3.Crassulacean acid metabolism. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crassulacean_acid_metabolism#During_the_night. Accessed March 20, 2020.
- 4.Sansevieria Production Guide. UF: Mid-Florida Research & Education Center. https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Foliage/folnotes/sansevie.htm. Accessed March 8, 2019.
- 5.Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/mother-laws-tongue. Accessed March 8, 2019.
