Sansevieria Care

April 14 2024, 13 min reading time

Sansevieria, also known as the "mother-in-law's tongue" or "snake plant," is a popular houseplant because of its attractive appearance and ease of care. If you are new to caring for this plant, you probably have some questions. In this blog, we answer a number of questions about the care of Sansevieria plants.

Sansevieria plants (often written as sanseveria) are great additions to any interior due to their attractive appearance and simple care. With the right care and attention, your Sansevieria plant can thrive and become a beautiful addition to your home.

Is a Sanseveria a succulent?

Although Sansevieria plants are often confused with succulents due to their similarity in appearance and their ability to store water in their leaves, they actually belong to the Asparagaceae family and are not succulents. However, they share similar characteristics with succulents, such as low water requirements and the capacity to thrive in dry conditions.

What types of Sansevieria are there?

There are different types of Sansevieria, also known as mother-in-law's tongues or sword plants, which vary in leaf shape, size, and color. Some common types include:

Sansevieria Zeylanica: This variety has elongated, pointed leaves with a green leaf color and light stripes along the edges.
Sansevieria Futura Superba: This species has broad, upright leaves with a light green tint and a striking, decorative appearance.
Sansevieria Cylindrica: Characterized by its cylindrical, upright leaves that have a striking architectural look. They are often green in color and can have light stripes.
Sansevieria Trifasciata: One of the most common species, with upright, elongated leaves that are dark green with light stripes or markings along the edges.
Sansevieria Mikado: This variety has long, thin leaves that grow elegantly upwards, often in a zigzag pattern. They have a deep green color and a unique, graceful appearance.
Sansevieria Fernwood: Characterized by its compact growth and pointed, elongated leaves that grow close together. They have a deep green color and a striking, bushy appearance.
Sansevieria Kirkii: Known for its broad, flat leaves with a deep green color and striking lighter stripes along the edges. The leaves often have a wavy texture, giving this species a decorative appearance. Sansevieria Kirkii is loved for its attractive leaf shape and easy care, making it a welcome addition to any houseplant collection.

These different types of Sansevieria offer a wide range of options for enthusiasts of these versatile and easy-to-care-for houseplants.

Watering your Sansevieria

Sansevieria plants are known for their ability to survive in dry conditions and generally require little water. Here are some guidelines for watering your Sansevieria:

Check soil moisture: Stick your finger about 2-3 centimeters into the potting soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait a few days before watering again.
Water in moderation: Water your Sansevieria sparingly, but avoid soaking the soil. Let the potting soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent the roots from rotting.
Adjust to the season: Adjust your watering routine based on the season. In the spring and summer, when the Sansevieria is actively growing, you can water more often than in the fall and winter when growth slows down.
Watch for signs of overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Watch for signs of overwatering, such as yellowing leaves, soft stems, or a musty smell in the potting soil. If you notice these symptoms, reduce the watering frequency.

In general, it is better to give your Sansevieria too little water than too much. These plants can survive for longer periods without water, so it is safer to be cautious with watering to avoid problems.

Sansevieria Location

Sansevieria plants thrive in a variety of locations, but generally prefer bright, indirect light. Preferably place your Sansevieria near an east, west, or north-facing window, where it gets sufficient light without direct sunlight. However, these plants can also survive in low-light environments, such as offices with fluorescent lighting. Just make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, especially during the hottest hours of the day, as this can burn the leaves. In general, Sansevieria plants are very flexible and can adapt to different light conditions, as long as they are not exposed to extreme temperatures or drafts.

How can I make my Sansevieria plant grow?

To help your Sansevieria plant grow and thrive, here are some tips:

Ensure sufficient light: Sansevieria plants thrive best in bright, indirect light. So place your plant near a window where it receives sufficient natural light. However, avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day, as this can burn the leaves.
Water in moderation: Sansevieria plants need little water and can survive for long periods without it. Let the potting soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, you can water a little more often than in the fall and winter.
Fertilize regularly: Give your Sansevieria plant a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). This will promote the growth and development of the plant. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Maintain a constant temperature: Sansevieria plants thrive at constant room temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts, as this can cause stress and hinder the plant's growth.
Repot if necessary: If your Sansevieria plant is becoming too large for its pot or if the roots are starting to become too crowded, repot the plant in a slightly larger pot with fresh potting soil. This will help the plant stay healthy and promote further growth.
Prune if necessary: Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly to promote the overall health of the plant. You can also prune the top growth points to stimulate the growth of new leaves and keep the plant compact.

By following these tips and taking regular care of your Sansevieria plant, you will find that it stays healthy and grows steadily.

Why are the leaves of my Sanseveria curling?

If the leaves of your Sansevieria plant are curling, this can have several causes, including overwatering or underwatering, exposure to cold drafts, or a lack of light. Check your watering and ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Place the plant in a spot with sufficient light but avoid direct sunlight, and avoid drafty locations. With the right care, the leaves of your Sansevieria can become straight and healthy again.

Why is my Sanseveria drooping?

Sansevieria plants can droop due to several factors, such as overwatering, a lack of light, or insufficient nutrients in the soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can affect the stability of the plant. Ensure the plant has sufficient drainage and let the soil dry out well between waterings. Place the Sansevieria in a location with bright, indirect light and provide some fertilizer occasionally to keep the plant healthy and sturdy.

Pruning Sansevieria

Sansevieria plants rarely need pruning, but you can trim off dead or damaged leaves with sharp, clean pruning shears to keep the plant looking tidy.

Propagating Sansevieria

Yes, you can propagate Sansevieria plants. Propagating Sansevieria is a simple way to create new plants. You can cut off healthy leaves and plant them in moist potting soil until new roots grow. Propagation is an effective method to expand your plant collection or to give new plants to friends and family.

Here are a few tips for successfully propagating Sansevieria plants:

Choose healthy leaves: Select leaves that are free of disease, damage, or discoloration for propagation. Healthy leaves will have a better chance of rooting successfully.
Use well-draining potting soil: Plant the cuttings in a mixture of potting soil that is well-draining to prevent the cuttings from rotting. A mixture of equal parts potting soil and coarse sand can be suitable.
Patience is important: It can take some time before the cuttings develop new roots. Be patient and ensure the potting soil remains moist during the rooting process, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

With these tips, propagating Sansevieria plants can be a successful and rewarding experience.

Repotting Sansevieria

Repot your Sansevieria plant every few years into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting soil. Repotting a Sansevieria plant is a simple task and can be done following these steps:

Choose a new pot: Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot of your Sansevieria plant. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes to drain excess water.
Prepare the potting soil: Use a well-draining potting soil mixture designed specifically for houseplants. Optionally, add some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Carefully remove the plant: Gently remove the Sansevieria plant from its old pot. You can slightly tilt the pot or tap the sides to loosen the plant. If the roots are very tight, you can gently loosen them with your fingers.
Check the roots: Examine the roots of the Sansevieria plant and remove any dead or rotten roots with clean scissors or pruning shears.
Place the plant in the new pot: Place the Sansevieria plant in the center of the new pot and fill the space around the roots with fresh potting soil. Ensure the plant is planted at the same depth as in the old pot.
Gently press the soil: Gently press the potting soil around the roots of the plant to remove air pockets and anchor the plant firmly.
Water: Give the Sansevieria plant a good watering after repotting to help the potting soil settle. Then, let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
Place the plant in its new location: Place the Sansevieria plant in a spot with sufficient light, but avoid direct sunlight, especially if the plant has just been repotted.

By following these steps, you can successfully repot your Sansevieria plant and help it grow healthily.

What to do if my Sansevieria plant gets yellow leaves?

If your Sansevieria plant gets yellow leaves, this can have various causes, including overwatering, too much direct sunlight, or stress caused by temperature fluctuations. To address the problem, first check if the plant is getting too much water and reduce watering if necessary. Also ensure that the plant is not exposed to too much direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. If the yellow leaves do not improve, check for other signs of stress such as brown leaf edges or soft stems, and adjust the growing conditions accordingly.

Is Sanseveria air-purifying?

Yes, Sansevieria plants are often considered air-purifying plants. They are capable of filtering various pollutants from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. By absorbing and breaking down these toxic substances, Sansevieria plants can help improve the air quality in your home and promote a healthier living environment.

How big will my Sansevieria plant get?

The size of a Sansevieria plant can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions. In general, Sansevieria plants remain quite compact, but they can grow into impressive specimens with long, upright leaves that can reach several feet in height. Some varieties, such as Sansevieria cylindrica, produce longer, cylinder-shaped leaves, while others, such as Sansevieria trifasciata, have wider leaves that grow outward. It is important to consider the available space in your home and the desired size of the plant when choosing a Sansevieria.

How can I keep my Sansevieria plant healthy?

In addition to providing the right amount of water and light, dusting the leaves regularly is important to keep the plant healthy. Also, check regularly for signs of pests or diseases and treat them if necessary.

Even more care tips for your plants: