Sansevieria trifasciata (Mother-in-law's tongue, Snake plant)

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Plant description

Sansevieria trifasciata is a herbaceous, perennial ornamental plant, native to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as mother-in-law's tongue, as the leaves are quite sharp. It grows from creeping underground rhizomes. It has dark grey green leaves with horizontal silvery grey markings. There are selected cultivars which have yellow leaf margins. 

Sansevieria can be used as a hardy garden plant as well as an indoor plant.  It likes a well drained soil, as being water logged may cause root rot. It likes some shade. It is tolerant of irregular watering and low light levels. It is also rated as a good indoor plant for improving the air quality. It is capable of absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde, which can be released from particle board furniture.

Propagation is by division of the plant.

This plant is a source of a plant fibre which has great strength, it was once used to make bow strings.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: cream
Flowering season: not specified

Plant size

Maximum height: 1 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 2 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

Will tolerate partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: dry, moist, well-drained.

Clay: well-drained.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Diseases

Root rot in wet conditions

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: not specified.

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