Introduction
The mother-in-law’s tongue plant, also known as the snake plant or Sansevieria, is an extremely hardy and easy to care for houseplant. This succulent is native to tropical West Africa and is valued for its sword-like foliage that can stand up in even the lowest light conditions.
While it has a reputation for being nearly impossible to kill, there are some simple care and maintenance tips to keep in mind to help this plant thrive. With the right growing conditions, the mother-in-law’s tongue can live for many years and grow quite large. Read on to learn more about how to properly care for a Sansevieria houseplant.
Light Requirements
One of the best qualities of the mother-in-law’s tongue is its ability to tolerate a wide range of light conditions. It can flourish in everything from bright light to relatively dark corners of a room. Here are some more details on its light needs:
Low to Medium Light
This plant does fabulously in low to medium indirect light. North or east facing windows are ideal spots to place a Sansevieria. It can also do well in offices or rooms without many windows. The leaves may grow more slowly or stay smaller in size in lower light. But the plant will remain healthy for years with minimal light.
Bright Light
While low light is no problem, the mother-in-law’s tongue can handle brighter light just as well. If you place it near a sunny south or west facing window, be sure it is not getting more than a couple hours of direct afternoon sun per day. The leaves may yellow if it receives too much direct light.
Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent office lighting is perfect for a snake plant. The leaves may bend toward the light source as it grows. But rotating the plant occasionally can help keep it growing straight.
Avoid Direct Sun
The one light exposure to avoid is prolonged direct sunlight. More than two or three hours of hot afternoon sun will cause leaf scorch. Place the plant in a spot where it gets bright or medium indirect light if possible.
Watering Needs
Overwatering is the most common way people kill a snake plant. This succulent stores water in its thick leaves and stems, so it is extremely drought tolerant. Here are some tips on the best watering technique:
Infrequent Watering
Water a Sansevieria plant every 2-3 weeks in the spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In the winter during its dormant period, you may only need to water every 4-6 weeks. The less you water, the better it generally does.
Wait for Soil to Dry
Before watering again, stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture. If the top inch or two still feels damp, hold off until it is fully dry again. The roots can start to rot if left sitting in wet soil for too long.
Soak and Dry Method
When you do water, thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the drainage holes. Then let any excess drain away before putting the plant back on its saucer. Always empty any water from the saucer so it is not sitting in standing water.
Humidity
Lack of humidity is not an issue for the mother-in-law’s tongue. Its succulent leaves retain water well, so dry air does not bother it. There is no need to mist or use a humidifier near this plant.
Soil Needs
Using a well-draining potting mix is key to avoiding overwatering issues with the snake plant. Here are some soil tips:
Quick Draining Mix
Choose a potting soil specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. Or make your own mix using equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential.
Avoid Regular Potting Mix
Avoid using a traditional, water-retentive potting soil for the mother-in-law’s tongue. Without amendments to create air pockets, the roots can get waterlogged.
Add Perlite or Sand
If you use a regular multipurpose soil, mix in at least 20-30% perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. A cactus/succulent mix amended with extra perlite is ideal.
No Fertilizer Needed
The snake plant grows well in low fertility soil and does not need regular fertilizer. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength once or twice per year if desired. But it will do fine without any extra nutrients added.
Repotting
While the mother-in-law’s tongue enjoys being a little rootbound, it will need repotting every 2-3 years in most cases. Here is some guidance on when and how to repot a Sansevieria:
Signs It Needs Repotting
Repot a snake plant when roots start peeking out the drainage holes or you see them growing over the surface of the soil. Slow growth and a tendency to droop can also indicate it needs more space.
Pot Size
Move it up just one pot size, about two inches wider in diameter. Avoid putting it in an excessively large pot or the soil may hold too much moisture. Use a pot with drainage holes.
New Potting Mix
When repotting, refresh some of the potting soil by mixing in 30-50% new soil. Or change it entirely to fresh cactus/succulent mix. This will supply nutrients and improve drainage.
Division
If the plant is getting quite large, you can divide the rhizomes when repotting to create new plants. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut through the roots and replant divisions.
Propagation
The resilient mother-in-law’s tongue propagates easily from leaf cuttings or division. Here are some simple methods you can use:
Leaf Cuttings
Choose a healthy leaf and cut it off close to the base. Allow the cut end to dry out for a day or two. Then simply stick it in well-draining potting mix. New roots and shoots should emerge within weeks.
Division
When repotting, you can divide the rhizomes and root mass using a knife or hands. Replant the divisions in small pots using fresh succulent soil. Water sparingly until established.
Pups
Some varieties will produce baby plantlets or “pups” next to the mother plant. Carefully remove these pups and pot them up to create new snake plants.
Rooting in Water
It is possible to root snake plant cuttings in water, though this may take longer. Put a leaf in a jar of room temperature water. Change the water weekly until roots form.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Here is a quick overview of what the mother-in-law’s tongue needs to really thrive:
- Light: Bright indirect to low indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Temperature: 65-80°F
- Soil: Cactus/succulent mix
- Fertilizer: Optional, use at 1/4 strength
Providing these simple and basic care guidelines will keep your Sansevieria healthy and growing strong for many years to come. It is one of the most foolproof indoor plants you can grow.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even this durable plant can occasionally suffer from a few issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Yellowing Leaves
If the foliage turns yellow, it is getting too much direct sun. Move it further away from the light source and the new growth should return to a healthy green.
Brown Leaf Tips
Dry air or irregular watering can cause brown crispy tips on the leaves. Try misting occasionally and ensure you aren’t underwatering the plant.
Rotting Stems
If the base or roots start turning mushy and brown, overwatering is the culprit. Cut away any rotting parts of the plant. Repot in fresh dry soil and do not water again until the soil dries out.
Root Mealybugs
These small white bugs may feed on roots if the soil stays constantly wet. Repot to get rid of them, allow soil to dry between waterings, and use an insecticidal soap spray if they persist.
Fungus Gnats
Excess moisture attracts these small flying insects. Let the plant dry out for a few weeks and apply a layer of sand over the soil to deter gnats. Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults.
Varieties to Try
With 70 species and countless cultivars, there are so many varieties of Sansevieria to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types:
Laurentii
This variety has striking yellow stripes along the dark green leaves. It stays compact, making it great for desks or tabletops.
Moonshine
Moonshine has wider leaves with a beautiful silver-gray color. It tolerates lower light well but also looks gorgeous in bright spots.
Black Gold
A patented hybrid, this selection has rich, dark foliage with faint yellow markings. It grows in a tight upright clump.
Golden Hahnii
One of the dwarf cultivars, Golden Hahnii has rosette forming leaves that stay under a foot tall. The foliage is deep green with bright gold edging.
Black Coral
Black Coral is an award-winning choice with dramatic dark wine-colored leaves. It has an exotic, tropical look.
Cylindrica
This species is the tallest growing, with cylindrical leaves reaching up to 5-6 feet high. It has a tree-like appearance.
Zeylanica
A sturdy type suited to warm climates, Zeylanica has broad, wide leaves in deep green with gray-green banding and white margins.
Design Ideas and Uses
A potted mother-in-law’s tongue makes an excellent accent plant in many spots around the home and office:
Floor Plant
Let it grow tall in a corner to create an architectural, structural feature in the room. The height and upright leaves will draw the eye.
Entryway Greeter
Place a Sansevieria near the front door to instantly boost your curb appeal. It needs little care and tolerates low natural light.
Bathroom Plant
The snake plant’s ability to thrive in humidity makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Office Plant
This adaptable plant filters indoor air while requiring minimal care, making it perfect for enhancing office spaces, cubicles, and desktops.
Table Centerpiece
Use a low, compact variety like Laurentii as a living centerpiece. The stiff leaves remain upright without support.
Shelving Display
Let the leaves trail and cascade over the edge of mantels, shelves, side tables, or other surfaces. The architectural shape makes a statement.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about growing and caring for mother-in-law’s tongue houseplants:
Is mother-in-law’s tongue toxic to pets?
Yes, Sansevieria contains compounds called saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets if ingested. Keep plants out of reach.
How much light does a snake plant need?
It thrives in everything from bright indirect light to very low light conditions. Even fluorescent office lighting will suffice. Direct sun for more than a few hours can burn the leaves.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Dry soil, low humidity, or inconsistent watering may cause the ends of the leaves to turn brown. Improve watering habits and mist occasionally to increase humidity. Cut off any excessively crispy parts.
How do you revive a dying snake plant?
If the leaves are drooping and yellowing, it needs more water. If they are mushy and brown, it is getting too much water. Repot in dry soil, water only when dry, and move to bright indirect light. Remove any rotten parts.
How often to fertilize a snake plant?
Fertilize rarely, no more than 1-2 times per year. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots and cause leaf tip burn.
Why are the edges of the snake plant leaves turning yellow?
If placed in too much direct sun, the foliage can yellow or scorch. Filter the light with a sheer curtain, move it back from the window, or turn the pot occasionally to prevent one side from getting too much light.
What causes the leaves to bend or droop over?
Insufficient light is the most common cause of weak, bending foliage. Rotate the plant or move it closer to a light source. Underwatering or a rootbound plant can also lead to drooping leaves.
How do I propagate a mother-in-law’s tongue plant?
Take 3-5 inch leaf cuttings and allow to dry for 1-2 days. Place in succulent soil. Or divide the roots when repotting. Plantlets or pups can also simply be removed and potted up separately.
Conclusion
With its striking vertical foliage, exotic look, and nearly unkillable nature, it is easy to see why the mother-in-law’s tongue remains such a popular houseplant. By providing this resilient succulent with bright indirect light and minimal watering, it will readily thrive indoors for many years. Place it in a spot where its sword-like leaves can make a statement as a striking architectural accent. Enjoy its exotic tropical vibe!
