Sansevieria Snake Plant

Description

Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ is a lovely, short growing plant. It spreads into a cluster of leafy funnels. It is a stemless perennial succulent plant with dark green leaves with clear horizontal bands, arranged in an attractive rosette. It grows to about 15-20 cm tall.

Where to place the plant?

• Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight. However, they also grow well (albeit more slowly) in shady corners and other low-light areas of the home.
• Keep the plant in a warm spot with temperatures above 50°F (10°C). In the winter, be sure to protect it from drafty windows.

Watering Snake Plants

One of the most common problems encountered with snake plants (and other succulents) is overwatering. These plants do not tolerate soggy soil well; they tend to develop root rot. To avoid this, follow these watering practices:

• • Do not water too frequently. Let the soil mostly dry out between waterings.
    • Tip: To know when it’s time to water, don’t just rely on how the surface of the soil looks. Instead, carefully stick your finger or a wooden chopstick a couple of inches into the soil. If you feel any moisture or see soil stick to the chopstick, hold off on watering.
  • Water from the bottom of the pot, if possible. This encourages the roots to grow downward and deep, helping to stabilize the thick, tall leaves.
  • During the winter, while the plant isn’t actively growing, water less often than you would in spring and summer.

Caring for Snake Plants

• • • The large, flat leaves tend to collect dust; wipe them down with a damp cloth as needed.
    • In good conditions, snake plants are rapid growers and may need to be divided annually.
    • Divide and repot in the spring. Cut out a section containing both leaves and roots and place in a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
    • If a snake plant is pot bound, it may flower occasionally. Fragrant, greenish-white flower clusters appear on tall spikes.