Sansevierias are one of the most hardy and easy-to-care for houseplants around. Known as snake plants, bowstring hemp, mother-in-law’s tongue and more, sansevierias are the perfect houseplant for anyone looking for something low maintenance that can take almost anything life throws its way.
How can I improve my snake plant?
There are many different kinds of sansevieria types, with each having their own unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest. Some have striped leaves, some have variegated leaves, and others have twisted leaves. The most common is the evergreen Sansevieria trifasciata, which typically has a mottled green that gets progressively lighter towards the tips of the leaves. This is a common variety of snake plant you may see in stores and nurseries.
The bird’s nest sansevieria (Sansevieria cylindrica) is another popular variety, with round leaves that grow in clusters resembling a bird’s nest. The leaves have creamy yellow margins and can grow to 6 inches tall. Sansevieria ‘Hahnii’ is another variety that grows similar to the bird’s nest sansevieria, with a little more color variation in the leaves. However, the ‘Hahnii’ variety does not reliably come true from leaf cuttings, so crown divisions are preferred.
As far as soil is concerned, any kind of potting mix will work for this plant. It is important to use a well-draining mix, though, since sansevierias can easily get root rot when overwatered. This is especially the case in very warm and humid conditions. Sansevierias will also tolerate some shade, but they tend to look best in bright filtered light or partial sun.