About
Sansevieria trifasciata, the mother-in-law's tongue, is an evergreen perennial forming a clump of stiff, upright, sword-shaped, variegated, rich-green leaves with pale grey-green banding. Racemes of small, tubular, pale greenish-white to cream flowers may appear in summer or autumn. The classic, undemanding houseplant for almost any indoor position.
About the genus
Sansevieria are stemless, erect, rhizomatous, succulent perennials with evergreen, ovate or strap-shaped, leathery leaves often attractively marbled, and short spikes of small, fragrant, tubular, greenish-white flowers. Excellent and easy-care houseplants tolerating low light and neglect.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toC Africa
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in bright filtered light, avoiding full summer sun. Grow outdoors, in a sheltered, frost-free environment, in full sun. Pot on only when pot bound. Tolerant of neglect. Protect from winter wet. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by leaf cuttings, suckers or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free