Sansevieria, Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Cultivation and Indoor Care

Botany and description

The Sansevieria, often nicknamed “mother-in-law’s tongue” or “snake plant” in French, belongs to the Asparagaceae family, just like Dracaena and Asparagus. It gets its popular nickname from its long, rigid and sharp leaves, seen as a humorous metaphor for the talkative or sharp reputation traditionally associated with mothers-in-law.

Native mainly to tropical Africa and some regions of South Asia, this plant grows naturally in arid and rocky environments, where conditions are often extreme with poor soils and rare rainfall. In our latitudes, Sansevieria is grown indoors, as it cannot tolerate cold temperatures and lacks the hardiness to survive outdoors. Its ability to withstand drought, tolerance to irregular care and capacity to thrive in low-light environments make it a highly appreciated houseplant.

Botanical plate: Sansevieria roxburghiana, and on the right the remarkable foliage of the common species, Sansevieria trifasciata

The Sansevieria genus includes about 70 species, although some recent classifications now integrate it into the Dracaena genus. Among the most cultivated are Sansevieria trifasciata, with long upright leaves marbled with green (notably the ‘Laurentii’ cultivar with golden edges, ‘Moonshine’ with silvery foliage and ‘Zeylanica’ with a darker pattern), Sansevieria cylindrica, recognisable by its cylindrical, rigid leaves, and Sansevieria masoniana, remarkable for its large, broad and undulating leaves nicknamed “elephant’s ear”.

Sansevieria is a perennial herbaceous plant with an upright habit, sometimes spreading depending on the species, often forming dense clumps. Its root system is fasciculate, thickened, complemented by underground running or swollen rhizomes, which ensure vegetative propagation. Sansevieria exhibits slow growth, characteristic of its adaptation to arid environments. Under good growing conditions, the plant may produce a few new leaves per year, but its development remains modest compared to many other houseplants. This slow growth gives Sansevieria exceptional longevity and reduces the frequency of repotting.

Sansevieria masoniana, Sanseviera cylindrica, and on the right Sansevieria trifasciata

The plant can reach between 30 centimetres and over one metre in height, depending on the species and growing conditions. It does not develop a distinct aerial stem; the leaves emerge directly from the rhizome, arranged in basal rosettes. The foliage, particularly fleshy and tough, is generally upright, sometimes trailing, and presents very variable forms ranging from flat and lanceolate to cylindrical. The leaf surface is often marbled or striated with dark green, light green or silvery grey patterns, sometimes edged with a coloured margin.

The flowering, relatively rare in indoor cultivation, is borne on a flower spike that emerges directly from the base of the plant, between the leaves, from an axillary bud. It appears as a simple or slightly branched inflorescence, composed of numerous small tubular flowers. The flowers, generally greenish-white to creamy-white, sometimes slightly pinkish, emit a sweet fragrance particularly noticeable in the late afternoon. Each flower has a narrow tube flaring into six pointed lobes curved outward, with six protruding stamens and an elongated style clearly visible. Fruiting, infrequent in our latitudes, results in the formation of a globular berry of orange to reddish colour, containing one to three seeds.

Flowering indoors remains extremely rare

Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria) naturally helps regulate ambient humidity indoors, thus providing additional comfort for skin, eyes and breathing. It is also recognised for its ability to absorb certain volatile organic compounds, notably formaldehyde and benzene, thus helping to improve indoor air quality, particularly in poorly ventilated environments.

Sansevieria is associated with several cultural traditions. In South Korea, it is often given at professional meetings or inaugurations, as a symbol of prosperity, perseverance and respect. In Africa, its leaves provide strong fibres, traditionally used for making baskets, ropes and handicrafts.

Popular species and varieties

Indoor Planting of Sansevieria

Where to place it indoors?

The Sansevieria should be placed in a room with bright to moderate light. It tolerates low light, allowing it to adapt to spots further from windows or in less exposed areas, such as hallways or inner offices. However, to optimise its growth and maintain the intensity of its foliar colours, good light is preferable. A position behind a light curtain or near an east or west-facing window suits it perfectly. Under prolonged insufficient light, the plant will significantly slow its growth, its leaves may stretch (etiolation) and its patterns will become less pronounced. On the other hand, direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours, can cause foliar burns.

The Sansevieria enjoys an ambient temperature between 15 and 30°C and is highly resistant to common thermal variations in indoor environments. It prefers an air humidity level between 30 and 50% and requires no specific increase in humidity.

When to plant it?

Planting can be done year-round indoors. However, spring is the ideal time, as the plant enters active growth, promoting rooting and adaptation to a new container.

How to plant mother-in-law’s tongue in a pot

The pot

It is essential to choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water stagnation, as the Sansevieria is particularly sensitive to excess moisture. A drainage layer, made of clay pebbles or gravel, should be placed at the bottom of the pot to avoid water retention.

The substrate

The substrate should be light and well-draining to prevent the risk of root rot. Here is an ideal substrate composition for planting a Sansevieria:

• 50% houseplant compost or a good universal compost
• 30% perlite to improve lightness and drainage
• 20% composted pine bark to promote soil aeration

Planting

• Prepare the substrate.
• Place the plant with the collar just above the substrate level.
• Fill the gaps without compacting too much to preserve the soil’s airy structure.
• Water moderately after planting, then allow to dry completely before watering again.

The pots don’t need to be very large

How to care for mother-in-law's tongue?

The Sansevieria is a low-maintenance houseplant, ideal for those seeking an easy-to-grow plant requiring minimal intervention. Proper care ensures its longevity and the beauty of its foliage.

Watering

The Sansevieria should be watered sparingly. It is essential to allow the compost to dry out completely between waterings to avoid any risk of root rot. In spring and summer, watering every two to three weeks is sufficient, depending on room temperature and light exposure. In autumn and winter, the frequency should be significantly reduced: a monthly watering, or even less in cool, dry conditions, is enough. This plant tolerates missed waterings well thanks to its ability to store water in its thick leaves.

Misting is optional: the Sansevieria tolerates low ambient humidity and requires no additional moisture.

Regularly cleaning the leaves aids the plant in photosynthesis

Fertilisation

Fertilisation should remain moderate. An application of a liquid fertiliser for houseplants or cacti, diluted to half the recommended dose, can be given once a month in spring and summer. No fertiliser is needed in autumn and winter, periods of dormancy when the plant naturally slows its growth.

Pruning

Pruning the Sansevieria is rarely necessary. It is limited to removing damaged, wilted, or dry leaves. These should be cut off at the base with a clean, sharp tool to avoid unnecessary injury and prevent disease risks.

Repotting

Repotting should be planned every two to three years, or when the plant becomes too cramped and the roots or rootstocks deform the pot. It is best to repot in spring, choosing a container slightly larger than the previous one and completely renewing the compost with a very well-draining mix. After repotting, wait a few days before resuming watering to allow the roots to heal.

Repotting a Sansevieria masoniana

Pests and Diseases of Sansevieria

The Sansevieria is generally a robust plant, not prone to diseases and parasitic attacks under normal growing conditions. However, certain ailments may appear, especially when the plant is weakened by excess moisture, poor drainage, or an environment that is too dark.

Parasites

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are the most frequently encountered parasites on Sansevieria. They mainly attach themselves to the base of the leaves and form small white, cottony clusters. By feeding on the sap, they slow down growth and gradually weaken the plant.

Natural solution: Thoroughly clean infested areas with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water, then apply a neem essential oil solution to prevent their return. Weekly treatment may be necessary until complete disappearance. To learn more: Mealybugs: Identification and Natural Treatments.

Red spider mites

Red spider mites mainly appear in hot, dry conditions. They cause punctual yellowing of the foliage, sometimes followed by leaf drying. Their presence is often betrayed by fine webs between the leaves.

Natural solution: Temporarily increase humidity around the plant by misting the foliage with water (without excess) and wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. Additionally, spray a nettle liquid manure decoction or a diluted neem oil solution.

Sansevieria Diseases

Root rot

Root rot is the most common disease in Sansevieria. It is usually caused by overwatering or insufficiently draining soil. Symptoms include leaves softening at the base, turning dark, watery, and sometimes emitting an unpleasant odour. The progression is rapid and can lead to the plant’s death if no action is taken.

Natural solution: Remove the plant from the pot, eliminate all soft and blackened parts with a disinfected tool, then let the healthy roots air-dry for 24 to 48 hours. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering.

Overwatering often causes spots on the foliage

Collar rot

Collar rot affects the base of the leaves at the point of attachment to the rootstock, often due to repeated water splashes on the rosette or stagnant moisture. Affected leaves become soft and detach easily.

Natural solution: Remove affected leaves immediately with clean pruning shears and stop all watering for several days. Improve air circulation around the plant and, if necessary, replant in dry soil to prevent further contamination.

General Prevention

1. Control watering: water moderately and only when the soil is completely dry.
2. Choose suitable soil: use a very well-draining mix to prevent water stagnation around the roots.
3. Provide good exposure: place the Sansevieria in a bright spot, without direct scorching sunlight, while avoiding overly dark areas.
4. Monitor regularly: inspect the foliage to quickly detect signs of parasites, yellowing, or rot.
5. Maintain good hygiene: remove damaged leaves and clean the pot and immediate surroundings to limit disease risks.

Propagation of Sansevieria

The Sansevieria can be propagated in two main ways: by leaf cutting and by rootstock division. Each method has its advantages depending on the desired outcome.

Propagating Sansevieria by Cutting

Leaf cutting is the most common and simplest method to propagate a Sansevieria. It is best done in spring or summer, when the plant is in active growth.

• Select a healthy, well-formed leaf.
• Cut it into 5 to 10 cm sections using a clean, sharp tool.
• Allow the leaf segments to air-dry for 24 to 48 hours to prevent rotting.
• Plant the segments vertically in a light, well-draining substrate (universal soil mixed with sand or perlite), ensuring the base is at the bottom.
• Place the cuttings in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight, at a temperature between 20 and 25 °C.
• Water lightly and keep the substrate slightly moist until roots develop, usually within a few weeks.

Note: Propagation by leaf cutting may cause variegated varieties with yellow or white margins to revert to entirely green young plants.

Propagation by Rootstock Division

Rootstock division is the most reliable method to preserve all the characteristics of the mother plant, including variegation.

• Gently remove the plant from its pot.
• Separate the rootstocks with a clean knife, ensuring each section has at least one leaf rosette and some roots.
• Let the rootstock sections dry for 24 hours to allow the wounds to heal.
• Replant each division in a suitable pot filled with a light, well-draining substrate.
• Water lightly after a few days to encourage rooting.

Propagation by cutting or division of Sansevieria

Benefits of Sansevieria

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Sansevieria is used in certain traditional medicines. Its leaves are used externally, as a poultice. In Malaysia and Bangladesh, they are employed to relieve minor pains and reduce fever. In Sri Lanka, the plant is traditionally used to treat certain inflammations and promote wound healing.

How to incorporate Sansevieria into your home?

With its graphic habit and clean lines, the Sansevieria is the perfect plant to add a contemporary and elegant touch to any room in the house. Highly versatile, it naturally finds its place in an entrance hall where it immediately creates an impression of verticality and precision. It is also ideal in a modern living room or office, where its structured silhouette enhances a minimalist or industrial style. In a bedroom, it brings a soothing note and, as a significant bonus, it continues to produce oxygen during the night.

For an even more striking effect, don’t hesitate to play with grouping: several Sansevierias of different sizes gathered in raw terracotta or glazed ceramic pots create a chic yet natural ensemble. It pairs particularly well with other houseplants offering contrasting forms: a Ficus lyrata for its broad foliage, a Zamioculcas zamiifolia for its sculptural appearance, or even a Monstera deliciosa for its lush character. Combining their varied textures adds depth and subtly enlivens spaces.

Whether you choose a large standalone specimen in a bright corner or a composition of matching pots, the Sansevieria adapts to all styles and instantly adds character to your interior. Go on, treat yourself!