Introducing the Mother in law plant, known as Sansevieria trifasciata (syn. Dracaena trifasciata), a popular hardy houseplant that belongs to the Sansevieria snake plant genus. Native to West Africa, the Sansevieria trifasciata has several other names such as Viper's Bowstring Hemp, Saint George's Sword, and Devil's Tongue. These names often refer to the long, sword-like leaves that resemble the sharp tongue of a snake. This attractive, low-maintenance houseplant can tolerate drought and low light, making it an excellent choice for offices. 

Like other snake plants, these Sansevieria trifasciata mother-in-law tongue plants are known for their tall, upright leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. These thick and fleshy dark green leaves with variegated patterns of light gray-green. The leaves can grow up to 12 feet tall in their native habitat, but when grown indoors, they can grow as tall as 2 feet, adding a dramatic touch to any space. 

The Mother in laws tongue snake plant benefits include filtering indoor air, removing toxic pollutants, boosting mental health, treating minor ailments, reducing allergies, and enhancing space energy - according to feng shui. Snake plants typically live 5-10 years but can live up to 25 years or more.  

In addition to the Sansevieria trifasciata, there are other popular Snake plant types, including Sansevieria trifasciata 'laurentii' a variegated snake plant with yellow variegated edges, and Sansevieria zeylanica. 

The mother-in-law tongue flowers are greenish-white and appear on long stalks that rise above the leaves during the spring to summer. These Night-blooming snake plant flowers are fragrant and have a lily-like appearance. However, it's important to note that snake plant blooming is relatively rare indoors, and most Snake plant varieties are appreciated for their attractive leaves rather than their blooms. 

For snake plant propagation, you can do this easily by offsets and leaf cuttings. When the plants grow at least four inches tall, divide or take cuttings to propagate your snake plant in the spring or summer. New shoots can also be potted on their own. Repotting a snake plant is crucial for its care, recommended every three to five years. It's important to notice roots growing out of the pot's holes, water draining too quickly, roots filling the container, stunted growth, and a dull appearance.

The snake plant is an excellent beginner plant because of its adaptability to various growing conditions and its easy-to-grow nature, making it a decorative addition indoors. 

Watering Needs 

The mother in laws tongue plant is known for its ability to tolerate drought and is relatively low maintenance when it comes to watering. In general, it's best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. 

When watering your Snake plant Sansevieria trifasciata, it's important to remember that they prefer to be slightly on the dry side. You can check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it's a good indication that it's time to water. However, if the soil still feels slightly moist, it's best to wait a bit longer before watering. 

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, you can water your mother-in-law plant about once every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to thoroughly saturate the soil, allowing the water to drain out of the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogged roots. 

In the winter months, when the plant is in a dormant phase, you can reduce watering frequency to once every 4-6 weeks. This allows your mother in law snake plant to rest and prevents overwatering during its slower growth period. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater your Snake plant. These Sansevieria plants are quite resilient and can tolerate periods of drought. So, when in doubt, it's safer to err on the side of caution and water less frequently. 

Light Requirements 

Snake plants are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of light conditions, making them an excellent choice for indoor spaces. They can tolerate low light conditions, but they will thrive and grow best in bright, indirect light for a few hours a day. Placing your Snake plants near a window where they can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day is ideal. However, they can also tolerate artificial light, making them suitable for offices or rooms with limited natural light. 

If you're planning to grow your mother in law plant outdoors, it's important to consider the climate and the amount of sunlight it will receive. Snake plants Sansevieria trifasciata prefer bright, indirect light when grown outdoors. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it's best to provide them with some shade during the hottest parts of the day, especially in regions with intense sunlight. Partial shade or filtered sunlight is generally ideal for outdoor Sensevieria trifasciata Snake plants. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Sansevieria trifasciata favors very airy, sandy potting soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy well-drained soil, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your Snake plants to thrive. 

As for fertilizer, the mother in law’s tongue plants are not heavy feeders and can do well without regular fertilization. In fact, they can thrive in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to give your Snake plants a boost, you can apply a diluted, balanced (5-10-5) liquid fertilizer during the growing season, which is typically spring. It's best to use a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer and dilute it to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer once a year, for healthy growth. 

Remember, it's important not to over-fertilize your Sansevieria Snake plant, as this can lead to the build-up of salt in the soil. This can cause damage to the roots and negatively impact the overall health of the plant. So, when in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution and fertilize sparingly. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When grown as an indoor plant, these adorable mother-in-law tongue plants thrive in warm and humid conditions, making them perfect for cozy indoor spaces. With temperatures between 60- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit, these lovable Sansevieria trifasciata are sure to feel right at home. Just make sure not to let them get too chilly - anything below 50 degrees Fahrenheit could spell disaster for your lovey-dovey snake plants. 

For outdoor cultivation, you can grow these cuties outdoors all year long in USDA zones 9- 11. In colder zones, the succulent plant Snake Sansevieria can still be grown, but it will need to be grown indoors or in a greenhouse during the winter months to protect it from freezing temperatures. 

While household humidity is generally good enough, these large snake plants will do even better with some extra moisture in the air. Set up a humidifier nearby or grow them in naturally humid rooms like your bathroom or kitchen. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, the Snake plant or Mother-in-law plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a low-maintenance houseplant that thrives in a variety of conditions. It is native to West Africa and is well-known for its ability to tolerate neglect and survive in low-light environments. This mother-in-law plant has long, sword-shaped leaves that are typically dark green with light green horizontal stripes, giving it a unique and striking appearance. In terms of snake plant care, it prefers a well-drained potting mix with terra cotta pots and only needs to be watered sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Additionally, it can tolerate a warm indoor temperature between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit and does not require frequent fertilization. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant lover, the Sansevieria trifasciata Snake plant for sale is a fantastic choice that will bring beauty and freshness to your home or office.