Sansevieria three-lane: home care, photo, reproduction, flowering

Mother-in-law's tongue in your home: Sansevieria three-lane

A special place among indoor plants in the apartments of beginners and experienced gardeners is occupied by the unusual flower Sansevieria or Sansevieria.
Once purchased, the plant settles in the house forever. Inexperienced indoor plant lovers have no difficulty growing Sansevieria, while veteran gardeners admire the power and beauty of the plant.

In this article we will clearly look at what this amazing plant looks like and also learn how to care for it.

Care

In terms of maintenance, this is a fairly simple and unpretentious plant; growing it is easy even for novice gardeners. The plant can grow in bright light and in the shade, can withstand a wide temperature range, and can easily survive for a long time without watering. But still, with proper care, sansevieria leaves become denser, and the features of variegated forms appear in all their glory.

Illumination in a room can range from intense light to partial shade and shade. But bright light is preferable for sansevieria; it will contribute to the formation of strong, healthy leaves and beautiful colors. With a lack of light, the leaves become dark green, the brightness of the variegated forms is lost, and growth slows down or stops altogether. However, variegated varieties should still not be kept in direct midday sun.

Temperature. Sansevieria can withstand both hot and cool conditions, but it is undesirable for the temperature to drop below +14+16 o C. In winter, you must carefully ensure that the leaves of the plant do not touch a cold window, and that the plant does not get frosty air when ventilated - the temperature even drops up to +5 o C causes hypothermia, rotting and death of the plant. The lower the temperature, the less frequent and less abundant watering should be.

Watering is of great importance in the life of sansevieria. It should be remembered that this is a succulent plant, it stores water in its tissues, and excessive watering will lead to rotting and death of the plant. It tolerates long periods of drought quite calmly, but if there is insufficient watering, the leaves begin to wither. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. The frequency and abundance of watering directly depends on the lighting and temperature in the room. The lower the light, the less frequently the plant should be watered. Water only from the top of the pot, avoiding water getting into the center of the outlet.

Air humidity does not play any role for sansevieria; these plants are adapted to the dry air of savannahs.

The soil must be well drained throughout; for this, approximately 30% sand must be added to the universal soil.

Feeding. During the growing season, plants should be fed with fertilizers for cacti. If the sansevieria is in the shade or the temperature is low, then feeding should be reduced or completely eliminated. Excess fertilizer can cause plant rotting, loss of varietal characteristics, and leaf deformation.

Replanting is required only when the pot becomes crowded, once every few years. Powerful rhizomes can tear the pot apart. When choosing dishes, preference should be given to wide and shallow pots, since roots and rhizomes grow wide without going deep.

Sansevieria trifasciata: botanical description

The most popular species of Sansevieria is Sansevieria trifasciata or three-lane Sansevieria, which belongs to the Asparagus family and has several popular names:

1. Mother-in-law's tongue.
2. Pike tail.
3. Snake skin.
4. The tongue of the devil.
5. Leopard lily.

All names correspond to the appearance of the flower.

This is a perennial herbaceous succulent with a thick root, up to 2 cm in diameter , growing in the upper layer of the soil. The flower has no stem, and its saber-shaped leaves grow from a rosette-shaped rhizome.

Mother-in-law's tongue is a resident of hot African deserts and semi-deserts, common on the island of Madagascar and in Asian countries. The plant was first brought to Europe by the Italian prince Sanseviero in the 18th century. An amazing flower was named in his honor, which has an unusual ability to take root in any proposed conditions without losing its decorative effect.

Each rosette of Sansevieria three-lane consists of 6-8 dense and hard leaves that grow straight upward and have hard, as if sharpened, edges. The leaf can grow up to 100 cm in length with a width of 8-10 cm. Each leaf tapers upward, forming a sharp “spike” that resembles a nail.

Under comfortable conditions, Sansevieria trifasciata has a dark green leaf color with a bright yellow stripe along the edges.

Check out the photo of this amazing plant.

Sansevieria three-lane: description

Origin

Most species grow in the warm, dry climate of tropical Africa, with a few in tropical parts of Asia. Some varieties of Sansevieria are grown as crops for their fiber. They are used as raw materials for making ropes and bow strings.

In 1794, Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg brought the plant to Europe and gave it the botanical name "Sansevieria". He named it after Raimondo de Sangro, a famous Italian scientist and inventor of the 18th century.

The desert plant has adapted perfectly to life in rooms and thrives in sunny windows. As a houseplant, many cultivated forms of the wild species of Sansevieria trifasciata are of great importance.

Height

Sansevieria is a herbaceous succulent and does not form a vertical stem axis. The main leaves are formed from short, thick rhizomes and end in a sharp green tip, which gives the plant the nickname “mother-in-law’s tongue.”

Leaves

The approximately 70 varieties of Sansevieria, which are primarily used as houseplants, have more or less long, fleshy, belt-like leaves. Depending on the variety, they grow strictly vertically or are arranged in the form of rosettes. The leaves of different varieties and forms of cultivation are up to 1.5 meters long, they are flat or rounded, with light or dark green transverse stripes decorated on both sides.

Three-lane Sansevieria (lat. Sansevieria trifasciata)

Flowers

When well cared for, old Sansevierias will sometimes produce small greenish-white, fragrant flowers. They open at night and are arranged in the shape of a panicle on a thin trunk, the length of which does not exceed two-thirds of the length of the leaf.

Home care

The plant's homeland is the African continent with a hot, dry climate and rocky, poor soil , so apartment conditions are ideal for keeping this succulent. Sansevieria three-striped is not capricious and does not need special care, but still, in order for the flower to delight with variegated and dense leaves, some maintenance features should be taken into account.

• The temperature regime for mother-in-law's tongue is not particularly important. The plant feels excellent at high air temperatures and tolerates short-term drops of up to +5 degrees. Sansevieria should not be allowed to come into direct contact with frosty air when ventilating, and the leaves should not be allowed to touch frosty windows.
• Proper watering should be given attention. The plant can go without water for 2-3 weeks, but will begin to use the moisture accumulated in the leaves, which can cause them to lose their elasticity and become soft. To create comfortable conditions for the flower, you should wait until the soil dries out between waterings.

1. When replanting for the first time after purchasing a flower, it is better to completely replace the earthen ball with fresh soil, since the old one may be depleted or of poor quality.
2. Before planting, you must carefully examine the roots of the flower and remove dead or dried roots.
3. Place a thick layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot to provide the roots with oxygen.
4. Sprinkle the drainage with soil, place the plant in a pot and pour the remaining soil on top, then lightly compact the surface with your hands.
5. Water the transplanted sansevieria generously.

The best time of year for replanting is spring or summer.

• In winter, when the air temperature in the room drops and daylight hours are shortened, the frequency of watering should be reduced.

The main problems of the flower

• Sansevieria leaves turn yellow

The reason lies in too frequent watering of the plant and waterlogging of the soil. Transplanting the plant into another suitable container will help correct the situation, but first you need to dry the root system and remove damaged, dried leaves. Read this article for what you need to plant or transplant sansevieria and how to carry out the procedure.

• The pike tail has stopped growing

Most often this occurs due to growing the plant at low temperatures and freezing. Rotting of leaves is also an indicator of unfavorable temperature conditions.

• “Mother-in-law’s tongue” develops poorly

Among the main reasons for its weak growth are the following:

• large size flower pot;
• abuse of regular watering;
• lack of necessary macro- and microelements in the substrate.

Reproduction

Sansevieria can be propagated in several ways:
Dividing the bush or removing lateral layers.
The most reliable method of breeding this plant. During the development of an adult plant, Sansevieria babies grow from the rhizome. To plant a young plant, you need to cut the root along with a new rosette with a sharp knife and transplant the baby into another pot.

Plants propagated by leaves take root well. For this procedure choose:

1. adult healthy leaf;
2. cut across the fibers into cuttings 5-10 cm long.
3. The cuttings must be dried in a dark room for 2-3 days;
4. then plant them in wet sand at an angle of 45 degrees for rooting.

Sansevieria propagation

If the time to plant mother-in-law's tongue was in the spring, you can combine this procedure with propagation. During this period, all biological processes are proceeding at an accelerated pace; the active movement of juices will help the plant take root faster.

Novice gardeners are interested in the question of how Sansevieria reproduces. This activity is carried out in several ways:

• division of rhizomes;
• cutting off side shoots;
• fragments of a leaf plate.

The latter option does not allow preserving the color of some types of pike tail, but the method still remains popular. This method is especially good if the root system has become sick and unusable.

Preparing for transplant

Leaf

You can also use the propagation of Sansevieria by leaf in the case when an already formed plate breaks off. At the same time, mother-in-law’s tongue can be rooted both in the soil and in a cylindrical container with water.

The soil

In order for Sansevieria to take root, propagation by leaf is carried out in a soil other than that intended for replanting the flower. In this case, the loose substrate should contain components in the following proportion:

• 1 part of sand and humus;
• 2 parts each of turf and leaf soil;
• The presence of charcoal is required.

Another composition is also suitable for propagation: from leaf and turf soil with the addition of perlite (all ingredients are taken in equal parts). The soil must be sterile (calcined) and moist before planting.

What kind of pot do you need?

The rules for choosing a container for a pike tail were mentioned above. The cuttings with which the plant will be propagated are small in size. Therefore, you should not take a spacious pot. For starters, a container no more than 8 cm in diameter and about 5-6 cm deep is quite suitable.

As for the material of the pot, it must be breathable so that future roots can breathe. Ceramics (clay) are best suited for this. In addition, it perfectly absorbs water, acting as additional drainage.

Agricultural technology

To know how to properly propagate sansevieria by leaf, follow the step-by-step instructions. At the same time, despite the general aspects, there are differences in earth and water rooting.

Leaf propagation

First perform the following actions:

cut a healthy, undamaged leaf from the mother bush; the plate is cut into strips of 10-15 cm, moving with a sharp knife perpendicular to the veins; On each fragment, the bottom and top are marked with a marker (this is important when planting).

Important! If part of the plate is buried in the ground or lowered into water with the wrong cut (against the flow of juices), you may not expect roots. Peculiarities of propagation of Sansevieria by leaf

Peculiarities of propagation of Sansevieria by leaf

Planting leaf parts directly into the substrate is preferable - rooting will occur faster (in 1.5-2 months). New shoots from the leaf can be expected in 7-8 months. For this to happen, optimal conditions are maintained:

• air temperature – within 21-25°;
• luminous flux - only diffused;
• substrate – moderately moistened (watering through a tray).

Note! When propagated by leaves of mother-in-law's tongue, some gardeners practice the greenhouse effect. It is undesirable to do this - due to high humidity, the cuttings may rot

Why remove the growing point of Sansevieria?

The goal of propagation is not just to get a new plant, but also to preserve all its characteristics. Not every method satisfies this desire. In varieties with variegated leaves, color can only be preserved by propagation by layering.

The older the plant, the less likely it is to get planting material from it. After 5 years, the flower practically does not form root layers. To stimulate the queen cell to develop, you need to carefully cut out (not twist) the growth point and remove the top 2-3 leaves.

Sansevieria with layerings

The plant will immediately redirect its forces to the development of the rhizome; after 1.5 months, several good layering will develop on the bush. They are cut off and planted in pots. After this, an adult Sansevieria can grow for several more years (until the foliage dies).

Diseases and pests

Sansevieria is resistant to disease and is rarely attacked by pests.

• Diseases can be caused by severe waterlogging of the soil or stagnation of water inside the outlet. A sign of excess moisture is rotting of the leaves with a change in color at the base.
• If the leaves wither, but remain green, this is a sign of hypothermia of the flower.
• Yellow spots over the entire surface of the leaf indicate sunburn. Pests attack weakened plants. This could be a spider mite, thrips or mealybug.

Features of cultivation

Each plant has its own whims, and if you are going to grow this or that flower in the house, you need to familiarize yourself with its agricultural technology and decide whether it is suitable for you or not. Indoor Sansevieria is good because it requires very little attention, but at the same time it looks wonderful.

So, what is interesting about Sansevieria:

• It is enough to fertilize it once a year, but if you do it more often, it will certainly accept it with pleasure;
• the best place for sansevieria is a windowsill, since it needs as much natural light as possible, and it doesn’t really matter whether it’s warm or cold on the windowsill;
• and yet direct sunlight can cause burns to the plant, so place the sansevieria on the windowsill of the window into which the sun peeks in in the late afternoon;
• The worst thing for sansevieria is waterlogging of the soil, which causes it to die.

Similar species

Among the many species of Sansevieria, there are similar specimens that differ in size, color or leaf shape:

1. Hanny is compact in size.
2. Laurenti is the oldest plant variety, from which many modern species originate.
3. Variegated - compact species with decorative coloring.
4. Sansevieria white - white stripes turn green.
5. Futura is distinguished by its wide leaf shape.

Sansevieria is a plant that does not require much attention or a lot of time; it will decorate an apartment or office with its appearance. Being among people, the flower absorbs carbon dioxide, purifying the air.

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Such different varieties

Interestingly, their appearance depends on the shape and size of the pot. For example, pike tails planted in narrow, tall pots are not at all similar to those growing in small, wide pots. You can shape the appearance of the crown of these plants by trimming the branches or bending them in the desired direction.

What types of sansevieria should I plant on my windowsill?

Sansevieria zeilanica

There is debate about this variety among breeders. Some believe that this is a separate species, others are sure that it is a variety of Sansevieria three-lane. This plant is one of the most beloved by flower growers. Zeylanika leaves are stunningly beautiful. They are not too large, but there are silver inclusions or wavy stripes on their surface. Against the background of the rich green color of the foliage, they look simply wonderful.

Sansevieria Futura

Its appearance is somewhat reminiscent of the Laurenti variety. Futura leaves are short and wide. Along their perimeter there is a thin yellow border. This is a miniature plant.

It differs from futura in the thickness and fleshiness of its leaves. In addition, they lack a yellow center.

Moonshine

This species was developed relatively recently. The flower is a little reminiscent of Futura or Robusta, but its leaves are not pure green, but gray-green with a silvery tint.

Whitney

This species grows up to half a meter in height. One of its sockets contains 4 sheets. The crown shape of the Whitney variety is in the form of an inverted pyramid. The leaves are green in the middle, and along the edges there is a wide two-stripe border. The Dutch call this flower diamond fire.

Sansevieria Kirki

This is a tall plant that can reach a height of up to one meter. Its peculiarity is its brown leaves with wavy edges.

Kirky Silver Blue

Miniature rosette variety. The flower grows very slowly, but at the same time it is perhaps the most beautiful in its family. Its leaves are tight with curved edges. They have a rare bluish color with a silvery tint.

Massoniana

On the contrary, it grows very quickly and can reach a height of one meter. The leaves of this flower can be said to be huge, up to 30 cm. They are usually twisted in a spiral. They grow one at a time, quite far from each other, and have an iridescent green color. The front side of each sheet has a fun "python skin" pattern.

Sansevieria Twister

It is also called cylindrical. She, like Hana, is one of the most popular. The branches of the flower naturally intertwine in a braid and continue to grow that way. The Twister variety is a perennial ornamental plant of compact size. The leaves are hard and quite large. They have the shape of an almost regular cylinder. Painted in rich green color. There are dark stripes on the front surface of each sheet.

Growing three-lane sansevieria: characteristics, reproduction, plant care

Most flower growers are familiar with the name “mother-in-law’s tongue”, which is the popular name for a wonderful plant from South Africa - Sansevieria three-lane (Laurenti) .

This indoor flower will definitely find a place in the interior; it will suit both a classic setting and such styles as rustic, loft, modern, oriental and others.

Photo

See more photos of sansevieria:

Do you want to know how Sansevieria blooms, whether it is necessary to cut off faded rosettes and how the plant is propagated? You will find answers to many questions and complete information about flower care on our Internet portal.

Landing

Before transplanting, drainage is placed ; expanded clay is suitable for these purposes. The soil used is a mixture of turf and leaf soil with the obligatory addition of sand to impart looseness.

It is recommended to replant young plants annually, gradually increasing the size of the container . It is enough to replant adult specimens as soon as the pot becomes too small for them. It is important to consider that the rhizome is shallow, so the planting container is low but wide.

Watering Since Sansevieria is a succulent, watering should be done carefully, especially in winter and cloudy days. It tolerates ordinary tap water well, but it is advisable to leave it to room temperature.

When watering, do not allow water to get into the center of the rosette; this can cause rotting of the base of the leaves.

Feeding Sansevieria growth is not very fast, so it does not need frequent feeding . Fertilizer for succulents or diluted in half for decorative deciduous plants is suitable.

Lighting Grows well in both bright light and partial shade.
In the sun, the pattern on the leaves will be brighter and growth will be faster. It can also be in artificial light, in which case additional lighting is recommended for up to 16 hours a day.

Temperature The temperature regime is not demanding. Grows well both indoors and outdoors.

In winter, a temperature of about 14 degrees is desirable; it can withstand a short-term drop of up to 5 degrees. However, it does not require a period of rest and feels great in indoor conditions .

The most common problems in growing

As already mentioned, sansevieria are low-demanding indoor plants that do not take up much space and are not classified as painful species. Unfortunately, the most resilient plants, with significant care errors at home, can end up in the trash or compost.

First of all, you should avoid excess water, which will result in rotting of the roots and death of the plant. If the rhizome has rotted, you should check the condition of the lump, remove the rotten parts of the rhizomes, sprinkle coal on possible pruning areas and wait until the plant dries before planting again. Often, when leaves are rotting, it is enough to remove the leaves and dry out the substrate, then water modestly. Remember, if the soil is too wet, dark, brownish spots appear on the leaves.

If the leaves wrinkle, it is a sign of excessive dryness.

On a windowsill on the south side, the flower may get burned, it is better to avoid this side, home conditions are not natural conditions, and the scorching sun will not help the plant.

Weakened plants can become victims of mealybugs, which are easily recognized; insects cover the flower with a waxy secretion reminiscent of cotton wool and scale insects. Both pests feed on sap and can be controlled using insecticides.

In a dark room, spotted specimens will lose their leaf variegation.

Bloom

With good care, the plant develops a panicle with green-white tubular flowers. Flowering duration is about a week.

Pruning To add decorative value, old leaves that are beginning to dry out are sometimes removed, but generally, pruning is not used.

Reproduction The most convenient and fastest way is to divide the rhizome during transplantation.
Another method that will take longer is with leaf blades . To do this, part of the leaf is separated from the plant and planted vertically in the ground.

Origin and appearance of the plant

Sansevieria (Sansevieria) is a perennial evergreen plant of the asparagus family, a guest from the hot and dry, rocky regions of the tropical and subtropical zone of our planet. The harsh conditions of arid places made it very hardy: it learned to do without moisture for a long time and survive by storing it in the leaves.

The natural growing conditions of Sansevieria made the plant hardy

Under natural conditions, Sansevieria is distributed in India and the Indonesian Pacific Islands, Africa and the island of Madagascar. It also grows in the western hemisphere - in southern Florida.

The leaves of various species can be vertically erect or growing horizontally, green, yellowish or brown in color, with silver, white or yellow specks, stripes, patterns, sometimes bordered by a stripe along the edge of the leaf.

The plant does not have a separate trunk - the leaves grow from the rhizome. When flowering, Sansevieria throws out an arrow with white, sweet-smelling flowers. Mainly reproduces by root shoots.

In former times, fiber was obtained from the leaves of this plant, which was used to make bow strings. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the plant has become a popular house flower. There are more than 60 species and even more varieties derived from them.

The leaves of many indoor sansevieria can reach a height of more than 1 meter.

Ozonator and air washer with prickly tips: benefits and harms of sansevieria

If you remember that sansevieria is inedible, is a little prickly and does not experiment in this regard, the presence of the plant in the room will significantly affect the constant refreshment of the air due to the released oxygen. This is one of the most active room ozonizers, which also actively absorbs and neutralizes such dangerous substances as nitrogen oxide, benzene, formaldehyde and trichlorethylene. These substances are released into the air by various synthetic materials and products, which are sufficient in any apartment.

Sansevieria is used in African folk medicine. According to healers, the smoke produced by burning dry leaves relieves headaches. A decoction treats scabies and relieves itchy skin. And ground fresh leaves disinfect wounds and help with skin diseases.

Sansevieria leaves contain saponin. This substance has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes if the plant juice comes into contact with them. It does not cause irritation upon contact with skin. But in both cases it must be washed off with plenty of water. When the leaves are eaten (which happens - children and pets are careless), saponins cause nausea and vomiting. The sharp and hard tips of the leaves, which can be pricked, pose a certain danger.

It is necessary to limit access to the plant for children and pets.

Video: meet the “mother-in-law’s tongue” flower

Sansevieria

Sansevieria is a stemless evergreen plant from the Asparagus family. It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Characterized by long, erect, variegated leaves. The average growth rate is 3-4 leaves per year. The total height of the plant can reach 1 meter.

With sufficient light levels, the Sansevieria plant blooms. The flower stalk appears in the spring. The flowers are small, white and have a pleasant vanilla aroma. Each rosette blooms only once. The plant is also popularly known as “pike tail” or “mother-in-law’s tongue.”

Properties of Sansevieria

Sansevieria contains many biologically active substances, but the most popular of them are saponins, which, when used correctly, bring significant benefits. Traditional medicine uses saponins to produce choleretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and expectorant drugs. Traditional medicine treats cystitis, inflammation of the oral cavity, otitis, cuts and other skin injuries with sansevieria.

The foaming properties of saponins are used in the cosmetics industry in the production of liquid soap and shampoos. It is not recommended to use the plant for medicinal purposes by pregnant women, since the substances it contains have an abortifacient effect.

Beneficial features

Sansevieria perfectly purifies the air from various harmful impurities. In particular, it effectively removes benzene and trichlorethylene. To significantly improve the environmental situation, only 2-3 medium-sized plants are enough. They can be placed in any room, except the bedroom. Also, the “pike tail” secretes phytoncides that destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

The long leaves of the plant are often called “mother-in-law’s tongue.” According to some superstitions, they encourage people to gossip. In fact, everything is exactly the opposite. The plant has the ability to cleanse the surrounding space of various negativity, helps achieve set goals, and develops entrepreneurship in people.

Sansevieria: varieties, care, reproduction

Sansevieria trifasciata is the most common type of sansevieria in indoor floriculture. Due to its unpretentiousness, it is widely used for landscaping office premises and other public places. Such names as Pike Tail, Mother-in-law's Tongue, and in the West it is often called the Snake Plant or Snake Skin for the peculiar color of the leaves are firmly attached to this plant.

This is one of the species of a large genus; other species can be found on the Sansevieria page.

Sansevieria three-lane has up to 6 leaves in a rosette. Mature leaves of the original species are dark green with light transverse stripes. The length of the leaves can reach 30-120 cm, width - 2-10 cm. The leaf is flat, lanceolate, smooth, gradually narrows upward and ends with a spine. The edge of the leaf is green. The color of the leaves is affected by the intensity of light - leaves developing in bright light have bright stripes, in lower light conditions the leaf acquires a uniform dark green color, the stripes become unclear.

Over many years of cultivation, many varieties with different colors, sizes and shapes of leaves were selected from the original species:

• Laurenti (Laurentii) is an old variety that still remains the most widespread and popular; it also became the progenitor of many other cultivars. The leaves grow vertically upward; a clear yellow stripe runs along the edge of the leaf; its width and location may vary slightly.
• Sensation Bantel, or Sensation , is a variety selected by Gustav Bentle in 1948 as a Laurenti sport. Its distinctive feature is the presence of white longitudinal stripes, which alternate with dark green ones. The leaves are straight and stiff, but slightly shorter than those of the wild species. On the leaves, where there are wide green stripes, transverse striations characteristic of the species can be observed. The rarity of this variety is due to its slow growth rate.
• Hanni (Hahnii) is a sport from the Laurenti variety, was discovered and soon patented by S. Khan in 1941. This variety is distinguished by dark green, short, recurved leaves that form a vase-shaped rosette.
• Golden Hahnii was patented in 1953 by S. Khan. The rosette of leaves is similar to the previous variety; its distinctive feature is the presence of irregular longitudinal yellow stripes. It grows quite slowly.
• Hahnii was selected as a sport from the Hanni variety and patented by S. Khan in 1953. The growth form is almost identical to the Hanny variety, but the leaves are silver-gray-green with indistinct transverse stripes and dark edging.
• Hanni Cristata (Hahnii cristata) is a cristate variety, similar in leaf shape to the Hanni variety.
• Futura - similar in appearance to the Laurenti variety, but has wider and shorter leaves, the yellow stripe is usually thinner. This is a fairly new variety, but already very popular.
• Robusta - resembles the Futura variety, but without the yellow stripes along the edge of the leaf. The color of the leaf resembles the wild look.
• Moonshine is a relatively new variety, similar in leaf shape and growth pattern to the Futura and Robusta varieties, but the leaves are gray-green and silver in color.
• Nelson (Nelsonii) - is a sport from the Laurenti variety, was patented by O. Nelson in 1944. Dark green leaves with a velvety sheen grow straight upward. The leaves are shorter, thicker and more numerous in the rosette than those of the original species. The variety grows slowly and retains its characteristics only when propagated by dividing rhizomes; when propagated by leaf cuttings, it produces plants of the original type.
• Silver Queen - similar in growth pattern to the original species. Young leaves are almost entirely silver-gray with a thin dark edge.
• Compacta - is a descendant of the Laurenti variety and resembles it in appearance, but the leaves are shorter and thinner. The center of the leaf is very dark, and there is also a yellow stripe along the edge. Sometimes some leaves tend to curl, which adds additional decorativeness to the plant. The growth rate is slower than that of the original species. To maintain variety, it is propagated only by dividing rhizomes; when grown from leaf cuttings, plants of the original species are usually formed, sometimes specimens resembling the Nelson variety grow.
• Twisted Sister - forms a low rosette of curled olive green leaves with dark green speckles and a yellow edge.

Caring for sansevieria at home. Details

Even a schoolchild can cope with its cultivation.

Bloom

At home, “pike tail” blooms quite often.
Its flowers are not particularly beautiful, but they have a pleasant spicy aroma. The inflorescences open in the evening and close again in the morning. To achieve flowering of sansevieria, it is necessary to create a dormant period. To do this, move the flower to a cool place and sharply limit watering. After a month of rest, the “pike tail” is returned to warmth, and watering is resumed.

Temperature

Homemade sansevieria grows well at temperatures from +16 to +25°. In summer, it tolerates heat well without requiring additional care. In winter, the plant can withstand short-term temperature drops down to +10.

Prolonged keeping in cool conditions will lead to root rot.

Spraying

Pike tail spraying is not required. The plant tolerates dry air well. In some cases, it can even cause rotting of rosettes and leaves.

Lighting

The plant can be grown at home both in direct sun and in diffused light. The plant feels great on windows facing southwest and southeast. With a sufficient level of illumination, the variegated forms of “pike tail” form strong, large leaves with intense color.

Green-leafed varieties can be successfully grown in the back of the room. To prevent the growth of such plants from stopping, they are placed in a sunny, well-lit place for about a month 2-3 times a year. During this time, they manage to form several new leaves.

Watering

Abundant watering is harmful for “mother-in-law’s tongue.”
It very quickly leads to rotting of the root system. In the summer heat, the plant only needs one generous watering once a week. In winter, once a month. In this case, you should also focus on the degree of drying of the soil. From watering to watering, the soil should dry out almost completely. Irrigation water should not accumulate in the center of the outlet. It is especially important to monitor this in winter. The accumulated cool moisture will quickly cause the leaves to rot. Water for irrigation should be soft, at room temperature.

Hygiene

The large sword-shaped leaves of the “pike tail” have the ability to quickly accumulate dust on their surface. Therefore, every 2-3 weeks the leaves must be wiped with a soft, damp cloth.

Also, if necessary, the plant can be given a warm shower.

Pot

The root system of the “mother-in-law’s tongue” grows greatly in width, and not in depth. Therefore, for planting it, it is best to choose wide, but not deep containers. Pots can be either plastic or ceramic.

Priming

Pike tail is grown in loose, fairly nutritious soil. It can be prepared from equal parts of leaf and turf soil with the addition of 2 parts of clean river sand.

You can also use a ready-made substrate for growing cacti and succulents. In this case, drainage should be at least a third of the total volume of the pot.

Top dressing

With a properly composed soil substrate, fertilizers are not required for pike tail. If it is necessary to support a weakened plant or stimulate growth, universal fertilizers for decorative foliage crops are used.

They are applied in full accordance with the attached instructions no more than 1-2 times a month during the period of intensive growth.

The use of fertilizers in winter is not recommended.

Sansevieria transplant

Adult pike tail plants are replanted no more than once every 2-3 years. The signal for replanting is the roots protruding from the pot. If it is necessary for the flower not to grow in width, then choose a pot of smaller diameter. In this case, the sockets that have grown in different directions during transplantation are cut off using a sharp knife.

How to properly care for sansevieria

Keeping sansevieria is unpretentious at home. A novice gardener can safely take a plant to grow at home without fear that it will not take root. There are nuances that need to be taken into account when caring for them, just like any other indoor crop. If you care for it correctly, it will never get sick.

For example, indoor sansevieria loves a warm, sunny place. It blooms more often in spring and summer, while the leaves lighten, shimmering with golden shades of different colors. The inflorescences are small, but the blooming sansevieria fills the space with a pleasant aroma that can last for a long time. During the cold season, the room temperature should not be allowed to fall below 15 °C.

Watering should be rare when the soil is already drying out. You cannot overwater the plant. Excess moisture is detrimental to the rhizome. This can be seen in the leaves – spots appear on them or begin to fall off.

Once a month, the plant can be fed with a complex fertilizer for indoor plants or one intended for cacti. If this is not done, the sansevieria leaf becomes a little harsh.

Reproduction

Can be propagated by seed and vegetative methods.

Growing Sansevieria from seeds

Seed propagation of “pike tail” is used quite rarely. Its seeds cannot be found on the open market. But you can try to get them from your own plant. Fruit pods. Immediately after collection, they are dried, and the seeds themselves are removed immediately before sowing.

To plant them, use wide containers filled with wet sand. After sowing, they are covered with a plastic bag and placed in a warm, well-lit place. Germination may take several months.

Reproduction of Sansevieria by dividing rhizomes

The easiest and most affordable way. Overgrown plants are simply divided into separate rosettes. Propagation by division can be combined with a planned transplant, during which the rhizome is cut into several viable parts.

Leaf propagation

Reproduction of the “pike tail” is possible by a whole leaf or part of it. The leaf or its fragments are planted in damp sand and covered with a plastic bag. After about 2 months, young plants begin to grow from them. After the development of 2-3 leaves, the rosettes are planted in separate containers.

Conditions for successful growing at home

Piketail is a generally unpretentious plant that can survive in a variety of conditions. However, lack of light, temperature changes and a long absence of moisture can negatively affect its condition. Let's consider what indicators need to be observed for the full growth of a flower.

Location and lighting

In order for sansevieria leaves to grow well and at the same time be powerful, the flower must receive enough sunlight, which, moreover, will add shine to the leaves. The ideal place for the plant is the window sills of east and west windows. A south window is also suitable, but in the hot season you will need to shade the foliage from the scorching sun.

Diseases and pests

In most cases, there are no difficulties when growing pike tail. But sometimes the following problems may still occur:

• Dark spots on the leaves appear when there is insufficient light level.
• Yellow and brown spots are the result of a fungal infection. Pathogen progression begins at elevated humidity levels.
• Root rotting occurs when there is waterlogging and lack of drainage.
• Droopy leaves appear when kept in cold conditions.
• Leaves become pale. The plant suffers from lack of lighting. The pot must be moved closer to the light source.
• The edges of Sansevieria leaves turn yellow and dry . The flower suffers from excessive watering. Its root system begins to gradually die off.
• Rotting of the neck in the absence of waterlogging is a consequence of keeping it too cold. The plant should be moved to a warmer place with a temperature not lower than +15.
• The leaves turned black and became soft. Most likely, the plant suffered from frostbite. This is observed when it is placed under an open window in winter.
• The leaves turn pale and the bright stripes disappear. Variegated species should be kept in bright sunlight. It is best to place them on south-facing windows.

Also, "Mother-in-law's tongue" may suffer from pests. The most common types found on it are:

To destroy them, it is recommended to use special insecticide preparations. For mild contamination, washing with a solution of ordinary laundry soap helps a lot.

What does sansevieria look like - portrait

Sansevieria (Sansevieria) is a succulent, part of the Agave family, a close relative of dracaena, as well as yucca. In nature, it is found in savannas, as well as subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America; among the familiar species, there are about sixty of them, there are epiphytes. The plant is valued in household floriculture, first of all, for its attractive leaves, which are collected in rosettes, and also grow in the vast majority of species directly from the rhizome; certain species have a stem.

The color of the leaves is dark green, in some species they are brown, they have longitudinal as well as transverse stripes, white and yellow. They may have a waxy coating, such as agave or aloe. The shape of the leaves can be wide flat, as well as long, oval and thick, quite wide, flat, or round, and can also be xiphoid, in the form of a pencil or spoon.

In the most common domestic species, the leaves grow vertically upward; there are those in which they are directed in different directions, or grow parallel to the soil.

In the interior, sansevieria looks especially advantageous either in the form of a large group of rosettes with long leaves, planted in a small round pot, or in the form of plants consisting of one rosette, planted in a row in a small and long pot. Probably the symmetrical placement of two similar pots. Sansevieria is often used in composition with other house plants.

Sansevieria types with thick leaves that grow in a spiral, particularly robusta, can be shaped to make the plant “flat” in shape. To achieve the result, the leaves of the young plant are fixed with sticks in the desired position and left in this form for a long time, after which the established shape of the sansevieria no longer changes. To ensure that such a plant does not tilt from its vertical position in search of light, it must be turned from time to time.

Types of home sansevieria with photos and names

The genus is quite diverse. But in indoor floriculture the following types are most often used:

Sansevieria cylindrica, cylindrica

A distinctive feature of the species is the dark green leaves of a cylindrical shape, with longitudinal grooves along the entire length. From the axils of the lower leaves, hard shoots emerge that are capable of self-rooting. Their bottoms subsequently develop normal cylindrical leaves. The cylindrical flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences.

Sansevieria three-striped "Lorana" ("Lauretti")

The species is characterized by rosettes of rigid, sword-shaped leaves. The average height of plants is from 1 to 1.2 meters. The leaf blades are dark green with white, longitudinal stripes. The flowers are greenish-white, collected in clusters, and have a strong, pleasant aroma.

Sansevieria large

The species is characterized by rosettes consisting of 3-4 fleshy leaves. The total height of the plants does not exceed 60 cm. The leaf blades are dark green with a reddish border and transverse dark stripes. The flowers are purely bleached or with a greenish tint, collected in brushes.

Popular varieties of sansevieria

The following varieties of “pike tail” are the most popular among flower growers:

• Futura. Plants are 50-60 cm high. The leaves are lanceolate, slightly widened towards the top. The edges of the leaf blades have a yellow edging.
• Compact. The height of the rosettes is about 80 cm. The leaves are bright green with a yellow stripe running down the center. The leaf blades may curl slightly.
• Twisted Sister. A variety with low rosettes. The leaves are strongly curled, rich green with a yellow border.

Sources:

https://dacha.expert/domashnie-rasteniya/sukkulenty/sansevera/vidy-san/trehpolosnaya.html https://selo.guru/rastenievodstvo/sukkulenty/sansevieriya/vidy-sans/trehpolosnaya.html https://komnatnie- rastenija.ru/sansevierija-uhod-i-razmnozhenie-v-domashnih-uslovijah-foto-vidov/

Types and varieties of Sansevieria

In total, the genus Sansevieria includes from 67 to 70 species of evergreen perennial plants. The genus belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Species, subspecies and varieties of Sansevieria differ in the shape, size and color of the leaves. Regions of origin: tropics and subtropics of India, Indonesia, western Central Africa, Madagascar.

From the photo of sansevieria it is easy to determine that most species and varieties are powerful herbaceous plants. Reaching 1-1.5 m in height is a feasible task for many of them.

Due to the fact that large species of Sansevieria grow vertically, it is not difficult to find a place for them indoors. Unlike, for example, monstera or Chinese rose - hibiscus. If there is a significant lack of space in the room, it is recommended to choose low-growing species and varieties. But it should be borne in mind that they are more demanding of care and prefer a bright location.

The largest plants with longitudinal and transverse stripes on the leaves are Sansevieria trifasciata or S. three-stripe. A similar species, Sansevieria zeylanica, differs in that the leaves are thin when young. With age, the leaf blades enlarge and become wavy and have silvery spots. Transverse patterns are distributed throughout the sheet; there are no longitudinal stripes along the edge.

Three-banded (S. trifasciata)

In collections, catalogs with photos and names of sansevieria, this species usually comes first. Sansevieria three-stripe or trifasciata has long, strong leaves that are collected in dense rosettes and grow strictly vertically.

The color is rich green, there are transverse waves of silver color, and yellow longitudinal stripes along the edge. The flowers are small, fragrant, collected in racemes. There are many varieties of Sansevieria trifasciata, the most famous being "Hahnii" and "Laurentii".

The same species includes “Silver Queen” - a hybrid with silvery leaves covered with dark green spots. Along the edge there is a thin border with an emerald tint. With a lack of light and as they mature, the leaves darken.

Sansevieria trifasciata "Whitney" (S. trifasciata "Whitney") is a variety of Dutch selection. It has pronounced decorative qualities.

Features - the sinuous shape of the leaf blade, the presence of a wide single-color stripe in the center and variegated along the edge.

Laurenti (Laurentii)

Sansevieria 'Laurenti' is a cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata. It is so popular that it deserves special attention. An attractive plant with lighter spots and transverse stripes on its leafy greens. There is a bright yellow border along the edge.

There is a short form - “Compact”. Laurenti, like other variegated varieties, needs good light for the development of leaf color.

Futura

The variety appeared recently, but has already gained popularity. Dense rosettes consist of 8–10 leaves. Sansevieria "Futura" has several forms:

• "Gold" - with a golden hue and relatively small leaves;
• “Black Gold” - with a golden border and a silver tint;
• "Superba" - with wide leaves (up to 15 cm in the middle part), having a light yellow stripe along the edge and transverse waves of a darker color.

Sansevieria "Futura superba"

Big

The indoor plant “Pike tail” variety “Bolshaya” or “Grandis” has wide leaves. Green leaf blades are covered with dotted patterns in the form of intermittent zigzags.

There is a barely noticeable reddish border along the edge. The main color of the leaf blades is green. During flowering, light green buds appear, collected in graceful brushes.

Cylindrical

Cylindrical (S. cylindrica) stands out among the species of Sansevieria with thin round leaves with a diameter of 2–3 cm and a length of 60 to 150 cm. They are slightly rough, dark green or light green with transverse stripes.

The flowers form panicles. The buds are quite large - up to 0.8 cm in length. Petals are pink or creamy red.

Sansevieria cylindrical has become fashionable due to its ability to grow in a “woven” form. You can weave long leaves yourself, but it is easier to purchase an already formed “cylinder” in the store. This species requires less frequent watering, but frequent feeding.

“Mikado” is a variety of S. cylindrica that has not yet become widely known. The leaves are thickened, cylindrical, forming a beautiful rosette. There are darker transverse “waves” on the leaf blades.

Hanny

Sansevieria "Hahnii" - subspecies or variety? Biologists have not yet figured it out completely. The plant is small in size. The leaves are almost triangular in shape and grow in a rosette in a spiral. The color is varied: stripes and spots, yellow border. Many forms have been created that differ in the shades of the leaves.

Caring for Sansevieria “Hanny” at home requires more attention to location. Forms with a height of only 20 cm are suitable for the windowsill: “Golden Hunny”, “Silver Hunny”, “Hanny Marginata”, “Hunny Cream” and others.

Moonshine

Sansevieria Moonshine is a variety with silver-green leaves up to 50–60 cm long and up to 10 cm wide. The transverse stripes are thin, barely noticeable. The border around the edge is also thin and dark green.

Very light leaf blades. “Moonlight” cannot be otherwise.

Pickaxes

Sansevieria kirkii is a showy species with thinner leaf blades than other members of the genus. The leaves are relatively small and wavy. They have dark green transverse stripes, pink and white borders. But the main color is silver-green.

Compacta

Sansevieria "Compacta" is a slow growing variety. As a result, the sansevieria flower or pike tail does not reach the length that is characteristic of the original species (1–2 m). The low-growing variety is more convenient to grow in small rooms.

A flower pot can be placed on a windowsill, where in good lighting the decorative qualities of the leaves are better demonstrated.

Growing process

1. Illumination. Does not like direct sunlight. Prefers slightly shaded places with diffused lighting.
2. Temperature conditions. For normal flower growth, normal room temperature is sufficient. But in winter, the thermometer needs to show at least 16 degrees.
3. Irrigation system. The main thing is to water systematically, avoiding very long intervals between adding moisture, and taking into account the time of year. In hot summers, the plant needs watering more than in winter.
4. Air humidity. If you do not live in an arid region, then a normal living room humidity level will do.
5. Fertilizers. The need for feeding occurs only during periods of accelerated growth. Any fertilizer for ornamental plants or cacti is suitable. Fertilizing is applied once every 30 days.
6. Transfer. If the plant is planted in a small pot and no longer fits in it, it is transplanted into a more suitable one. There are no other recommendations for transplantation.
7. Reproduction. This is done using leaf cuttings and dividing the rhizome.
8. Pests. These include: spider mites, mealybugs and thrips.
9. Diseases. Suffers from root rot and anthracnose.

Details about care

To properly care for a plant, you need to study its characteristics and needs. It is advisable to do this before purchasing in order to understand how much work and time needs to be spent to create favorable conditions for the development and growth of the chosen one.

Snake's tail or Sansevieria has an unpretentious character, unlike many indoor plants. He calmly accepts what is and feels quite good. And the appearance, like that of a beauty without makeup, is always fresh and beautiful.

Features of cultivation:

1. Plants are fertilized very rarely, once a year. But if suddenly you want to show attention and fertilize twice, this will only be beneficial.
2. A window sill on the sunny side is very suitable for flowers. This placement gives it the necessary amount of sunlight and protects it from direct rays. But it is important to remember the temperature; if the winter turns out to be cold, then it is better to put the flower pot in a warmer place.
3. Moderate watering. Do not allow water to stagnate in the rhizome area. Since excess moisture can lead to rotting.

Humidity and temperature conditions

Sansevieria is suitable for most homes with standard climate conditions. It is precisely for its unpretentiousness that it has become so widespread.

The main condition for the temperature of growing sansevieria is to maintain the temperature at least 16 degrees. Low temperatures can cause the flower to wilt and even die.

To maintain a beautiful decorative appearance, you need to wipe the foliage with a wet sponge from time to time to remove accumulated dust.

Watering

For the full development of sansevieria, you need to follow the correct watering regime. To select the right moment to apply moisture, you can use a humidity indicator; it is usually sold in flower or gardening stores.

The quality of water for irrigation matters.

1. It is better to use distilled or rain water.
2. If you can’t get one, use tap water, but before that, let it sit properly.
3. The water temperature should be room temperature.
4. In winter, the frequency of watering will depend on the current room temperature; the lower the temperature, the less frequent the watering.

Transfer

Many people are interested in whether Sansevieria needs to be replanted after purchase. It depends on what pot you bought your sansevieria in.

Snake skin transplantation is done at the moment when the flower no longer fits in the pot and a new, larger one is needed for normal growth to continue.

A young plant is replanted more often; it needs to be replanted once in 2 years. The transplant period for an adult is one year longer. There are no special conditions for the transplantation process.

You should prepare the required container and land in advance. To improve plant growth, you can replace the soil with a special soil mixture from the store. It should contain the following elements: sand, leaf soil, gravel or perlite.

The exact time for replanting is the appearance of roots from the drainage holes. This is a signal that the flower is cramped and needs a transplant.

The pot for replanting should be durable, with thick walls, preferably made of clay. Such parameters of the pot will increase its service life, because the roots of the plant easily penetrate thin walls, and massive foliage can upset the balance of a light pot.

The height of the container does not matter much, unlike the width. The correct width ensures rapid development and growth. At the very bottom of the pot you need to leave a sufficient layer for drainage.

Top dressing

Our sansevieria is fertilized in the hot summer and spring. For 1 month there is 1 feeding. As a useful substrate, you can use fertilizer with minerals for cacti or ornamental plants.

Fertilizers that contain a lot of nitrogen are harmful to the flower. Experienced gardeners advise diluting a mixture purchased in a store 2 times stronger than indicated in the instructions before use.

If there are patterns on your snake skin, then it is recommended to do the concentration 3 times less than indicated by the manufacturer. More intense feeding can lead to loss of pattern and deterioration in the appearance of the plant.