Cultivate with ease: The resilient allure of Sansevieria
Sansevieria, known as "mother-in-law's tongue," is a popular and attractive houseplant. Due to its resilience, it is a favoured choice for home cultivation. Learn how to care for and straightforwardly propagate sansevieria.
Sansevieria, often found in homes, is also known as "mother-in-law's tongue." This incredibly hardy plant originates from West Africa, where conditions are unfavourable for many other plants. Consequently, it has become an ideal choice for those who appreciate easy-care plants.
Sansevieria has a long history as a houseplant. The first specimens arrived in Europe thanks to the Italian aristocrat Raimondo de Sango, who, fascinated by their beauty, brought them to Naples. Since then, Sansevieria has been a constant presence in European homes, adding an exotic touch to interiors.
How to propagate sansevieria from leaves?
The first step is to cut a leaf from the parent plant. This should be done with a sharp knife or scissors, which should be disinfected beforehand. Then, cut the leaf into smaller pieces (about 5-8 centimetres) and arrange them according to polarity. What does this mean? Polarity means that roots will only develop from the morphologically lower part. Therefore, when placing the cut leaf pieces, we must remember or mark where the "top" and "bottom" are. Otherwise, the plant will not produce new roots. The next step is to prepare a container with water, such as a jar or a cup. Place the prepared sansevieria leaves in the container. It's a good idea to attach them to the edge of the container, preventing the leaf from being completely submerged in water and rotting. The plant should root in about 3 weeks. At that point, we transplant it into pots.
How to propagate sansevieria from rhizome?
Sansevieria can also be propagated from rhizomes. To do this, gently remove the plant from the pot, loosen the soil, and clean the roots. Then, divide the plant into smaller parts. If necessary, use a knife to separate the Sansevieria. Place the prepared seedlings in separate pots and water them abundantly.
How to cultivate sansevieria?
Sansevieria cultivation is extremely simple, making it ideal for people just beginning their journey with plants. The key to success is providing the right lighting conditions. Sansevieria thrives in full sun but also grows well in partial shade and even in less well-lit places. Thanks to this, we can practically place it in any corner of our home and enjoy its presence.
In terms of temperature, sansevieria prefers warmth. Ideal conditions are about 21-24°C in the summer, and winter shouldn't be cooler than 16°C. This means it can grow comfortably in our home year-round without requiring additional heating or special care procedures.
One of the most important aspects of caring for Sansevieria is watering. Although it requires little water, it's important not to overdo it. In the summer, it should be watered every 7-10 days, while in the winter, once every three weeks is sufficient. Above all, do not leave excess water in the pot, as this can lead to root rot.
