Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
Common Name: viper’s bowstring hemp
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Native Range: Nigeria
Zone: 10 to 12
Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors
Bloom Description: Greenish-white
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Fruit: Showy
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 10-12.This is an easy-to-grow houseplant that tolerates a wide range of cultural and environmental conditions. It prefers warm, sunny locations, but tolerates some shade. Protect from hot afternoon sun. Best grown in a soil based potting mix. Water regularly during the growing season, with significantly reduced watering from fall to late winter. Do not pour water on the center of the rosette. Wider than normal clay pots are often used to make sure this tall and narrow plant is stable and does not topple over. Indoor plants may be taken to shady outside locations in summer.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sansevieria trifasciata, commonly called snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is native to tropical western Africa. It is a stemless evergreen perennial that, with proper care, will last for many years. In its native habitat, plant foliage may rise to as much as 4’ tall, but is often smaller (to 2’ tall) on indoor plants. Erect, fleshy, sharply-pointed, sword-shaped leaves are deep green with light gray-green horizontal stripes. Leaves rise stiffly in a rosette from a thick rhizome. Small fragrant greenish-white flowers bloom on mature plants in spring, followed by orange berries. Flowers and fruit rarely appear on indoor plants. ‘Laurentii’ leaves have yellow edges.
Genus name honors an 18th-century Italian patron of horticulture.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Overwatering often causes root rot. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.
Garden Uses
Good low-maintenance indoor plant.
Selected from: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b617
Sold at Nassau County Master Gardener Plant Sale
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