Scientific/Botanical Name:
Genus: Sansevieria
Specie: S. trifasciata
Variety/Cultivar:
English Name:
Common Name:
Snake plant, mother-in-laws tongue, tigers tail, sword of St. George
Botanical Family:
Name in Latin: Asparagaceae (formerly Ruscaceae)
Name in English: Asparagus Family
The Plant
Origin: Tropical West Africa
Growth Habit: herbaceous perennial, dense, spreading rhizomes.
Flower: greenish white on spikes, not significant
Blooming Period: spring
Leaf: stiff , vertical, from basal rosette, dark green with grey/ green cross banding, elliptical-entire
Usage:
Ornamental ( warmer climates) houseplant (cooler climates)
Care and Handling
Soil: standard potting soil
Amount of water: allow top inch of soil to dry our before watering, do not water leaves, overwatering causes root rot.
Nutrition: feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer, Dilute by 1/2
Special handling: Prefers dry air and soil, bright light to full sun, May cause skin irritation. Keep leaves dust free
Special feature/remarks:
In Africa plant is used as a protective charm against evil and bewitching. Poisonous if ingested. One of best plants to improve indoor air quality. Upward growth used for Feng shui purposes