Sansevieria, plant care and growing guide

Sansevieria is a genus that includes succulent plants from the Agave family, originating from Kenya, Madagascar, Angola, and Namibia. It includes about 70 species of plants with lanceolate, green, flat, or cylindrical leaves, in the form of a narrow rosette, with more or less vertical growth. Adult plants form white flowers in spring, which are small 0.5-1 cm and arranged in spikes. In pots, it can grow to a height of 1.2 m in 10 years and has a longevity of several decades.

Species and varieties. Of the 70 species of this genus, the most common are:

Sansevieria trifasciata has long, flat, sharp, dark green leaves with silvery-gray transverse stripes. It has several varieties: Laurentii, with leaves with yellow edges; Twist, with twisted leaves; Golden Hahnii, with splayed leaves and low growth.
Sansevieria cylindrica has long, cylindrical, wrapped leaves that grow vertically.
Sansevieria grandis is distinguished through its very wide leaves.

Light. Sansevieria prefers bright places, so it is recommended to place it near a window, but away from direct sunlight.

Temperature. It can withstand various temperatures, between 12-20º C, up to 25º C. At lower temperatures, its growth is stopped.

Humidity. It has no specific requirements for atmospheric humidity, so the plant does not require spraying it with water. It is recommended, however, to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

Substrate. The substrate must allow good water drainage.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Watering

Water should be added moderately, once every two weeks during the growing season and monthly during the winter, but the time intervals may differ depending on the environmental conditions. It tolerates lack of water more easily than excessive watering, which can cause the leaves to rot at the base.

Fertilization

During May-September, a special fertilizer can be administered for cacti and succulents, but in winter, fertilization should stop.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Repotting

You can move the plant to a larger pot once every 2-4 years. It has thick, strong roots that can break the pot if it becomes too small.

Propagation

Sansevieria can be propagated by dividing the bush or through cuttings of leaf fragments. The cuttings must have a length of 7-10 cm. Before planting, they are kept for 1-2 days to heal the cuts. The cuttings should then be planted in a substrate made of peat and sand, at a depth of 2-3 cm, in a vertical position. Rooting takes place at an optimal temperature of 25º C and takes 2 months. Optimal ventilation must be assured to prevent seedlings from rotting.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
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Pests and diseases

Mealybugs can infest the plant. They can be controlled by applying treatments with specific insecticides.

In addition:
  • it is a plant that grows very well indoors.
  • it needs a spacious pot due to its large rhizomes.
  • to improve water drainage, a fine layer of gravel can be placed at the base of the pot.
  • plants obtained through cuttings do not have yellow edges.
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