Sansevieria zeylanica (Snake Plant) – Indoor Plants

Sansevieria zeylanica is a stemless evergreen perennial plant. Leaves are erect, fleshy, sharply-pointed, sword-shaped, deep green with light, gray-green horizontal stripes and are 18 – 30 inches or longer and 2.5 cm wide from a rhizomatous rootstock. It is an excellent plant for purifying the air and removing toxins from indoor environments. It is toxic if chewed or eaten. Keep away from children and animals.

Scientific Name: Sansevieria zeylanica
Common Names: Snake Plant, Ceylon Bowstring Hemp, Devil’s Tongue, Zeylanica Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.

How to grow and maintain Sansevieria zeylanica (Snake Plant):

Light:
It requires bright, filtered light and can stand plenty of direct sunlight but will adapt to low light conditions too.

Soil:
It thrives best in well-drained, sandy soil enriched with peaty compost.

Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Temperature:
It prefers an average to warm room temperatures 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 – 24 degrees Celsius. It will endure fluctuating temperatures, but not below 55 degrees Fahrenheit / 13 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize monthly during the active growth periods in the spring and summer, with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer. Try not to fertilize during the winter season.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by dividing up overcrowded clumps of leaves. Separate clusters of leaves from rootstock with a sharp blade or knife when the leaves are six inches long. Most clusters will have some roots attached and can be planted directly in the normal potting mixture. Also can be propagated by leaf cuttings.

Re-Potting:
Re-pot the plant during the spring season, only when plants get crowded and need dividing.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for bugs, spiders, and mealybugs.

Medicinal Uses of Sansevieria zeylanica:

• The dried rhizomes and roots provide material for antiseptic ointments.
• The roots are used for purgative, tonic, expectorant and anti-fever remedies.
• The Sansevieria zeylanica is used traditionally in the treatment of septic wounds.