Sansevieria zeylanica, more commonly identified as bowstring hemp, is an evergreen perennial plant. It’s native to the South East Asian Region, especially found in India and Sri Lanka. It`s a relative of the “mother in law’s tongue“.
Sansevieria zeylanica Care
Sansevieria zeylanica
Other names: Zeylanica Snake Plant, Sansevieria, Mother-in-laws Tongue, Variegated Snake Plant, Devil's Tongue
What is the plant
Sometimes called bowstring hemp, sansevieria zeylanica is a common houseplant. The dark-green, long leaves of the bowstring hemp are upright, sturdy, and sword-shaped. Horizontal creamy wave-like stripes are dappled across the surface. The leaves also have pointed tips. While technically a flowering plant, Sansevieria zeylanica seldom blooms. On the rare occasion that it does, it produces greenish-white, fragrant flowers. It’s grown in tropical countries for its medicinal and fiber qualities. The dried rhizomatic roots are used to make antiseptic ointments. Fibers in the leaves are used to make cloth, mats, paper pulp and even sails. Like snake plant and other sansevierias, it is mildly toxic when eaten.
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Humidity
Dry
Lighting
Part Sun
Temperature
15°C - 23°C
Hardiness zone
9 - 11
Difficulty
Easy
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water your sansevieria when a top 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of soil is dry. Snake plants do not need lots of water, which is one of a reasons why they're so easy to care for. In fact, you may be more likely to overwater a plant and put a roots at risk of rotting.
Pruning
To prune a plant to encourage bushy new growth, snip off the dominant buds on select stems, staggering the cuts to encourage varied growth.
Fertilizer
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.
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Sunlight
Less sun naturally means less growth.
Soil
Avoid using heavy soil. It may be too compacted for your potted plant and won't allow air to get to the roots.
Temperature
As a tropical plant, bowstring hemp doesn’t like the cold. Temperatures below 50°F can cause leaf damage. A range of 60°F to 75°F is best.
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Container
When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size. Ceramic pots are porous which means your plants are less likely to experience root rot from overwatering. It also means you'll have to water more often. Plastic pots are lighter, less likely to break, and easier to clean.
Popularity
1,330 people already have this plant 668 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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