Sansevieria are some of the easiest plants to maintain, and while they thrive with a small degree of neglect, they still deliver on style. Also known as Sansevieria trifasciata, the Zeylanica Snake Plant has tall, broad leaves that are thin. The coloration of the foliage alternates between dark and light green. Snake Plants are slow growers but are very adaptable and can live in various conditions.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Sansevieria Trifasciata Zeylanica, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for. Sansevieria Trifasciata Zeylanica is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is also commonly found in other parts of Africa such as Senegal, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Here are some care tips:
It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet, making it a perfect choice for both small and large indoor spaces. Sanseverias are related to Dracaena plants, so this plant is also known as Dracaen trifasciata Zeylanica.
The Zeylanica Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciate) is not particularly sun-loving and prefers indirect light, though it can tolerate low-light conditions, making it an extremely versatile plant. It’s a low-maintenance plant, making it ideal for beginners and busy individuals. There are many Sansevieria varieties, including some rare beauties, such as the high-demand Sansevieria Samurai and Sansevieria Fernwood.
Symbolically, snake plants are known for their protective qualities and are often associated with good luck and positive energy, especially in Feng Shiu practices. However, it’s important to note that Zeylanica trifasiata is toxic to pets if ingested, so it should be placed out of reach of cats and dogs.
II. How to Grow and Care
Light and Temperature
For indoor growers, your best bet is to provide as much light as you can. A sunny window is a good choice. If you don’t have lots of sunlight pouring in, provide bright indirect lighting. Your Sansevieria zeylanica may be darker green in color if in lower light.
Outdoors, bright and direct sunlight is good, most of the time. The peak of summer and the intense, scorching sun can cause the edges of leaves to yellow. Plants grown outdoors may be lighter in color. The natural patterning may be less distinct as well.
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.
Water and Humidity
Sansevieria zeylanica thrives in semi-arid to humid environments. Indoor growers will find that a pebble tray with water beneath the plant’s pot is a good idea. This increases the ambient humidity around the plant.
Outdoors, a damp mulch around the plants will provide a little extra humidity. You’ll want to avoid overwatering, though – remove and soak the mulch in water, then put it back around the plant.
Watering should be done once the soil has dried out. Do a deep, thorough soaking of your plants once the soil’s dry. If watering potted bowstring hemp, stop once you see water coming out of the pot’s base. For in-ground plants, water slowly and deeply to a depth of at least 3-4″.
Over the winter months, you can reduce your watering frequency. The plant goes dormant during the winter and won’t need as much. It will need more water during its active growth phase in the spring and summer.
Soil
A well-draining sandy loam is perfect for your plant. The loam will absorb and hold some moisture between watering. Sandier soils drain off excess water very well. Avoid standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer
Light feeders, the sansevieria zeylanica doesn’t need much fertilizer at all. A half-strength or lower feeding of general-purpose plant fertilizer monthly is plenty. In fact, many people do a single slow-release granular feeding in the spring and it does just fine!
Pruning
As a general rule, there isn’t much pruning needed for your bowstring hemp. If the leaves on the outside of the plant fall over, you can cut them with a sterilized hori-hori knife or pruning shears. Usually one or two leaves will flop over as the plant becomes more crowded in its pot. If they’re healthy leaves, use them as cuttings!
Otherwise, the only pruning you’ll need to do is to remove dead or damaged leaves. This should be relatively rare. You may be able to just trim off the damage if it’s only at the tip of a leaf. If it’s along the entire leaf, remove it at the soil level.
Propagation
Propagation of sansavieria zeylanica is exactly like snake plant propagation. Leaf cuttings or division are the only reliable methods.
Repotting
Like the snake plant, your bowstring hemp likes to be slightly root-bound. Transplant only when it starts showing signs of yellowing or leaf loss.
Should you need to transplant your plant, prepare a sandy loam that’s well-draining. Pick a pot one inch wider than your current one. Then, remove your plant from its old pot. Use your fingertips to lightly open up the root mass, dusting away older soil. Repot in new soil at the depth it was originally planted. The old soil can be added to your compost pile.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Only two pests are common on the bowstring hemp: mealybugs and spider mites. Both are sucking pests which drink the juices stored in the plant’s leaves.
While neither is likely to transmit diseases, they can make the leaves unappealing. It’s important to get rid of the pests when they appear.
For mealybugs, a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to remove small quantities. An insecticidal soap blended with pyrethrin can be used for large infestations. Spider mites can be treated with the insecticidal soap too. Neem oil will prevent both.
Common Diseases
Root rot is the only major concern for your bowstring hemp plants. Caused by overwatering, it is easily preventable. Make sure your soil readily drains off excess water. If the leaves look full and vigorous, and the soil is lightly moist, you can skip watering until it becomes drier.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Adds a modern touch and purifies the air making it perfect for living rooms and offices
- Promoting better sleep, Dracaena Zeylanica is ideal for bedrooms
- Low-maintenance and easy to care for makes it suitable for novice gardeners
- Its upright growth makes it ideal for small apartments and other compact spaces
