Sanseveria

Mother in Laws Tongue, or Snake Plant

An old time favorite that long fell out of fashion, Sanseveria is back - big time! There are new and improved types of this plant that are better than ever. This is one of those plants that doesn't get any credit - they're tough, resilient, textural and really hard to kill.

This makes them the perfect plant for challenging conditions in dorms, apartments and other dwellings where they might get neglected. Luckily, Sanseveria trifasciata varieties are easy to grow, gorgeously structural and modern looking, and very striking when well grown.

Many named species are commonly sold in 'succulent collections' that are found in box stores and supermarkets.

They prefer to be slightly pot bound, so don't be in too much of a hurry to transplant them. They'll only rarely bloom, and only if they're really crowded. Blooming isn't their main attraction anyway - their gorgeous stripy upright leaves are why they're grown.

A bright window, or even a not so bright area will be fine for these tough plants. You've most likely seen them in shopping malls, offices and other not so accomodating places for plants, and happily, they'll continue to thrive and produce those sturdy, stripy leaves.

For watering, they prefer to be on the dry side. Any plant with the same type of fleshy roots has the ability to go long periods without much water. When you do water, don't tease - make it a good dousing. Clean the leaves periodically with a damp cloth to keep them glossy, as well as making sure they can breathe. Don't use any of the common types of leaf shine products - mix a small amount of milk with water to shine them up without stifling them in the process.

More spiky, strappy succulents:

Succulents

Succulent Plants

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