The mother in law’s tongue plant, also known as the snake plant or Sansevieria trifasciata is a popular and easy to care for houseplant. This sturdy succulent is known for its upright sword-shaped leaves that come in green, yellow, or variegated varieties.
Overview of Mother In Law’s Tongue Plants
Native to tropical West Africa, mother in law’s tongue is an evergreen perennial that can grow up to 6 feet tall outdoors but is more commonly kept 3-4 feet tall indoors. The long, rigid leaves emerge from the soil in a rosette pattern. Each leaf can grow 1-3 feet long and 4-6 inches wide.
This plant is called mother in law’s tongue due to its sharp, pointed leaves. It also goes by the names snake plant, Saint George’s sword, or viper’s bowstring hemp. There are over 70 species and cultivars to choose from, featuring colors like green, yellow, black, twisted, striped, and patterned leaves.
Some of the most popular cultivars include
- Laurentii – Green leaves with yellow edges
- Futura Robusta – Green leaves with grayish stripes
- Black Gold – Dark green leaves with bright yellow edges
- Golden Hahnii – Dwarf variety with yellow leaves
- Bantel’s Sensation – Narrow leaves with white stripes
Benefits of Mother In Law’s Tongue Plants
The mother in law’s tongue is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Here are some of the benefits of adding this plant to your home:
- Clean air – Filters toxins like benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde
- Low light – Tolerates low light and infrequent watering
- Low maintenance – Very forgiving of occasional neglect
- Unique look – Architectural shape adds interest to decor
- Pet-friendly – Non-toxic to dogs and cats (if not ingested)
How to Care for Mother In Law’s Tongue Plants
Caring for a mother in law’s tongue plant is simple. Just provide the basics like proper soil, sunlight, water, and temperature. Here are some care tips:
Light
Mother in law’s tongue thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Provide at least 2-4 hours of sunlight daily. Leaves may get thin and floppy with insufficient light.
Water
Water thoroughly only when the top 50% of soil is dry. About every 2-3 weeks in summer and monthly in winter. The leaves will yellow if overwatered.
Soil
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. Add perlite to improve drainage.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are 70°F to 90°F. Avoid cold drafts. Can go as low as 50°F at night.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted by half.
Humidity
Average room humidity is fine. No need to mist.
Pot
Pick a pot with drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when rootbound.
Pruning
Remove dead leaves as needed. Prune leggy growth to shape the plant.
Propagating Mother In Law’s Tongue
Propagating new mother in law’s tongue plants from cuttings is quite easy. Here are a few methods:
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Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy leaf. Allow to dry for 1-2 days. Plant in soil.
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Remove an offset (pup) from the main plant. Replant offset in its own pot.
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Place a leaf cutting in a jar of water. Plant in soil once roots develop.
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Divide the rootball and repot sections in smaller pots. Each section needs some roots and leaves.
New plants should be kept moist, not soaked, until established. Then follow usual care.
Common Problems with Mother In Law’s Tongue
Mother in law’s tongue is quite hardy, but can experience a few issues:
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Yellow leaves – Sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Brown leaf tips – Also caused by too much moisture. Cut off damaged areas.
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Mushy black leaves – Root rot from wet soil. Repot in new dry soil. Remove mushy roots.
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Drooping leaves – Can indicate too little light. Move to a brighter location.
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Pests – Mealybugs, mites, and scales can sometimes occur. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Leggy growth – Prune long stems back to reshape plant and encourage bushiness.
Tips for Growing Mother In Law’s Tongue
Here are some additional tips to help your mother in law’s tongue thrive:
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Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get light exposure.
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Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free.
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Add pebbles to the bottom of the pot for extra drainage.
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Mist the plant occasionally to boost humidity.
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Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.
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Prune off any flowers or seed pods to encourage leaf growth.
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Repot every 2-3 years as the plant becomes root bound.
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Propagate new plants to create full, bushy potted arrangements.
Is Mother In Law’s Tongue Toxic?
The mother in law’s tongue plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans when ingested. It contains saponins that can cause digestive issues if eaten. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats.
Cats may try nibbling on the leaves due to the plant’s resemblance to grass. Dogs may chew the rigid foliage. The plant sap can also irritate the skin and eyes if handled without care.
As long as humans and pets do not ingest any part of the plant, the mother in law’s tongue is perfectly safe to grow in homes and offices. Simply keep it out of reach of nibbling pets.
Where to Display Mother In Law’s Tongue Plants
Here are some ideal spots to showcase a mother in law’s tongue plant:
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Entryway – Makes a striking welcome greeting
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Bathroom – Tolerates steamy humid conditions
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Bedroom – Cleanses air while you sleep
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Living room – Adds greenery to brighten décor
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Office – Withstands fluorescent lighting
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Kitchen – Brings nature to cooking space
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Dorm room – Thrives with low care
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Coffee table – Makes an easy centerpiece
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Bookshelves – Looks great on top amidst books
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Patio – Accent for outdoor seating area
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Yard – Tropical focal point in garden beds
Interesting Facts About Mother In Law’s Tongue
- Native to tropical Africa, not Florida as commonly believed
- Has over 70 different species and cultivars
- Is part of the Asparagaceae family along with dracaena and asparagus
- Used to make bowstrings and plant fiber ropes in Africa
- Has thick waxy leaves that store water like a cactus
- Removes toxins from air like benzene and formaldehyde
- Can bloom tiny fragrant white flowers outdoors
- Was used as arrows due to stiff pointed leaves
- Has air purifying properties according to NASA research
- Ideal for beginners due to its easy care requirements
- Can live for many years with proper care and occasional division
The mother in law’s tongue makes a fantastic low maintenance houseplant for beginners and busy gardeners. Its sculptural shape works in almost any indoor space. With proper watering and sunlight, you can enjoy this tropical succulent for many years to come.
How To Care For A Snake Plant | Mother In Laws Tongue Plant Care
FAQ
What is the difference between snake plant and mother-in-law tongue?
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Sugar Creek Gardenshttps://sugarcreekgardens.comSansevieria Snake Plant or Mother-In-Law’s Tongue – Sugar Creek Gardens
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Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.com7 Benefits of Keeping Snake Plants In Your Home – HealthlineJan 24, 2022 — The snake plant, commonly referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a resilient succulent that can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several feet. .
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Cori Searshttps://corisears.caHow to Grow Snake Plants (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)Snake plants, also commonly called ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’, are one of my favourite houseplants because they are low-maintenance and hard-to-kill. … Up until…
Does Mother-in-law’s tongue plant need sun?
- Ideal: Bright, indirect light is best. This means a location where the plant receives plenty of light but isn’t directly exposed to the sun’s rays.
- Good: Can tolerate low light conditions, but growth will be slower.
- Not Ideal: Direct sunlight can cause yellowing and leaf damage.
- Acclimation: When moving the plant from low to high light or vice versa, do it gradually to avoid shock.
Where should I place a snake plant in my house?
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Best:Near an east or south-facing window where they can receive bright, indirect light.
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Good:In spots with lower light, like a corner away from direct sunlight.
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Important Considerations:
- Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Avoid overwatering, especially in low-light conditions.
- Consider the plant’s overall health and aesthetic placement when choosing a location.
- Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
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Feng Shui:Some believe placing a snake plant in the south corner (fame area) or east corner (wealth area) can bring positive energy, according to Homes and Gardens.
Is mother-in-law tongue a good indoor plant?
They’re hardy, slow growing, require minimal maintenance and will tolerate low levels of light, making them ideal for growing indoors. They’re great for beginner gardeners! Their upright leaves mean they take up minimal room, so they’re perfect plants for small and narrow spaces.
What is a mother-in-law’s tongue?
The mother-in-law’s tongue, also called snake plant or Sansevieria Trifasciata, is a popular houseplant. This hardy indoor succulent plant can survive low light conditions, drought, and some neglect. The snake plant is identified by its long, upright sword-shaped green leaves with yellow margins.
How do you care for a mother in law tongue plant?
Light: Will thrive in most light conditions, even low light. To avoid bleaching, don’t move the plant from low to bright light too quickly. Water: Water the soil only, taking care not to get any water on the leaves or the centre of the rosette of leaves. This can cause rot. Should I mist my mother in law tongue plant?
Is mother-in-law’s tongue a good houseplant?
With its upright sword-like leaves and nearly indestructible nature it’s no wonder Mother-In-Law’s Tongue is such a popular houseplant. Also called snake plant or sansevieria, this sturdy succulent tolerates neglect like a pro yet thrives with minimal care. Read on to master growing and caring for this beginner-friendly plant.
What is a mother in law tongue plant?
The Mother in Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a hardy and unique plant known for its upright, sword-like leaves that can range in color from dark green to variegated patterns of yellow and light green. This plant is an excellent choice for indoor gardening as it thrives with minimal attention.
Is a mother-in-law’s tongue a snake plant?
Mother-in-law’s tongues and snake plants are actually different varieties of Sansevieria trifasciata. If your plant has a yellow border to its leaves, it’s a mother-in-law’s tongue. If it has green leaves with lighter colored horizontal bands, then it’s a snake plant.
Is mother-in-law’s tongue a perennial?
Native to tropical Africa, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is an evergreen perennial plant in the asparagus family It forms dense clumps of stiff, erect leaves that emerge from thick rhizomes underground The leaves are banded light and dark green with a sharp point.