The Rare and Beautiful Flowers of Mother-In-Law’s Tongue Plants

The mother-in-law’s tongue plant, also known as the snake plant or Sansevieria, is a popular houseplant known for its striking leaves and hardy nature. What many don’t know is that this plant can occasionally produce delicate flowers on tall stalks, treating its owner to a spectacular floral display.

Do Mother-In-Law’s Tongue Plants Flower?

While rare mother-in-law’s tongue plants can and do flower. Out of the 70 species in the Sansevieria genus most can produce flowers, with a few exceptions like the bird’s nest Sansevieria.

Don’t be surprised if you’ve owned one of these plants for years without any sign of flowers Blooms tend to appear randomly and may only occur once every few decades When they do emerge, it’s a special occasion.

What Do the Flowers Look Like?

The flowers of mother-in-law’s tongue plants arise on tall, erect stalks reaching up to 3 feet in height. Clusters of dozens of tiny, tubular blossoms develop along the length of these stalks, resembling lily or honeysuckle flowers.

Some species produce flowers right from the base rather than on a stalk. The slim petals come in white, green, yellow, or reddish hues, depending on variety. They make a stunning statement when they appear amongst the striking spiky leaves.

When Does Flowering Occur?

If your mother-in-law’s tongue plant produces blooms, it will likely only flower once a year at most, typically in the spring. The blossoms last a few weeks before dying back. In some cases, orange berries then develop where the flowers once were.

While flowering is unpredictable, when conditions are right, you may be treated to flowers each spring. But there’s no guarantee your plant will ever bloom.

Why Do These Plants Flower?

What triggers flowering in the snake plant is not fully understood. However, there are a few factors believed to help

• Age – Older, mature plants are more likely to bloom than younger ones.

• Root bound conditions – Becoming pot bound can stress the plant and shift energy toward flowering.

• Light – Bright light provides energy needed for blooming.

• Low water – Mild drought stress may encourage flowers.

• High phosphorus fertilizer – Phosphorus boosts blooming.

So a combination of maturity, adequate sunlight, mild neglect, and a touch of fertilizer may coax out the elusive blooms. But sadly, there is no sure way to make these plants flower.

Fragrance and Other Details

The flowers produce a powerful, sweet fragrance that perfumes the whole room when they emerge. Their nectar frequently attracts pests though.

Rest assured, the plant won’t die after flowering. And you can cut off spent flower stalks to keep it looking tidy.

For most snake plant owners, encountering the delicate flowers is a rare surprise. But if your plant is mature and cared for properly, with a bit of neglect at times, you may just get to experience these unique blooms. If you do, enjoy their fleeting beauty while it lasts!