Plants

mother in law plant : Complete Guide and Care Tips

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The Complete Guide to Mother-in-Law Plant: Care Tips and More

If you’re looking for a houseplant that is easy to care for, low-maintenance and looks great, then mother-in-law plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) might be just what you need. Known by several other common names such as snake plant, viper’s bowstring hemp or Saint George’s sword, this evergreen perennial plant has become a popular choice among gardeners in recent years due to its aesthetic appeal and air-purifying properties.

Origin and Description

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Mother-in-law plant is native to West Africa but can now be found in many parts of the world. This tropical beauty features long green leaves with distinctive yellow markings on the margins that resemble snake skin patterns. The leaves grow upright from rhizomes (underground stems), making it an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor potted plants or as ground cover in warm climates.

Care Tips

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If you’re thinking about growing Sansevieria trifasciata at home, here are some tips to keep your mother-in-law happy:

  • Light: Mother-in-law plants prefer bright but indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
  • Watering: Snake plants are drought-tolerant so they don’t require frequent watering. You should water them only when the soil feels dry to touch.
  • Fertilization: Fertilize once in every two months during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half strength.
  • Potting Soil: Use well-draining potting soil mix that contains perlite or sand to prevent water-logging.
  • Temperature: Sansevieria trifasciata can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, being able to thrive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Purifying Properties

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One of the most appealing benefits of growing Sansevieria trifasciata is its ability to purify indoor air by filtering toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and trichloroethylene. According to a study conducted by NASA scientists, snake plants are among the top houseplants for improving indoor air quality due to their high oxygen production rate and efficiency in removing harmful pollutants from the atmosphere.

Pest and Diseases Control

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Like any other plant, mother-in-law plant can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites or mealybugs that feed on its leaves and stem. You can control them by using neem oil spray or wiping off with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol solution. Additionally, avoid overwatering your snake plant since it may lead to root rot which is difficult to cure.

Varieties Available:

If you’re interested in expanding your collection of Sansevieria trifasciata plants beyond the common green-yellow variety that most people have seen before then here are some other options:

  • Sansevieria Moonshine: This variety has light silver-green foliage with dark green margins.
  • Sansevieria Black Coral: As its name suggests this variety features dark green almost black foliage.
  • Sansevieria Golden Hahnii: This dwarf cultivar is perfect for small spaces with short, wide leaves that are yellow-green in the center.
  • Sansevieria Laurentii: This variety has dark green foliage with yellow margins that give it a striking appearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sansevieria trifasciata is an excellent plant for those who want to add some greenery to their homes without too much effort. With its air-purifying properties and attractive form, it’s not hard to see why this plant has become so popular. By following the care tips outlined above you can enjoy this beautiful plant for years to come.

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