[Ebook Việt Hoá] Houseplant Party (Lisa Eldred Steinkopf) – SNAKE PLANT: Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bantel’s Sensation’

It may surprise you to know that the snake plant has received a lot of bad press in the past. Sur- prising because this plant has become a collectible, with new cultivars being created all the time. It also has the common name mother-in-law’s tongue because of the sharp edges of its leaves, which doesn’t paint mothers-in-law in a good light. The snake plant is commonly used as a low-light plant, though it can often be found perishing in dark corners. While these Afri- can succulents will survive in low light for a few years, they much prefer high light. In enough light they may even send out bloom stalks, and their strong underground stems (rhizomes) may grow so zealously that they break the container they are growing in!

Snake plants are thick-leaved succulents. They’re quite drought tolerant and don’t want to be kept in a wet potting medium. If you feel it may need moisture but are not sure, err on the dry side to be safe.

Propagate your snake plant by cutting a single leaf in 2-inch (5-cm) increments and plant- ing each piece in moist potting soil, first allowing the cut end(s) to callus over for a few days. (Please note: Bantel’s Sensation [shown] will not grow with the variegation from propagated leaves as it is a chimera plant. Dividing the plant is best.) A baby snake plant will appear as long as you make sure to plant the bottom side of the leaf in the medium. Your snake plant can also be propagated from offsets, separating the baby plants that will rise from the potting medium. You will need a knife to cut through the rhizomes.