Growing Sansevieria: Easy care tips for a hardy houseplant

Sansevieria, often found in our homes, is also called "mother-in-law's tongue." This extremely hardy plant originates from West Africa, where conditions are unfavourable for other plants. That's why it has become ideal for those who appreciate easy care.

Sansevieria's history as a houseplant dates back many centuries. The first specimens arrived in Europe thanks to the Italian aristocrat Raimondo de Sango, who, fascinated by their beauty, brought them to Naples. Since then, Sansevieria has been consistently present in European homes, bringing a touch of the exotic to interiors.

The first step is to cut a leaf from the parent plant. This should be done with a sharp knife or scissors, which should be disinfected beforehand. Then, cut the leaf into smaller pieces (about 5-8 centimetres) and arrange them according to polarity. What does this mean? Polarity means that roots will only develop from their morphologically lower part. Therefore, when placing the cut leaf pieces, we must remember or mark where the "top" and "bottom" are. Otherwise, the plant will not produce new roots. The next step is to prepare a container with water, a jar or a cup. Place the prepared sansevieria leaves in the container. It's a good idea to attach them to the edge of the container, preventing the leaf from being completely submerged in water and rotting. The plant should root in about three weeks. At that point, we transplant it into pots.

Sansevieria can also be propagated from the rhizome. To do this, gently remove the plant from the pot, loosen the soil, and clean the roots. Then, divide the plant into smaller parts. If necessary, use a knife to separate the Sansevieria. Place the prepared seedlings in separate pots and water them abundantly.

Sansevieria cultivation is extremely simple, making it ideal for people just starting their journey with plants. The key to success is providing the right lighting conditions. Sansevieria thrives in full sun but grows well in partial shade and less-lit places. Thanks to this, we can practically place it in any corner of our home and enjoy its presence.

Sansevieria prefers warmth. Ideal summer temperatures are about 21-24°C, and winter temperatures shouldn't be cooler than 16°C. Thus, it can grow comfortably in our apartments year-round without requiring additional heating or special care procedures.

One of the most important aspects of caring for Sansevieria is watering. Although it requires little water, it's important not to overdo it. In the summer, it should be watered every 7-10 days, while in the winter, once every three weeks is sufficient. Above all, do not leave excess water in the pot, as this can lead to root rot.