When they talk about the houseplant "Mother-in-law's tongue" or "Pike's tail", then many inhabitants have long, unattractive leaves of a marsh-green color in front of their eyes. But experienced flower growers know not only about the benefits of maintaining Sansevieria, but also about various unusual plant varieties that anyone can like. In this article, we will introduce you to the most popular types and varieties of Sansevieria, and also tell you about the rules for caring for this unpretentious flower at home.
Temperature
Sansevieria is absolutely indifferent to temperature changes. In summer, she feels great at temperatures from 18 to 25 ° C, and in winter from 14 to 16 ° C, but not lower than 10 °. From a low temperature, growth can slow down or even stop altogether.
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Similar flowers
Sansevieria is a very beautiful plant. But there are some types of flowers that look similar to her. Here are 5 of them:
- Hyacinth.
- Sansevieria Duneri.
- Sansevieria fenvord Black.
- Sansevieria Grandis.
- Sansevieria Silver Moon.
From the above, it can be seen that Sansevieria Laurenti is an unpretentious and convenient plant for growing at home... And with its appearance, it is able to decorate absolutely any room.
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Watering and humidity
When caring for sansevieria at home, it is worth remembering that the plant cannot be transfused. That is, watering should be moderate and only after the earthen coma dries up. In the summer period, once every seven days is enough, and in the winter - about once a month, but we must not forget that if the plant is standing next to the battery, then watering is carried out as the soil dries up.
Important!
When watering a flower, make sure that water does not fall into the center of the outlet, otherwise it threatens with decay of the sansevieria.
This houseplant normally tolerates dry air in apartments, and the dust that forms on the leaves can be wiped off with warm water.
Care rules
Sansevieria is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, undemanding content. Therefore, it is often installed in offices. However, not everyone knows about the beneficial properties of the plant. Sansevieria leaves well clean the air of premises from harmful impurities, saturate it with oxygen. It is believed that the plant is able to reduce aggression, instill calmness in people, and mobilize mental abilities. Therefore, it is useful to breed "mother-in-law's tongue" not only at home, but also in offices. It is recommended to plant flowers in long pots in office and industrial premises so that they form a kind of partitions.
Lighting
Mother-in-law's tongue is not picky about lighting, it can grow in light and in partial shade. It is only necessary to take into account that in the shade, the color of the leaves becomes paler, the stripes are less expressive. Also, you can not abruptly rearrange the pot with the plant in the bright sun. It should be taught to light gradually, shading from the bright rays of the sun.In summer, we advise you to take the flower out to the balcony or loggia, protecting it from direct sunlight, drafts and rain.
Temperature
The comfortable temperature for Sansevieria will be in the range from 18 to 25 degrees. In winter, the flower feels great when it drops to 12-16 degrees. But temperatures below ten degrees can harm the plant, and it will die. At low winter temperatures, plant growth stops.
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Watering and moisturizing
The pike tail is one of those plants that are not afraid of drought. Therefore, she feels comfortable in offices, where she can stay without watering for a week or more. The plant is more afraid of excessive watering, stagnation of water in the pot. Therefore, the following watering schedule is suitable for him:
- in summer - once a week
- in winter - once a month.
Watering should be along the edge of the pot, avoiding water getting into the outlet of the leaves, otherwise decay may begin. You should also pour water from the sump, avoiding stagnant water.
Does not require Sansevieria and spraying, since its leaves have a dense skin. But in summer, it is advisable to periodically wipe the leaves with a damp sponge, sometimes arrange a warm shower in the bathroom.
In the summer, once a month, a flower is watered with mineral fertilizers for succulents, taking half of the recommended dose.
Transplant and soil
The plant does not need to be repotted frequently. A sign of the need to enlarge the pot is the roots crawling out of the pot. Sansevier's roots do not grow in depth, but in breadth. Therefore, the pot is selected wide and stable. This is especially true for Sansevieria varieties with long leaves. Also, a growing container must be bought with thick walls, preferably made of ceramics. Otherwise, the thin plastic pot will soon crack under the pressure of overgrown roots.
Earthen mixture for Sansevieria should consist of the following components:
- leafy ground (2 hours);
- sod land (2 hours);
- coarse sand (1 hour).
A thick layer of drainage is necessarily poured onto the bottom of the pot. It can be expanded clay, pebbles, small shards or pieces of brick.
Important! After transplanting, the plant cannot be watered immediately. Watering is carried out after a few days.
Top dressing
It is enough to feed Sansevieria with liquid fertilizer for cacti in the spring-summer period once a month. For feeding, dilute the fertilizer in water in a ratio of 2: 1, and for varieties with pronounced stripes 3: 1, otherwise, due to an excess of feeding, the “mother-in-law's tongue” may lose its color.
Advice!
For better flower growth, it is worth using a soil consisting of leafy, turfy land and sand in proportions of 2: 2: 1.
Growing problems
Sansevieria is easy to care for, if the minimum conditions are met, problems should not arise. Most often, the difficulties are explained by similar reasons.
- If the leaves have brown spots ...
Dry spots can be scars due to trauma, wet spots and deformation of the leaf plates are one of the signs of decay. Inspect the underground part of the plant, if necessary, cut off the rotten segments, sprinkle with crushed coal, change the soil and normalize the watering regime.
- If the leaves of the sansevieria are soft ...
With a simultaneous change in color - yellowing, darkening of the leaves, we can talk about waterlogging. This can happen from watering in cool weather, just hypothermia, excess moisture. If the leaves have not changed in color, but have dried up, it is probably on the contrary that the plant is experiencing a drought! Frostbite may also be the cause. So, if a leaf is in contact with a frosty window, it may darken and become soft.
- If the leaves become discolored, they turn pale ...
This phenomenon is sometimes observed when the flower becomes cramped in the pot, or it does not have enough light for photosynthesis.In this case, the leaves are not deformed, but they lose color.
Now you know that the mother-in-law's tongue is a flower, which is called sansevier in botany, is completely unpretentious. The main factors that form a healthy plant are temperature and watering.
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Sansevieria transplant
Often transplanting sansevieria is not worth it, just once every two to three years is enough. For this plant, small, but wide and deep pots are suitable, since the roots grow in width. Repotting is recommended when roots begin to emerge from the soil.
Important!
The roots of sansevieria love tightness and if transplanted, then the pot should be no more than 10% larger than the previous one.
Photo
Further in the photo you can see what the flower looks like.
Reproduction of sansevieria
How to properly propagate sansevieria at home? This plant reproduces quite easily:
- leafy cuttings.
If you wait a long time before the transplant, then this option will do. Small pieces are cut from an old leaf of a houseplant, about 5-7 cm perpendicular to the veins. For this method, it is worth taking exactly the rosette leaf that will no longer release new leaves.
Cuttings obtained by this method are not immediately planted, they are given time to dry out a little, and then they should be buried in wet sand by a third of the cutting and cover the plant with a film or a glass jar. Watering takes place through the pallet. Rooting of cuttings occurs after 6 to 8 weeks. The temperature regime should be kept from 21 to 25 ° C.
Note!
With this method of transplanting, the top and bottom of leaf cuttings should not be confused. If the sansevieria is planted the other way around, then, accordingly, the roots will not wait. This transplant method will not preserve the color of the three-lane sansevieria;
- by dividing the root.
This method is preferable when transplanting sansevieria. For this, an adult plant must be carefully removed from the pot. Clear the roots from the ground by blurring. Using a knife, you need to separate the side offspring. Cut the root system of the sansevieria, leaving 7-10 cm.
In order for moisture to evaporate less, the leaves of the cut are shortened to 30 cm. Places of cuts should be sprinkled with crushed coal and dried for several hours in a shady, ventilated place. Plant the separated seedlings in separate containers. Plant parts of the roots to the same depth in which they were before transplanting. Watering after a day.
Advice!
Fertilizing the seedling should be done only after a month.
- side shoots. In the case of this method of reproduction, the side shoots are carefully separated together with the root and planted in a separate container.
Difficulties of growing
There are very obvious signs that can tell about the state of "health" of the succulent.
If yellowing and softening of the foliage is observed, it means that wet soil or improper watering has led to decay of the rhizome and rosette. The pet can only be saved by a new sandy substrate, into which a green pet freed from rot is transplanted.
If, while maintaining the color color, the three-lane sansevieria loses the elasticity of the foliage, then this fact indicates the hypothermia of the flower. Salvation will be conditioned by changed conditions.
If the foliage is covered with brown spots, it means that this indicates a lack of lighting, an excess of moisture, burns from direct sunlight or freezing. Changing the conditions of detention will save the succulent.
Dry spots of white color indicate sunburn of the leaves.
In the list of possible pests, the following are highlighted:
- shield;
- mealybug;
- spider mite.
Types and varieties of sansevieria
Despite the difference in types, sansevieria is one of the most unpretentious and decorative indoor flowers.They are most often used by designers to create flower arrangements or interior decoration.
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Hanni
This undersized and rather beautiful houseplant was bred in 1941 from Laurenti Sansevieria by the famous breeder S. Khan. Hence the name. This rosette variety is no higher than 30 cm in height.
In 1953, Han received another variety with yellow stripes on the sides of the leaves - Golden Hanni. Unlike other pike-tail species, this variety loves bright light, but note that in very sunny weather the plant must be applied. And in shady places, especially in winter, you need to do additional lighting. With the right light, the color appears brighter.
In summer, the temperature regime varies from 20 to 25 ° C, in spring and autumn from 18 to 20, and in winter and a dormant period of 15 ° C is the optimal temperature.
Three-lane sansevieria
Sansevieria of this type is the most common, and the height of this plant at home ranges from one meter to 150 cm.
You need to place this view on light windows, with the exception of the northern ones. The leaves of the “mother-in-law's tongue” are painted in a rich green color, and at the edges are pale yellow shades. The leaf itself is covered with an unusual pattern, which adds beauty to the leaves.
Flowering occurs in spring or autumn: the flowers are small, very fragrant, light green in color. Geranium soil is quite suitable for planting and growing.
Cylindrical sansevieria
The variety of this sansevieria is unlike other species with its elongated leaves. The name comes from the shape of the leaves: they are rounded along the entire length, so they resemble a cylinder.
This species was bred by breeders, so they cannot be seen in the natural environment. At home, if you take proper care of the plant, it can reach a height of 130 to 150 cm. The flowers of the Cylindrical Sansevieria are also not like other relatives. They range from white to pink shades, appearing on a meter-long peduncle.
Laurenti
This is the main variety of Sansevieria, from which many new species have been bred by breeders. Laurenti leaves grow upward, and a yellow stripe may appear along the edge of the leaf.
Zeylanika
The most popular type of "pike tail", which is in great demand along with the three-lane sansevieria. But this variety has its own distinctive features: the leaves of the zeilanik are wide and covered with small specks that have a silvery hue when the houseplant reaches maturity. They also have a traditional pattern, but there is no white or yellow stripe along the edge, they are located along the entire length of the central part.
White sansevieria
Sensation Bantel or White Sansevieria - this species was bred in 1948 by breeder Gustav Bantel. This variety differs from others in its unusual color: the leaves have white longitudinal stripes alternating with dark green ones.
Due to the fact that white sansevieria grows rather slowly, therefore it is one of the rare species.
- Sansevieria Kirki;
- sansevieria Pingvikula ("walking");
- Sansevieria Staki;
- SansevieriaFrancisi;
- sansevieria Ehrenberg;
- Twisted Sister;
- sansevieria Eilenzis;
- Silver Queen.
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Description of the plant
Sansevieria (or Sansevieria) grows in tropical and subtropical forests. It can be found in Africa, North America, South Asia. The herbaceous plant has dense ornamental leaves growing from the rhizome. Sansevieria belongs to the Asparagus family.Although earlier botanists attributed him to the Agavovs, therefore, this confusion still exists. The plant got its name in honor of the prince of San Severo, Raymond di Sangro. The flower was brought to Europe in the eighteenth century. Florists were attracted by its leaves, covered with beautiful streaks, unpretentiousness and adaptability to adverse conditions.
The flower is a stemless evergreen. Under natural conditions, the leaves of certain species grow up to 120 centimeters in length. The dense leathery leaves end in a pointed end. Due to the dense surface of the leaves, the plant perfectly tolerates drought, does not require frequent watering. Sansevieria grows slowly, giving two or three new leaves annually.
At home, Sansevieria blooms annually. In the spring, a peduncle appears from the outlet, on which small cream-colored flowers are located. Flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences, from which a pleasant aroma, combining the smell of vanilla and carnation, emanates. In indoor conditions, the plant blooms less often, most often in the summer for two weeks.
Blooming Sansevieria
Sansevieria has received many names reflecting its appearance:
- Mother-in-law's language;
- Pike tail;
- Snake skin;
- Wolf tail.
Diseases and pests
The main diseases and pests of the “pike tail” are:
- spider mite. The leaves of the plant become pale yellow, solid spots appear of a white shade, and the leaf itself dies - this all suggests that this pest has appeared on the indoor flower. The reason for the appearance may be in dry air. To prevent the disease, periodically wipe the leaves of sansevieria with a damp cloth. Actellik is well suited for treatment;
- anthracnose - this disease betrays itself by the fact that brown spots appear on the surface of the leaves, gradually increasing in size. Over time, the leaf dries up. This disease is often caused by a violation of watering, or rather, an abundance of moisture. For treatment, treatment with a solution of Fungicide is recommended.
- Thrips - this pest on the inside of the leaf lays a large number of eggs. The upper side is speckled with white dots, later a grayish-brown tint with a silvery sheen appears. Chemicals are used for treatment.
- Mealybug - in this pest, reproduction occurs at the base of the leaves of the rosette, where it sucks the juice from the houseplant. As a result, the leaves are curved, and as a result, they turn yellow and die off. For treatment, it is necessary to remove all pests, and wipe the sheets with a sponge soaked in warm water. If the plant is severely affected, then it should be treated with Karbofos.
- With excessive moisture, the leaf turns yellow and becomes soft at the base. In order to prevent further decay, it is recommended to transplant into another pot, remove the damaged leaves. But, if the root system is decaying, then it is almost impossible to save the plant.
- At temperatures below 15 ° C and dry earthen coma, the leaves of the sansevieria become lethargic and rot. The only salvation will be a change in the temperature regime and the removal of all damaged areas. If the stem is rotting, then you can root the upper parts of the leaves that are not damaged.
Beneficial features
The high content of saponins and other active substances in sansevieria juice makes it an excellent air purifier. Leaves have been scientifically proven to absorb large amounts of formaldehyde and nitric oxide.
Pieces of plant leaves are applied to lesions on the skin (inflammation, burns, wounds). They promote rapid healing as well as the well-known aloe. Decoctions from the foliage have diuretic and choleretic properties.
For all its usefulness, care should be taken with sansevieria. When eating fresh leaves, severe poisoning occurs, so the flower should be placed away from children and animals.During pregnancy, treatment is not carried out, since individual components have an abortive effect.
Photo gallery
Notable facts
Sansevieria laurenti and other varieties of succulent found in tropical forests and savannas have unique decorative characteristics. Most of them are harmless. However, some varieties of three-striped flowers are recognized as poisonous, which can cause poisoning. The main signs that poison has entered the body, after interacting with a flower, are nausea and vomiting
This fact requires caution in organizing and conducting the process of caring for such varieties of sansevieria.
Even a novice florist can grow sansevieria, since it does not need to be watered so often. And in return, it will become a wonderful decor in any room!
Photo gallery
S. cylindrica Bojer - Cylindrical Sansevieria... Plants with a thick rhizome, up to 3.5 cm in diameter. Shoots with 3-4 leaves. Leaves are cylindrical, tubularly coiled, up to 1 m long, with a short apex, light green with dark green and yellowish green stripes. The flowers are white, with a pinkish tinge, fragrant. Found in the tropics of West Africa.
S. gracilis N. E. Br. - Sansevieria graceful... The trunk is short, 3–8 cm high, with branches protruding above the soil surface. Shoots with 8-12 dense cylindrical leaves, of which the outer ones are shorter than the inner ones. The leaves are cylindrical, smooth, green. Homeland - East Africa.
S. hyacinthoides (L.) Druce (S. gueneensis (L.) Willd., S. thyrsiflora Thunb.) - Sansevieria hyacinth... Plants up to 0.5 m tall. The rhizome is strong. Leaves in bunches of 2–4, gradually tapering from the middle to the base, dark green, with a light top, with light green transverse stripes tightly adjacent to each other, dense-skinned at the edges, brownish, sometimes whitish. Homeland - tropical and South Africa. Plants with flat, broad-linear leaves may have a leaf blade with green and pinkish-brown or whitish edges.
These are species such as S. trifasciata Prain (S. guineensis Gerome etLabroy) - Three-striped Sansevieria. Plants with thick rhizomes. The leaves are elongated, with a pointed solid top and a subulate pointed end, on both sides with light green and dark green transverse stripes. The flowers of old plants are whitish-green, fragrant. Homeland - West Africa.
Looking at the photo of species of sansevieria with such names, it is not difficult to guess why they were called that: for their shape, beauty and similarity to some flowers:
Photo gallery
Influence on a person
The effect of this flower on a person has not been fully studied, but what is known, of course, pleases:
- The Indian sword perfectly neutralizes harmful radiation emanating from the computer and TV. And therefore it is recommended to put the flower next to these devices.
- The plant is also known to absorb the energy of bad thoughts and create a comfortable atmosphere in the home.
- Sansevieria contributes to the learning process, positively affecting the assimilation of knowledge and improving memory.
general information
The flower got its name from the surname of Prince Sansevierio. He was fond of botany and invested in the development of natural sciences. Leaves, as a rule, are directed clearly upward. May extend to the sides or lie completely horizontal. Natural coloration - a combination of green and brown, striped and spotted patterns. Artificially bred species have yellow and silver shades in the color of the leaves. Growth rate - 2-3 leaves per year from one outlet. In natural forms, the leaves of most species are covered with a waxy film that protects the surface from excessive moisture evaporation. The pike's tail has a pointed leaf.In some species, it can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. The graceful Hanni sansevieria grows no higher than 5-6 cm.
The rhizome of sansevieria is creeping, underground, in the form of a rhizome. So powerful that it can shatter the walls of a pot without being able to fit in it. The flowers are white-green, collected in a cylindrical inflorescence. The peduncle is straight, long. Narrow petals open in the evening. Delivers a pleasant vanilla or clove aroma. These notes can be recognized in the composition of expensive perfume. Fruits in indoor floriculture are almost never found. In nature, this is a berry with seeds, from one to three.
Photo gallery
Is it possible to keep a pike tail flower and other plant-related signs at home
The pike tail is considered a very favorable plant for keeping in the house. He helps to eliminate scandals, quarrels and various misunderstandings in the family. It is believed that with its pointed leaves, he catches all the surrounding negativity.
If you believe in the signs, then if the pike tail has bloomed, you need to start new business, projects and implement old ideas, because its flowering creates a certain favorable atmosphere. Although there is a sign that if the flowering began in winter, then problems may begin in the family due to the gossip of relatives and friends.
If a lot of unpleasant conversations and noise have begun around the family, then you need to get a pike tail, and he will eliminate these troubles.