I grew up in a midcentury modern house that boasted a very large pot of mother-in-law’s tongue, and it took me decades to actually appreciate the plant and possess one. Now, I’ve a nostalgic affection for mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria), but I see how this wonderfully dramatic plant works with many layout designs, and how easy it’s to take care of. I’d recommend it to anyone, even those who prefer a houseplant with a softer appearance.
It really can take some serious abuse. I am talking falling-over-and-detaching-from-its-roots neglect, which occurred not just on our walk home from the nursery, but at least five times more till I repotted it in deeper soil. Every time one of the larger spikes fell out of the pot and detached from the base, we just stuffed it back as though nothing had occurred.
It is still alive also. You really can not beat a houseplant whose leaves form roots when you push them back into dirt. Take a look at what a Fantastic addition this plant that is independent can cause your home:
Sarah Greenman
Talk about versatility. What other plant would fare so well in a stunning, modern, gothic-like setting in this way? Mother-in-law’s tongue looks fantastic in pairs and is a perfect alternative to the expected sideboard floral structure or topiary.
Evidently, mother-in-law’s tongue can look somewhat fierce, and that’s why it works nicely in this edgy and mysterious Dallas interior.
Island Architects
The replica of Sansevieria-filled containers placed between arches within this Mediterranean-style corridor in Rancho Santa Fe, California, anchor the distance and accompany you on the visual journey to the end of the hall.
The plants also help balance the juxtaposition of their larger arched windows with the smaller arched doorways.
Along with the height of the Sansevieria allows them to make a statement without stealing the show against the wrought iron details. An individual wouldn’t be surprised to see a coat of arms or even a suit of armor in this setting, so the sword-shaped leaves are an ideal fit.
Michael Lee Architects
The sea of mother-in-law’s tongue in this Santa Monica, California, home creates a breathtaking sense of arrival in a partially covered entry courtyard. The leaves seem to be waving in the wind like a field of wheat whilst mixing in with the rectilinear architectural forms. The fascinating yet subtle play between texture and quantity produces this case a genuine winner.
John Maniscalco Architecture
The sleek style of the new San Francisco residence necessitates something fresh and complicated at the entry, and mother-in-law’s tongue steps up to the plate. Its Exotic two-story entrance hall with a piece of indoor garden is the perfect location for Sansevieria. With its suspicious light, it needs a plant that is good looking and very low maintenance. (I can not say the same about the bamboo, however!)
Pllc, Swaback Partners
This Phoenix house’s large urn could certainly hold a tree, though I enjoy the small option of mother-in-law’s tongue. It delineates the indoor space without detracting from your smooth transition of indoor to outdoor. With these massive proportions, the massive urn is a must because a little pot would look downright absurd.
Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture
The plant is at home in this well-designed and streamlined studio flat. Its choice claims this houseplant is low maintenance, doesn’t make a mess and has proportions which work in a little space, where visual stream is important.
Seeing this plant here also reminds me of its stature as a houseplant icon in midcentury modern layout, and therefore do consider putting one together with your Eames seat.
Kimball Starr Interior Design
The entry hallway within this San Francisco loft is probably dark, so mother-in-law’s tongue provides a welcoming touch which won’t perish from lack of light.
This bit of greenery also offsets the cold (though lovely) tone of the blue walls, serving as a midpoint between the wall color and the black and white artwork. The outcome is pleasant and harmonious, a wonderful feeling to come home to.
HUISSTYLING
Small pots provide a glimpse of green into any place. The minimum decor in this Netherlands apartment comes to life with the easy inclusion of those small pots on each window sill.
And for the Dutch, who live in a climate that is often wet and cloudy, window sills, particularly those that face the street, become an opportunity for joyful flower and plant exhibits. Irrespective of where you live, this is a good lesson.
Not sure yet? I recently found that Sansevieria is a flowering plant. Most of us aren’t able to provide it the conditions that it enjoys in order to blossom, but if you set your plant out in the summer heat, you may have some success.
Additionally, take a peek at the main system, which is similar to ginger. To divide plants and make new ones, one only cuts the origin, called a rhizome, and replants the pieces, with their corresponding leaves, in a fresh pot. So, if your thumb is just slightly green, in a couple of decades, you could have sufficient pots of Sansevieria to begin committing to friends.
Plant care suggestions:
Light needs: Thrives in bright light but can also tolerate complete colour and even partial darkness. Illness: Loves heat but is an adaptable houseplant. Try to put in regions over 50 F.Water: Don’t overwater, ever. Water roughly after a month in winter months and every two months at most in the summer. This plant won’t tolerate overly moist soil and easily grows root rot, so just add water to dirt that is totally dry. Soil: Utilize cactus mix, basic well-draining potting soil which contains no fertilizer, or mix basic potting soil with pumice. Feeding: Not necessary. If desirable,Sansevieria ought to be fertilized with nitrogen-free fertilizer just, and during summer months. General maintenance: Dust leaves regularly to keep them looking appealing and to allow the plant to consume maximum light. Air purification: Sansevieria species are thought to act as great air purifiers by eliminating toxins from the air. Additionally, the plantabsorbs carbon dioxide daily and releases oxygen by night, making them appropriate bedroom crops, though not usually recommended for children’s bedrooms (see below). Poison indicator: Sansevieria leaves are potentially hazardous if ingested and should be kept out of little children’s reach. Natural habitat: Sansevieria trifasciata develops naturally in tropical West Africa. More: 8 Houseplants You Can Not Kill