The Mother in Law Tongue Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), nicknamed Snake Plant and Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, is an easily grown, attractive indoor plant that is widely cultivated. With its versatility in the climate it can grow in, this plant has been considered a favorite in many households across the globe for corrections with enthused plant caregivers and novices alike. In this article I will give you the details of this plant such as characteristics, how to care for this plant, advantages of the plant and issues of the plant which is commonly referred to as Mother in Law Tongue Plant.
What is the Mother in Law Tongue Plant?
The Mother in Law Tongue Plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family and their origin is traced back to the west African part. It has long, erect, narrow, pointed and bright green to gray-green leaves arranged in a rosette form, which may be marginated by lighter green or yellow. Due to its low light requirement, ability to grow in both low and high light conditions and the fact that it does not need constant watering, Nerve Plant is suitable for use by individuals who may not have time to care for the plant as often as is recommended.
Characteristics of the Mother in Law Tongue Plant
1. Distinctive Leaves
The Mother in Law Tongue Plant is characterized by its long pointed, rigid and erect leaves. These leaves can be as long as 3-4 feet and the type of leaves most often come in thick and leathery. The tones of the green may vary from very dark to pale and it may include yellow or silver blotchings. Normally grown in different climates, this plant has oval shaped leaves that appear a little like a sword or a tongue, which is where the name comes from.
2. Air-Purifying Qualities
Some of the reasons why this plant has become so popular include the following In particular, the plant is well known to have air-purifying qualities. The Mother in Law Tongue Plant is among the very few indoor plants that undergo photosynthesis at night, as well as at day. That enables this air purifier to be ideal for enhancing the quality of air you breathe in your house or office thus promoting health.
3. Low Maintenance
This plant can grow in practically any indoor environment and needs almost no maintenance. It can grow well in low light conditions, can withstand drought like conditions and is relatively safe from pests. Due to its low maintenance and ability to thrive under many conditions it is a perfect plant for anybody who does not want to bother with complex care for their indoor plants.
Mother in Law Tongue Plant Care Tips
Despite the fact that the Mother in Law Tongue Plant doesn’t require much care, enhancing its growing conditions can enhance its growth. These are some critical measures to take in order to have a healthy plant in your compound.
1. Light Requirements
Surprisingly the Mother in Law Tongue Plant can do well in low, medium or bright light, that is it is not very selective on the type of light it prefers. Although it prefers to grow in the shaded area, it will boast much better growth in areas of partial or early morning sunlight.. The plant should be put where it will be exposed to indirect sunlight since direct sunlight causes the leaves to burn. However the plant does require some attention, but not much, making it suitable for areas that receive low light in your home or office.
2. Watering Needs
Among the few requirements essential for the care of the Mother in Law Tongue Plant, one must take care not to water those plants too often. It is also important to mention that this plant requires little amounts of water and can survive long with little water supply. Fertilization: Water the plants just enough – it is recommended to avoid water until the soil becomes dry at the soil’s surface. In winter, the rate of growth of the plant is reduced, therefore it is not very necessary that it be watered frequently. In general, it is suggested that the plant is watered when the top layer of soil is dry, which includes that of 1-2 inches.
3. Soil and Potting
The Mother in Law Tongue Plant thrives in the soil that has good drainage quality. Again recommend using a cactus or succulent compost as it has the feature of not allowing water to sit at the roots. Select a pot with drainage holes in order not to be posed with a problem of water in the pot which really harms the roots of plants. That is why it is rather uncomplaining of the change of environment and usually requires repotting at intervals of two or three years at best.
4. Temperature and Humidity
It grows well in average home temperatures which are between 120 and 300 degree F (16 to 29 degree C). It does not tolerate frost and this plant should be kept in a warmer climate. Mother in Law Tongue Plant also does not require much in the way of humidity to survive and thrive. It can withstand dry conditions, therefore appropriate for use in homes with forced drying mechanisms such as air conditioning and heating.
5. Fertilization
The Mother in Law Tongue Plant plant does not demand much fertilizer but applying a fertilizer when planting or even in the middle of the growing season (spring through summer) is ideal. A suitable fertilizer should be a balanced one that is water soluble and also applied in a diluted form, preferably half strength fertilizer. It is recommended not to apply fertilizer when the plant is dormant, which is during the winter period.
Perks of the Mother in Law Tongue Plant
1. Improved Air Quality
The Mother in law Tongue Plant has as its special feature the fact that it is capable of helping to purify the air by removing such substances as formaldehyde, benzene and xylene. This makes it an ideal option for use in homes and offices where quality air can be a big problem. In addition, it has the extra advantage of refreshing the oxygen levels in the same room to make it fresher.
2. Stress Reduction
Research has also revealed that working while surrounded by internal plants can help one lower stress and anxiety. The Mother in Law Tongue Plant may help clear your mind, so it will be perfect for the spot where you read, work, or watch TV.
3. Low Maintenance and Resilience
The Mother in Law Tongue Plant is very tolerant, and therefore suitable for persons who may not be very much involved with plants or have time for them. Huge variation in growing conditions is one of the most important advantages of succulents: in case you forget to water it, sometimes it will continue growing with no issues.
Issues of the Mother in Law Tongue Plant The most common problems associated with the Mother in Law Tongue plant are namely;
Nevertheless, like all plants, there are some problems that the owner of the plant may face even though the Mother in Law Tongue Plant is extremely easy to grow. Here are a few things to look out for:
1. Overwatering
The biggest mistake homeowners make when tending this plant is overwatering it. It has potential to cause root rot which is dangerous for the plant. However, to prevent this it is advisable that you grow the plant in a well-draining soil and that the soil be completely dry before you water it again.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Whenever the leaves of plants turn yellow, this can be as a result of over watering or under watering, or lack of nutrients in the soil. You may also check it by looking at the yellowing of the leaves, this means that the soil moisture has changed, one should water the plant differently. If it does not improve, introduce a weak fertilizer, because another factor could cause poor soil functioning.
3. Pests
Compared to many other members of the Dracaena variety, the Mother in Law Tongue Plant can be said to be moderately susceptible to pest attacks, including spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Keep an eye out at least once a week for any signs of infestation and when needed, wash the plant gently with an Insecticidal Soap or apply Neem oil on the plant.
Conclusion: Why You Should Grow the Mother in Law Tongue Plant?
The Snake Plant is perfect for anyone who wants an easy going, pretty, and research shows a plant that can clean the air. This plant has sword shaped leaves, is highly resistant and it grows well under a wide range of circumstances, which makes it unique for home and office spaces. Regardless of whether you are a professional at plant care or an amateur, this beautiful plant will surely become your home decor with minimal effort on your behalf.
If taken care of properly, the mother in law tongue plant can last for many years supplying both aesthetic and medicinal values to your indoor setting. It is a plant that doesn’t disappoint and gives credit to its name of being an easy plant to grow for all the plant enthusiasts.
