Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata
Common Names: Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Saint George's Sword, Viper's Bowstring Hemp
Local Name: Pambu Kalli (Tamil), Nagphani (Hindi)
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: West Africa (Nigeria to Congo)
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen succulent herb
Average Lifespan: 5–10 years; spreads indefinitely via rhizomes
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Upright, clumping succulent; stiff sword-shaped leaves growing from a basal rosette |
| Plant Size | 30–120 cm tall depending on variety |
| Leaves | Stiff, upright, sword-shaped; dark green with light grey-green horizontal bands; yellow-edged in some varieties |
| Flowers | Small, tubular, white to cream; fragrant; on tall spikes; rarely flowers indoors |
| Root System | Shallow, spreading rhizomes; orange-yellow roots; drought-tolerant |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; tolerates a wide range of conditions |
| Temperature Range | 15–35°C; frost-sensitive below 5°C |
| Soil Type | Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; does not tolerate waterlogging |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Low light to bright indirect light; tolerates shade; avoid harsh direct sun |
| Water Requirement | Very low; allow soil to dry completely between watering; overwatering causes root rot |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Yes; one of the best indoor container plants; thrives in neglect |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | Once or twice a year with diluted balanced fertilizer; minimal feeding needed |
| Common Pests | Mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects; generally very pest-resistant |
| Common Diseases | Root rot from overwatering; leaf spot in humid conditions |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Propagation by Cuttings | Leaf cuttings in water or soil; division of rhizomes; very easy to propagate |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Very low; one of the most drought-tolerant ornamental plants |
| Biodiversity Benefits | NASA-listed air purifier; removes formaldehyde, benzene, and CO2; produces oxygen at night |
📝 Orchard Observation Notes
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