Mother-in-Law s Tongue
Origin: South Africa
Family: Asparagaceae
Description :Sansevieria francisii is a compact herbaceous perennial leaf-succulent that elongates and sends down pandanus-like walking legs (stolons). The shape of the leaves and its crossbanding can be best described as being similar to those of Sansevieria suffruticosa. This plant however has leaves longer than the former, up to 15 cm in length and as sharply pointed.. The distinctiveness of this plant lies in its growth form: the leaves stack in compact rows of five and it keeps adding more rows until they either flop over or send out stolons, or both. In this manner it can grow to a lenght of 60 cm or more. It is quite an handsome plant, particularly in the younger stages.
A shallow distinct channel is present at least for one quarter to three quarters of the length on the upper surface of the leaves and four to six dark green vertical lines turning into grooves, almost to the apex, one of these on the upper surface and through the channel. The margin is brownish red with a white membrane along the basal half of the leaf, green in second half toward the tip. The leaf surface is slightly rough.
Height: 30-40 cm tall
Light: Sansevieria thrives in just about any light. Bright light to full sun, will also tolerate low light. It an excellent choice for low light conditions
Water: Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out between watering during the growing season. In winter, water just enough to prevent the soil from drying out. Over watering will cause root rot. Take care not to water the center of the rosette of leaves because they'll rot easily if kept wet.
Humidity: Mist the leaves several times a week with a spray bottle. Mist your plant more frequently in the summer growing season- the more water you can supply the blooms, the healthier it will be.
Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75 �F/16-24 �C. It will tolerate fluctuating temperatures, but not extreme cold.
Soil: A loose, well-drained potting mix. It can easily grow in soil-less medium also.
Fertilizer: Feed a mild cactus fertilizer during the growing season; do not fertilizer in the winter.
Eliminates: Sansevieria species are believed to act as good air purifiers by removing toxins (such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene) from the air. The plant convert CO2 to oxygen at night also.
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