(a.k.a. mother-in-law’s tongue), Sansevieria trifasciata
Roots: From dry parts of Africa.
Appearance: A cluster of tall, stiff, swordlike blades; some kinds can grow 4 feet tall. Green, often with yellow or white edging.
Tolerates: Indirect light, periods of drought, average indoor temperature and humidity.
Does not tolerate: Really dark places, overwatering, overfertilizing.
Needs: Water once a month in winter, letting soil become nearly dry; water every couple of weeks in summer. Use standard houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer — not winter. Clean occasionally with a damp cloth (no soap).
Repot: Every three to five years, using standard potting soil.
When it looks best: “When you want a stark, upright form to get perpendicular lines going,” says Barbara Pleasant, author of “The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual” (Storey Publishing, 365 pages, $24.95). Works well with clean-lined modern decor; often can adapt to an interior space, such as a hallway, if it gets some natural light.
———-
bbotts@tribune.com
