Sansevieria: extreme survival
It's known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Saint George's Sword... but its botanical name is Sansevieria. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family (yes, I'm surprised too) and it originates from tropical Africa and Asia. I mention its origin so we can gradually develop our intuition about what our plants need.
What do you need?
- Does it need a lot of light? It prefers indirect light, but it also tolerates low light levels.
- What temperatures can it withstand? It prefers stable and warm conditions, with optimal ranges from 15°C to 30°C.
- When should I water it? It's a hardy plant that prefers slightly dry soil between waterings. Water moderately and avoid waterlogging.
- Pay attention to the substrate! It requires a well-draining substrate. It adapts to a variety of soil types, but prefers a slightly acidic medium.
- When do I need to fertilize it? It doesn't have high requirements; you could fertilize it once a month during spring and summer.
- Can I repot it? It doesn't need to be repotted frequently. You can repot it every two or three years, preferably in spring.
Important note: It is toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities.
We're struck by its remarkable resilience . The Sansevieria is known for its ability to survive in extremely harsh conditions. It can thrive in low light, high temperatures, and even adapts to dry air. This makes it a great choice for beginners!
Cool stuff:
- It's a great air purifier! In addition to its hardiness, the Sansevieria is an excellent air-purifying plant. It's able to filter common toxins from the air in our homes or offices and improve its quality.
- The Sansevieria has its mysterious side. It's believed that this plant was revered by various cultures as a protective amulet against bad luck and negative energies, bringing good fortune and prosperity to the homes where it's placed. It's said to ward off evil spirits and attract financial prosperity. It also promotes harmony and peace in the home... and in Feng Shui , it's considered beneficial for energy flow. According to Feng Shui, the Sansevieria emits a soft and calming Yin energy, making it ideal for balancing spaces with more active or stimulating Yang energy. Placing a Sansevieria in an area where you want to calm the energy can help create a more tranquil and relaxed environment. Interesting, isn't it?
- Medicinal properties: In addition to purifying the air, Sansevieria is believed to have medicinal properties. There is no scientific evidence, but in traditional medicine it has been used to treat ailments such as headaches, allergies, and even to improve sleep quality.
