Let's find out how to cultivate and care for sanseveria, the history of this ornamental plant and the magnificent properties of the "mother-in-law's tongue"
Let's find out how to cultivate and care for sansevieria, but also the virtues of this ornamental plant with magnificent purifying properties
La Sansevieria it's a kind of ornamental plants native to Africa and southern Asia, which includes about 7th species, including the famous "mother-in-law's tongue". Its rusticity makes it an excellent choice like houseplant for those who do not have a green thumb and for those with poorly lit environments: you have to really work hard to kill a sansevieria.
Index
Sansevieria, one of the best plants to purify the air
Sansevieria is an ideal plant for indoors also because it has the ability to purify the air. Several studies, also carried out by NASA, have confirmed its ability to purify the air from toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and nitrogen oxides, making it an indispensable presence in work spaces such as industries, shops and offices, where these substances chemicals abound. NASA scientists, interested in how to clean the air in space stations, recommend 15 to 18 medium to large plants for a 500-square-foot home. (Read also: 15 plants that purify the air in your home)
This plant is able, unlike the others, to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen during the night, making it ideal to keep in the bedroom: 6-8 plants per person would be enough to survive in an environment without air exchange. Conversely, most plants largely absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen during the day (photosynthesis) and absorb oxygen and release CO2 at night (respiration).
Mother-in-law's tongue also helps fight allergies as it releases moisture and reduces airborne allergens.
Virtue of Sansevieria
Also known as snake plant due to its elongated and articulated shape of its leaves reminiscent of reptiles, sasevieria is a houseplant particularly dear to the Chinese who used to cultivate it since they were convinced that he carried the eight virtues as gifts to all those who possessed one:
- prosperity,
- beauty,
- long life,
- intelligence,
- health,
- art,
- force
- poetry.
They placed the plants near the entrance to the house to allow the eight virtues to enter.
How to grow Sansevieria
The care of the Sansevieria is very simple, it can be neglected for weeks while always remaining beautiful. The important thing is not to exceed with water, especially during the winter: just water it once every 2-3 weeks and remember to clean the leaves with a damp cloth, keeping them free of dust and grease.
Potting and reproduction by cuttings
The ideal pot for growing Sansevieria is made of clay, which being porous will allow the soil to dry out more quickly than in a plastic container: this will prevent the formation of root rot.
Soon the plant will outgrow or even break the pot. For this reason it should be divided and repotted every year in spring, always using shallow and wide containers, thus multiplying it by cuttings.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant using a balanced fertilizer towards the end of the growing season, in August, avoiding fertilizing them during the winter when they are resting and not actively growing.
Being tropical plants, they are very sensitive to cold and should be kept in a warm room away from drafty doors and windows during the winter. Temperatures below 10 ° C can kill them.
One of the hardest plants to kill
Sanseveria is one of the most loved plants by the so-called "black thumbs" as it is very resistant and difficult to kill. In particular:
- does not fear closed environments;
- it can be placed practically anywhere, both in the sun and in the shade;
- takes up little space;
- withstands the lack of water.
It is the ideal apartment companion for those who are not familiar with plants and want a botanical presence, as well as a beautiful and choreographic presence for furniture.
Other interesting plants to grow at home or in the office are:
Read also:
- Plants that purify the air in the home: these are the best according to a new study
- 10 rules to make plants live at home
- How and why to spray indoor and outdoor plants
- Plant diseases and pests: how to recognize them. Symptoms and remedies
- Plants, a powerful stress reliever in our homes and workplaces
- How not to let these "easy" to grow houseplants die that are not that easy
- Fireproof plants: species that resist fire (and can save us from fires)
- Plants that purify the air in the home: these are the best according to a new study
- 10 rules to make plants live at home
- How and why to spray indoor and outdoor plants
- Plant diseases and pests: how to recognize them. Symptoms and remedies
- Plants, a powerful stress reliever in our homes and workplaces
- How not to let these "easy" to grow houseplants die that are not that easy
- Fireproof plants: species that resist fire (and can save us from fires)
