Photo of Sansevieria trifasciata foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Sansevieria trifasciata

Also Known As

  • Sansevieria zeylanica (hort.)
  • Bird Nest Hybrids
  • Mother-in-Law's Tongue

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 2'-5'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 10a-12

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Sansevieria trifasciata plant details

Sansevieria trifasciata is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green and variegated foliage. In fall, spring and summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sansevieria trifasciata

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and variegated
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall, spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sansevieria trifasciata

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Thick deep green blades with wide silver horizontal stripes on a tough medium sized sansevieria. A dense and compact plant. Sansevieria's are extremely tolerant and durable making them an excellent indoor plant.
Moderate water in summer, no water in winter. Rots easily if overwatered.Partial Shade to Shade. Greenish Flowers. Indoor.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Sansevieria trifasciata plant

How to Grow Sansevieria trifasciata

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Sansevieria for your garden

aka Acyntha cylindrica, Cordyline cylindrica, Sansevieria angolensis, Sansevieria cylindrica 'African Spear', Sansevieria cylindrica 'Skyline', Sansevieria livingstoniae, African Spear, African Spear Cylindrica Snake Plant, Cylinder Snake Plant, Skyline Spear, Skyline Spear Sansevieria, Spear Orchid, Spear Sansevieria

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Sansevieria cylindrica foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Dracaena hanningtonii, Blue Sansevieria, East African Wild Sisal

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 3'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Sansevieria ehrenbergii form by Peter Richardson
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aka Boophone fischeri, Dracaena singularis, Sansevieria singularis, Snake Plant

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 2'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Sansevieria fischeri foliage, form by Stan Shebs
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aka Sansevieria 'Mason's Congo', Mason's Congo Mother-In-Law's Tongue

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - shade
  • low
Photo of Sansevieria masoniana foliage by Peter Richardson
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aka Sansevieria 'Bantel's Sensation', White Striped Sansevieria

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10b-12

Size

Height: 18"-36"

Width: 8"-12"

  • bright shade - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Sansevieria trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation' foliage by Danger Garden
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+45 more Sansevieria
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