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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings, division
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
cacti, succulents
Height
:
0.3 m-1.5 m
Spread
:
0.2 m-1.5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale green
Period
:
June - June
Smell
:
scented, flower,
sweet
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.8 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible
This species is traded as Bowstring Hemp, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Snake Plant. It originates
from Nigerian woodlands, and has since long been cultivated as a long-lived indoor plant and as
a reliable outdoor perennial that resists harsh conditions. Dagger-shaped, evergreen leaves form
dense clumps emerging from fleshy roots and rhizomes that enable the plant to spread slowly.
Their dark green is mottled with very light-green horizontal lines. They may be propagated by leaf
cuttings, while cultivars need to be multiplied by dividing clumps. Very common is ‘Laurentii’,
with yellow lines along the margin. It should not be exposed to full sunlight where the edges
can easily get burned. Leaf cuttings from this cultivar degenerate to offspring with green leaves
without variegation. Another popular variety is ‘Hahnii’, growing compactly to about 30 cm
height. The species and ‘Laurentii’ both grow to about 1.5 metres high. Plenty of light is required
to induce the development of flowering stalks. They bear greenish inflorescences that release a
pleasant scent. Established plants will tolerate drought for weeks, but will turn pale if totally ne-
glected. The soil should be moderately fertile and drain well, since overwatering kills the plants
quickly. Snake Plants can be used outside as accent plants in rock gardens. Being free of pests and
diseases and demanding no maintenance, this species and its cultivars should be used more often
in Arriyadh’s public and private gardens, where they will need some shelter.
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Sansevieria trifasciata,
Dracaenaceae
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,
Snake Plant