Sansevieria

The plant forms dense clumps of thick leaves from a rhizome, that can spread and multiply in the soil. Originating from arid climates, Sansevieria has several adaptations for surviving dry regions. These include thick, succulent leaves for storing water and thick leaf cuticles for reducing moisture loss. The plant rarely bloom, but when it does, one branch carries a simple greenish-white flower, that will become a red or orange grape of berries. In nature, they are pollinated by moths, but both flowering and fruiting are erratic and few seeds are produced. A bloomed shoot will cease to produce new leaves, and will have to continue to grow by producing new plant via its rhizomes.

Sansevieria are characterized by their stiff, upright, sword-like leaves. Their architectural nature make them a natural choice for modern and contemporary garden designs. This plant is very popular because of its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. In cold climates, it is grown indoor in pot, living seevral years and only requiring the minimal care. In tropical climates, it works well also in pot ouside, like in China where they ornament it with dragons and phoenixes. In the soil, they will slowly propagate by the multiplication of rhizomes, with no risk of invasion because of their low growth.

It’s one of the few plants among other succulents that can convert CO2  into oxygen at night, that makes it an ideal plant for bedroom, since it can help regulate healthy airflow (beware of avoiding kids bedroom as the leaves are poisonous !). With the ability to also absorb and remove harmful toxins in the air, it may act as an effective defense against airborne allergies.

In Feng shui, it is useful to absorb negative energies. In China, they believe that placing Sansevieria in a classroom facilitates learning, and placing some in a room where people tend to argue limit the bad energies.

In a small quantity, applying the sap from the plant leaves to wounds, burns, and inflammation could help the healing.

In Africa, the leaves are used for fiber production, and for making bandages in traditional first aid, with their antiseptic properties.

Outdoor, under tropical climate, Sansevieria can withstand full sun and handle low light— though it will do best in indirect sunlight. In cold climates, it is a conveniant houseplant for many reasons. One is that it’s so easy to care for. It can tolerate both shade and direct sunlight, underwatering, drafts, and dry air.

Native from arid deserts, it does not require much water, especially in the winter. It is really resistant and hardly ever get infested. In indoor pot, its doesn’t require frequent repotting because of its slow growing.