Sansevierias are striking, versatile houseplants
As we decorate our homes for the holidays, plants are an important component. Beyond the popular choices such as poinsettias, cyclamen and fragrant paperwhite narcissus, there are a host of striking indoor plants to add a distinctive flair to your living room. One of my favorites is sansevieria, commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue (what could be more appropriate for a family gathering, right?). Hailing from tropical and subtropical Africa, these usually stemless, rhizomatous, evergreen perennials offer an eye-catching variety of patterns and colors on stiff, linear to ovate leaves.
Most familiar to those perusing houseplant sections are several varieties with upright, banded light- and dark-green leaves bordered in gold. Reaching 3 to 4 feet over a period of years, the banded leathery leaves do evoke serpentine images. Given that this genus, and more specifically the many varieties of S. trifasciata, is all about the foliage, these plants do not disappoint. Start with S. trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ types, which offer distinctive variations on the upright banded green with gold margins. Once those have caught your eye, let it wander to more intriguing offerings. ‘Black Coral’ offers darker greens with white bands, forming upright colonies of 3-inch wide tongues. ‘Robusta’ is also upright, but with much broader leaves to 4 inches across, and interesting patterning on its leaves.
There is also a lower-growing grouping called bird’s nest sansevierias. They form dwarf rosettes of broad leaves that top out at 8 inches in length, with a customary height of 6 to 8 inches. Most commonly available is S. trifasciata ‘Hahnii.’ Featuring mid-green leaves generously marked with white bands, it offers plant lovers a smaller, tabletop variety. For something more colorful, one can usually find the variegated form, S. ‘Golden Hahnii,’ its green leaves generously bordered in rich golden yellows.
Sansevierias are versatile houseplants. The vertical ones make good floor plants or can be shown to greater effect on plant stands or coffee tables. This time of year they are striking enough to hold down a centerpiece on your dining room table. Bird’s nest types can be tucked into smaller spaces such as bookcases or on an end table beside a piece of art.
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