In our fun facts blog earlier this month, you got to know your HortyGirl Sansevieria potted plant and got some great living decor ideas. Now it’s time to learn how to take care of your Sansevieria potted plant to keep it looking its best and thriving as part of your home or office decor for many years.
Caring for your Sansevieria plant is relatively easy and requires little attention as it’s tough, durable and retains water well. Even though Sansevierias are tough, they still do require care. With the proper care, these plants can live on average for 5 to 10 years, and sometimes they can even live longer – up to 20 to 25 years. They also grow very slowly to the height of 3 to 4 feet.
We went to our HortyGirl potted plant expert for top care tips for the Sansevieria plant. Keep reading to find out more.
Temperature and Lighting Requirement Care Tips
Sansevieria plants love the heat! They cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. Best to keep your plant inside in temperatures between 70-90 Fahrenheit or 20-30 degrees celsius.
The plant should be placed in a bright area where there is indirect light. If this isn’t possible, Sansevierias are adaptable and can also survive in low light surroundings if necessary.
A good place for your Sansevieria plant is near an east facing window where it provides a few hours of direct sunlight in the mornings and indirect sunlight for the rest of the day. If you want to place your plant on a south or west facing window, make sure to shield it from the sun by closing the blinds a little. Be aware that too much direct sunlight can actually burn the leaves.
Also, keep in mind that the leaf tips are sharp, place your plant where you won’t bump into it. This plant can also be toxic to cats and dogs so best to place it away from them and keep an eye on your pets around the plant.
Watering Care Tips
Sansevieria plants require a bit less water than other succulents. Water these plants sparingly, and it’s better to under water than to over water. Use only about a maximum 1/4 cup of water every few weeks. Let the soil become completely dry between watering. Always water on the edge of the base of the plant, and never pour water over the leaves.
The Sansevieria will also give off warning signs of watering habits. If you’re not giving it enough water, the leaves will lean or droop and wrinkle up. If you’re over watering it, the leaves will turn slimy. If the leaves appear soft or slimy, pull them out immediately as this will prevent it from affecting the rest of the leaves.
As the seasons change, your watering amount should be adjusted as well. In the hot summer months, your plant will need more water. In the winter months, your plant will need less water, and less frequently – once every month or two months.
The best way to check if your Sansevieria plant needs water is to use a bamboo or wood skewer. Similar to baking, stick the skewer into the soil, wait a second and pull it out. If it comes out clean and feels dry then it’s time to water your plant. To learn more, read our article ‘How do I Know When to Water my Plants?’
Finishing Up
Sansevieria plants have tall leaves with beautiful green and yellow color variations and are easy to care for, which makes them perfect for your living decor adding beauty and a tropical feel to any indoor space.
By following the above care tips, your HortyGirl will be healthy and thriving for many years. In return, your plant will also keep you healthy by purifying the air you breathe, removing toxins, releasing lots of oxygen and improving the air circulation of your home or office.