Sansevieria
By L. M. Moe
Sansevieria is a genus of about 100 species, variously known as bowstring hemp, snake plant, and leopard lily, from dry tropical Africa, South Asia and Madagascar. They are related to the Aloes. Traditionally they have been placed in the Agavaceae but modern DNA analysis has supported splitting Agavaceae into smaller families. Now many botanists place Sansevieria in Dracaeniaceae with Calibanus (one species from Mexico), Dasylirion (a dozen species from North America), Dracena (about 60 species in the Old World), and Nolina (about 30 species from Southwest North America).
The Swedish naturalist C.P. Thumberg named it Sansevieria, after Raimondo di Sangro, prince of Sanseviero, who was a military officer and inventor.
Generally, Sansevieria are desert-plants with semi-succulent leaves that can tolerate drought but cannot stand long periods of cold. Most species have thick underground rhizomes with long, stiff and juicy leaves. Some species are cultured for their hemp-like fibers. White or greenish, somewhat fragrant flowers appear in bunches on long stalks. A major attraction of Sansevieria lies in the subtle design on the leaves, consisting of vague horizontal bands and stripes.
Care for Sansevieria is very simple in that they need light (even sun) and heat. They should be sparingly watered and the soil should dry out between two waterings. It is best to grow them root-bound. If they are placed in large pots, they will become huge and unmanageable.
Mother-in-law's-tongue (S. trifasciata variety laurentii) is a popular houseplant because of its yellow-striped leaves. It has tiny pale-green, scented flowers. The species commonly called snake plant (S. thyrsiflora) has leaves with light-green bands and yellow edges, and the greenish-white, fragrant flowers are borne in a tall cluster.
A good web site is the International Sansevieria Society at
