Sansevieria

Small genus of evergreen rhizomatous perennials with stiff, fleshy leaves. These are desert plants that can tolerate poor conditions. From Africa and southern Asia. Genus of approximately 60 species of succulent evergreen perennials some of which are ground dwelling in wild, others epiphytic. They have rosettes or clumps of rather stiff sword shaped or cylindrical leaves and somewhat tubular flowers in axillary racemes or panicles followed by usually red berries. Sansevieria was named for Prince Raimond de Sangrio de Sanseviero (1710-1771)

Light : bright light with some sun prefered, but will grow in shade

Water: moderately from spring to autumn, allow compost to dry slightly between waterings. Feed regularly in summer. Sparingly in Winter every 1-2 months, avoid wetting the heart of the plant.

Temps: Average warmth minimum 50 deg f in winter.

Humidity: Tolerates dry air

Repotting: when growth cracks pot- seldom required

Propagation: remove offset by cutting off at base - allow to dry before inserting in compost. Divide plant. Leaf cuttings can be used for all green varieties. Yellow edged varieties will revert to the green form.

Some Problems:

Rot at base, leaves yellow and die back - Basal rot disease. Cause is generally overwatering in winter. If whole base is affected, use upper foliage as leaf cuttings and discard rest of plant. If part of plant is affected, remove from pot and discard affected section. Dust cut surface with sulphur and repot. Keep dry and move to a warmer spot.

Rot at base in winter; not overwatered - cold damage. Plants can be quickly damaged at 40 deg F or below; minimum winter temps for a should be 50 deg F

Brown blotches on leaves - non-infectious disorder which starts at tips and works down along leaf. Cause unknown and there is no cure. Dispose of leaves as soon as this appears.

Day +18 sun and cloud Wind NNE14km/h P.O.P.40%

Night +8 Partly cloudy shower with thunderstorm 7.9mm Wind NNW17km/h P.O.P.30%