mother-in-law's tongue

Mother-in-law’s tongue is a drought-tolerant plant with low water needs. During the summer growing season, water it thoroughly, but allow it to dry out between waterings. During the autumn and winter, reduce waterings to only when the soil is dry. When you do water, let the water saturate the potting mix and then empty out any drainage afterwards. Watering every 10-14 days should be sufficient, depending on the conditions in your home.

Mother-in-Law's Tongue prefers bright, indirect light, with some direct sunlight from time to time. While the plant can tolerate low light, it will be less vigorous with less light. It can also thrive in moderate to full sun, especially if it is located close to a light-colored wall or other surface that reflects the light and keeps the leaves from getting too hot. It is best to keep the plant out of hot afternoon sunlight, however, or the leaves may scorch. When providing direct sunlight, aim for only a few hours of the morning or early afternoon sun, no more than 4 or 5 hours a day.

Mother-in-Law's Tongue is a low-maintenance plant­ that requires little pruning. Pruning may be necessary to keep it from becoming leggy and to remove dead foliage. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, yellow, or diseased leaves from the plant. You may also trim off the terminal growing tip of each stem to promote more lateral growth. Avoid cutting off too much at once as this can shock the plant and cause it to produce fewer leaves.