mother-in-law's tongue

Mother-in-law's tongue, or Sansevieria trifasciata 'Bantel's Sensation', requires very little water as it is a succulent plant. You should only water it once every 4 to 6 weeks, or when the soil is completely dry. It does not like sitting in water, so it is best to water it thoroughly and wait for it to dry out before watering it again. You can also mist it occasionally, but it should not be immersed in water. To make sure you are not over-watering the plant, stick your finger into the soil and if it is damp, it is best not to water it.

As a tropical species, these plants require a decent amount of bright light. For optimal growth, the plant should be placed in a bright, indirect light setting such as a south or west-facing windowsill. The plant should be exposed to sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. It is important not to leave this plant in direct sunlight for more than 3 hours as it may be susceptible to scorching or drying out. For best results, morning light is best and some afternoon shade is recommended. If there is not enough light available, then the plant can be supplemented with artificial lights.

Generally, it is best to prune the plant in the spring or early summer months, when growth is active. It is also beneficial to prune the plant down to the desired size and shape. This cultivar tolerates pruning quite well and can tolerate a more light pruning with little damage to the plant. A more drastic pruning should be avoided and should be done with care. That being said, Mother-in-Law's Tongue is a relatively low maintenance plant that won't require much pruning throughout its lifetime.