How to Plant Mothers in Law Tongue

Mother-in-law's tongue

Mother-in-law's tongue, or sansevieria, are durable plants that can thrive in drought-like conditions. These plants are not fans of a lot of water and do well in areas that are sandy. These plants are perfect for the person seeking a low-maintenance plant.

Things You'll Need

• Mother-in-law's tongue leaf
• Planting pot
• Sand
• Pebbles
• Potting soil

Instructions

1. Carefully cut the fully matured leaf lengthwise. Keep the length of the cut portions between 3 and 6 inches; leave enough length for the plant to pot well.

2. The plants must heal before planting, so allow at least 3 days. Keep the leaf portions in a temperate environment--not too hot or too cold.

3. Layer the bottom of your pot with about an inch of pebbles. Then add a layer with a mixture of one part sand, one part pebbles and one part potting soil. Make this layer at about 2-inches deep.

4. Apply the final layer of sand and potting soil. Make this layer about about 2-inches deep as well.

5. Place the end of the leaf that was cut nearest to the root into the the pot. Stick the leaf portion about an inch deep into the soil. You may plant multiple leaf potions in one pot, as the plants tend to cluster together.

6. Keep the plants out of direct sunlight for about 4 to 6 week. This gives the plants time to take root. Give very little water to the plants until they take root. After the roots are formed, you may place these durable plants into the sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a pot that drains well.

• Some species of Mother-in-law's tongue go through a maturation process with the appearance of the leaves. Your leaves may not look like the original plant until the plant has fully matured.

Resources

• Sansevieria Production Guide