Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

One of the most easily recognised plants around the world, the so-called “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” is an evergreen succulent with narrow, erect or spreading, spear-like leaves up to 75cm in length. Its distinctive stiff, glossy, thick leaves are mottled with white and yellow stripes, and it blooms with greenish-white flowers cluster on slim stalks.

Native to western tropical Africa and southern Asia, this Sanseveria is usually grown as an ornamental and as a pot plant. Whether used in landscaping as a potted plant or directly planted in the ground, place in well-drained soil in a sunny or part-shaded position. It can tolerate low light, while bright sunlight can bleach the leaf colour.

Other common names include: Snake tongue, Mothers Plant and Viper’s Bowstring-hemp.