^{(Photo = Sansevieria species, Gregoruiz)}

Introduction

I have a large east window that is shaded by trees. It is too shady for most plants to do well. However, I tried out a few types of Sansevieria and they have done well. I put the plants out on a shady patio in warm weather but they decorate the window all winter long.

The Details

There are many types of Sansevieria. Perhaps most people think of the mother-in-law tongue plant (S. trifasciata) that their grandmother had when they think of Sansevieria. But, there are a variety of shapes and sizes of plants in this genus. If you consider variegation, the number of plants to choose from is large.

Plants can grow to 2- to 3-ft tall (e.g., S. trafasciata), or they may be short (e.g., S. parva). They may have narrow strap-like leaves or they may have broad elliptical leaves (e.g., S. masoniana). The many shapes are interesting and attractive in the large window. 

In fall, when nighttime temperatures drop to 45°F or so, I bring the plants indoors to their window spots. The shady east window does not encourage growth and the plants wait till spring–looking great all the while. Because they are not growing, and because they are so durable, the Sansevieria plants don’t need much water. I water them about once a month. They are stout succulents and they don’t mind such treatment. Even through the large window gives off a lot of cold when it is icy outside, the plants don’t mind as long as the overall room temperature is above 70F.

In April, I put the plants back out on the patio and resume watering them about once a week.