ntroduction

I have a large east window that is shaded by trees. It is too shady for most plants to do well. However, several types of Sansevieria have done well for me. 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. Most people think of the mother-in-law’s tongue (S. trifasciata) that their grandmother grew, but the genus includes a variety of shapes and sizes. If you consider variegation, the number of choices is large. Plants can grow to 2–3 ft tall (for example, S. trifasciata), or they may be short (for example, S. parva). Leaves may be narrow and strap-like or broad and elliptical (for example, S. masoniana). Other forms in the group include S. pinguicula, S. cylindrica, and S. hyacinthoides. The different leaf forms and patterns make a good display in a large window.

In fall, when nighttime temperatures drop to about 45 °F, I bring the plants indoors to their window spots. The shady east window does not encourage growth, so the plants mostly wait until spring—looking good all the while. Because they are not growing and because they are durable, the plants do not need much water. In winter I water about three times a month, allowing the soil to dry in between. During warm weather outdoors, bright shade works well, and I keep the watering similar—thorough but not frequent.

Even though the large window is cold when it is icy outside, the plants do fine as long as the room stays above about 70 °F. These are stout succulents that tolerate shade, irregular watering, and indoor conditions, which makes them useful for spots where other plants struggle.