Mother in Law's Tongue

Mother in Law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata, now classified as Dracaena trifasciata) is the indoor plant that asks for the least and forgives the most. It grows to about 1m tall and only 30cm wide, a tight vertical column of stiff banded leaves, which is exactly the shape a narrow corner or a hallway needs. The leaves store their own water, so a fortnight away changes nothing.

Why you'll love it

• Tall and narrow by nature. A metre of height in a 30cm footprint, so it works beside a doorway or in the gap next to a bookshelf.
• Low light is genuinely fine. It holds condition in a shaded room or a windowless office, and simply grows faster where the light is brighter.
• Watering every few weeks, not every few days. The common mistake with this plant is kindness rather than neglect.
• Poor soil, dry air and heat are all acceptable. Air conditioning, western sun through glass and an unloved office corner: none of it bothers it.
• It stays put. Slow growing and happiest root bound, so one pot lasts years.

Where it works best

Indoors, anywhere in the country. Inside a house the outdoor climate stops mattering, which is worth knowing for a frost tender plant. Apartments, rentals and offices all suit it.

Pots, balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it needs a frost free position in a tropical, subtropical or warm temperate garden, under cover and out of afternoon sun.

Mass planting. Set 30cm apart it forms a low sculptural block, which is why the pack sizes exist.

Growing mother in law's tongue in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light gives the strongest banding and the fastest growth, and deep shade is tolerated with slower growth. Avoid hot sun through glass, which bleaches the leaves. It is frost tender, so outdoors it belongs in frost free gardens only.

Soil. A free draining cactus and succulent mix, or standard potting mix opened up with coarse sand. The pot must have a drainage hole. Poor soil suits it. Wet soil does not.

Water and feed. Soak the mix, empty the saucer, then let it dry all the way through: every two to four weeks from spring to autumn, and every five to six weeks in winter. Half strength liquid fertiliser twice over the warm months is enough.

Pruning and dividing. Remove damaged leaves with a clean cut at the very base, because a leaf trimmed partway never regrows its tip. When a clump fills its pot, divide the rhizome in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

This plant comes in four sizes: 140mm in packs of ten, 200mm in packs of six, 250mm in packs of three, and a single 300mm pot. The packs are the value option for mass planting or filling several rooms at once. The 300mm pot is the finished plant.

Few plants travel better, since the thick leaves carry their own moisture. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Leave yours somewhere bright and indirect for a week before the first water, and expect a quiet month before new leaves push up. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plant tips for beginners
• Browse the full indoor plant range
• Compare plants that cope with low light rooms
• Choose a pot or planter that drains properly

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. The leaves contain saponins that are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, causing drooling, vomiting and mouth irritation. Keep it off floor level in a home with a pet that nibbles.

How often should I water it?

Every two to four weeks in the warmer months and every five to six in winter, but only once the mix is dry right through. Soft yellowing leaves at the base mean too much water.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Only in a frost free tropical, subtropical or warm temperate garden. It handles heat, drought and poor soil outside, but frost damages the leaves, so in cooler areas keep it in a pot that comes inside.