The genus Sansevieria was named in honor of the Prince of Sansevieria in the 17^th Century. There are several common names including; mother-in-law's tongue, zebra plant or snake plant and over 50 known species.

These plants make excellent accent plants in combination with other plants or as stand alone features. Pictured is the Trifasciata an attractive sizable specimen that gives a bold, striking appearance in a home.

Anyone can grow these plants due to them being virtually free from insects or disease. One should keep the soil moist or slightly dry in the winter and in a container with good drainage. These plants grow well in moderate light. They can also survive in poor light areas but not in the dark. A good average potting soil is acceptable for growing these plants. Fertilize only sparingly or the plant will quickly out grow the container.

Sansevierias are easily propagated. All it takes is a leaf or a cross section of a leaf placed into some moist sandy soil and in a few weeks you have new plants. If it has a variegated leaf, one should divide the root-stock of the plant. These smaller divided plants will continue to make larger plants.

It should be noted these plants will not survive Southern Illinois winters so they must be

brought indoors. But they do very well outside through summers here.

So brighten up the home with a Sansevieria it will make those cold dreary days of winter a little more tolerable with their bold green appearance.