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How to Grow Mother in Law's Tongue

Whether you call them Mother-in-law’s Tongue, Snake Plant or Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, Dracaena (Dracaena trifasciata syn: Sansevieria trifasciata) has become super trendy over recent years. Potted Mother-in-law’s Tongue features prominently in modern landscape and interior design. They’re very hardy, are slow growing, require minimal maintenance and will tolerate low levels of light, making them ideal for growing indoors. They’ll also help improve air quality so having a few around the house and office is very beneficial.

Will tolerate low light levels indoors or can be grown outdoors in warm locations in either sun or shade.

They require well drained soil or potting mix and are tolerant of dry conditions once established.

Well drained soil, Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter for planting in pots

You can grow these plants all year round.

How to grow mother-in-law's tongue in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200mm wide (or larger, depending on the size of your plant). Position in a well-lit spot, out of direct sunlight. It will also grow well in low-light areas.

Step 2

Fill the pot with quality potting mix, like Yates Specialty Potting Mix Indoor Plants & Ferns.

Step 3

Remove the plant from its container and gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position the plant in the middle of the new pot. Fill in around the plant with potting mix and water well.

Step 5

Help protect your plants from fungus gnats by applying a layer of Yates Gnat Barrier to the top of the mix.

Step 6

Water on a moderate basis in summer but cut back in the winter when plants require less moisture. Allow the potting mix to dry out almost completely before re-watering.

Step 7

Feed monthly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Indoor Plants & Ferns Liquid Plant Food or use Yates Thrive Plant Food Spikes Plants & Ferns which feeds for up to 2 months.

yates-specialty-potting-mix-plants-ferns

Yates 2.5L Specialty Potting Mix for Plants & Ferns

Available in-store only

yates-thrive-indoor-plants-ferns-liquid-plant-food

Yates 500mL Thrive Indoor Plants & Ferns Liquid Plant Food

Available in-store only

yates-thrive-plant-food-spikes-plants-ferns

Yates 39g Thrive Plant Food Spikes Plants & Ferns - 30 Pack

Available in-store only

Yates 4.5L Gnat Barrier Granules

Available in-store only

Growing tips

The plant can suffer if the soil or pot/potting mix is poorly drained or it is overwatered.
Mother-in-law's tongue can be propagated by dividing clumps or taking leaf cuttings during the warmer months.
Will probably need transplanting after a couple of years to keep it thick and green.
Feature mother-in-law's tongue in a mixed outdoor pot of succulents or on its own in an indoor display.