Sanseveria trifasciata "laurentii"

[pete]

Usually known as "mother-in-laws tongue", I just thought I'd put a few pics up as one of mine is just starting to flower.



I find that if I keep them totally dry through the winter they are more inclined to flower once they get just a small amount of watering.

I thought it might be interesting, that the two plants below are both the same plant, even though one has yellow edges to the leaves.



In fact, the green leaved one was grown from cuttings of the true "laurentii" which is on the left.
The yellow variegation is not transferred if its grown from leaf cuttings, you need to split the rootstock if you want variegated plants.

I actually like both, so its a good way of getting two different looking plants from one. ;D

[kedigato]

Great to see them flowering, Pete. How many flower stalks are on it?

I had one for years, long time ago, and it flowered as well. Unfortunately, just the one time, though.

It's the same with Agaves, about the cuttings having just plain leaves and only rootstock ones having the stripes.

You don't see them flowering often and many people don't know that they do.

[pete]

Must admit mine dont flower every year Kedi, its not something I expect, thats why I thought it was worth posting.

I can remember they flowered mid summer one year, and the scent, at night,(only), was really strong.
I cant say I've noticed it yet this year.

I only have a couple of flower stems at the moment.

[kedigato]

As said, mine only flowered the one time, and there were several flower stalks. I can't remember what time of the year it was though.

What I really remember about them was that the flowers had a sticky dew on them - and it got into the net curtains!

Yes, definitely worth posting, even if there were no flowers on them as they are so fresh and healthy looking.

I'm not sure, but I think there is a small version, only about 4-6 inches tall. At least, I had some of them, also many years ago, and they looked like your green ones. I can't remember the name, and perhaps they were something different. Do you know which ones I mean?

[kedigato]

Pete, just remembered that it was called something like ...?... hahnii.

[kedigato]

Pete, I have just looked on the net and found it -


en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sansevieria_'Hahnii'

www.plantoftheweek.org/week159.shtml

[pete]

Yes I know the plant you mean Kedi, I've never grown that one, its a little less common I believe.

What I like about these is the way they survive anything, barring overwatering that is, and I also find they are not keen on direct sunshine.

I notice a few sites say they like full sun, have you found this to be so?

[kedigato]

Mine were always in half shade. However, I have seen great beds of them in Flordia, outside and sometimes in the sun, but usually in the shade/half shade.

I'll take some pics next time we are over there. (going in April)

[pete]

Would be nice to see Kedi.
I've seen a few web pics of massive plants.

I guess full sun under glass is different to full sun outdoors.

[thymelord]

Never seen them flower Pete well done.

[victoria]

Lovely looking plants Pete ... I have never seen them flower either! That's interesting about the variegation not transferring from a leaf cutting only root separation.

[pete]

TY, Thymelord and Victoria.