Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:34 pm
Sansevieria fischeri singularis, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is an interesting plant with unique looks and benefits. This plant’s origin traces back to Madagascar where it has been used in Africa and Asia as a natural medicine against bacterial infections. The unique look of this plant can serve as an ornamental touch to add aesthetic appeal to your home interior as well as your office space.
It has an attractive look and comes in several different varieties. If you want an easy-to-care-for plant that’s still eye-catching, you may want to give this one a try!
Sansevieria fischeri singularis has a unique look that will be sure to liven up any room. Learn more about this popular houseplant with the below fascinating facts.
Origin and distribution
Sansevieria fischeri singularis is native to Africa and Madagascar. It can be found in coastal regions, on rocky hillsides, and near waterfalls from sea level to 1,500 meters above sea level. Many different species of Sansevieria grow in Africa, each adapted to its own environment.
Sansevieria fischeri singularis is also endemic to Tanzania. Its natural habitat is high up in cliffs and crevices among rocks. Although it grows well outdoors, it does not tolerate freezing temperatures well at all. In fact, Sansevieria fischeri singularis will die if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a few hours or days at a time. For these reasons, you should only consider growing Sansevieria fischeri singularis indoors as an ornamental plant or houseplant!
Sansevieria fischeri singularis propagation
Sansevieria fischeri singularis propagate via offsets and stem cuttings. To take an offset, carefully separate a leaf from one of your plants and then plant it in fresh potting soil. Over time, new roots will develop. At that point, you can separate it into its own container and enjoy your very own plant!
You can also grow additional Sansevieria plants by taking stem cuttings. Simply remove a piece of healthy stem from your existing plant, making sure to include at least two nodes (the area where leaves are attached). Dip both ends in rooting hormone powder and place them in moistened potting soil. Once they’ve developed roots, transfer them to their own pots. That’s all there is to it!
Like any other plant, Sansevieria plants require sunlight for optimal growth. If placed in indirect light or low-light conditions, expect slower growth rates and shorter overall lifespans. They should be watered regularly with lukewarm water—never cold or hot—and allowed to dry out between watering sessions.
Sansevieria fischeri singularis care information
Sansevieria fischeri singularis requires very little attention. To ensure good health, simply water it every couple of weeks and do not expose it to direct sunlight. The Sansevieria should be situated in an area with indirect light, where it will receive at least three hours of sun exposure each day. If you’re growing your plant outdoors, place it in a spot that receives partial shade during midday hours, but is exposed to full sunlight before or after that time.
Light requirement
When it comes to lighting, sansevieria fischeri singularis likes moderate light but prefers indirect sunlight. It can handle direct sun for a few hours a day and you can even place it outside during warm months (it will fare well in partial shade as well). But if you do put your snake plant outside, remember to bring it back inside when nighttime temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. It also likes air that’s on the dry side.
Soil/potting mix
Snake plants prefer soil that’s composed of equal parts potting mix and sand. A medium-textured, fast-draining soil is recommended to prevent plant drooping. Be sure to check whether your pot includes drainage holes; if not, drill some into your container’s bottom before adding soil and planting.
Also, note that snake plants thrive in low light conditions, but they do require consistent watering (about once every seven days). If you notice leaves yellowing or curling up, it’s likely because you aren’t watering enough. To avoid over-watering, use a moisture meter (available at most garden centers) to test how dry your soil is before giving it another drink.
Watering
Plants can survive on minimal watering, especially if you are growing them in water, which is why sansevieria fischeri singularis (snake plant) has evolved to thrive in these conditions. This species of snake plant does not need to be watered as often as other species because it derives much of its nutrients from air and little from the soil.
A 1-inch layer of gravel or sand at the bottom of your container will allow for better drainage so that you do not overwater your plant and cause root rot. Sansevieria fischeri singularis should only be watered when about one-third of its soil is dry.
If you have tap water, let it sit out overnight before using it to allow chlorine time to evaporate. Water your plant until some of the excess drains out into your saucer; then wait another week before watering again.
Fertilizer
Sansevieria fischeri singularis does not need fertilizer or extra water to survive. However, if you want to increase its already-beautiful foliage, then you can use an organic fertilizer once per month. Otherwise, let it be—it’s that easy! You will not have to do anything else in order for your snake plant to live.
Temperature
Sansevieria fischeri singularis is generally considered to be a low-light, low-maintenance houseplant. In fact, it thrives in shaded or indirect sunlight with temperatures of 60 degrees F. (16 degrees C) and above.
However, don’t let that fool you into thinking it can’t handle more light; as long as you provide adequate ventilation and water during hot spells, you can keep your snake plant outside on a covered porch or patio where it will receive direct sun for at least part of each day. If your plant starts to look pale, simply move it back inside until fall weather allows for its return outdoors.
Humidity
Sansevieria fischeri singularis is native to tropical regions, which can experience high levels of humidity. This snake plant does best in warm and humid conditions. If you need to keep your snake plant in lower humidity areas, try placing it by a warm window with sunlight or near an evaporative cooler to increase humidity levels. Additionally, make sure your snake plant is never in direct contact with water.
The ideal humidity range is between 40 and 60 percent. If your snake plant’s leaves start to droop, it may be too dry. You can increase humidity by misting it daily or placing it in a room with an evaporative cooler. If you notice your snake plant has brown spots on its leaves, it may be too dry.
Pruning
Sansevieria fischeri singularis is an easy-to-grow houseplant that’s attractive and useful for spaces of all sizes. However, to keep your Sansevieria at its best, you’ll need to prune it from time to time.
When purchasing, choose plants with firm leaves and no yellow or brown edges. In order to keep your plant looking lush and full, make sure you prune it properly. Sansevieria benefit from an occasional haircut during their growing season, in spring and fall. Snip off weak leaves and stems at ground level to make room for new growth.
Never remove more than one-third of any one leaf at once; sansevierias don’t like being manhandled! You can also take advantage of some natural pruning that occurs when a flower stalk emerges from the center of each leaf cluster. Simply cut off these stalks before they bloom, as they will be taking energy away from photosynthesis (which means less healthy growth for your plant).
If you notice any dead leaves on your snake plant, simply remove them by hand—they won’t come back on their own.
When to repot
If your Sansevieria is outgrowing its pot, it’s time to repot. This can happen when you forget to water your plant for more than two weeks, or if you have drastically changed its environment. Repotting is also recommended every three years. Start by trimming back any dead roots; then remove your plant from its current container.
Dormancy
If your snake plant is looking tired, or you’re having trouble getting it to bloom, you may need to put it into dormancy. Most houseplants go dormant during winter, but snake plants are tropical plants that will typically go dormant year-round. During dormancy, let your snake plant’s soil dry out between waterings.
This can be anywhere from once every week to once every month. You should also keep your snake plant in low light and away from drafts. This should get it back on track and growing again in no time!
Sansevieria fischeri singularis flower & fragrance
Sansevieria fischeri singularis features dark green leaves that have an unusual white stripe pattern, along with tiny round leaves at the ends of branches.
It has one of the more unusual-looking flowers on an otherwise nondescript plant. It resembles snakeskin and lasts only a few days before disappearing entirely. Sansevierias have several different varieties, most of which can be grouped into two categories: thick-leaved plants (some of which look similar to corn on their stalks) and thin-leaved, strappy plants that almost resemble fans in structure.
Growth rate
It has a slow to moderate growth rate. All snake plants will produce pups, or daughter plants, at their base when they are about 1 foot tall. You can remove these for your own enjoyment and use. Since snake plants are so slow-growing, it can take up to 15 years for them to reach their full potential height of 4 feet tall.
Toxicity
Sansevierias are considered poisonous if ingested by pets. Toxic compounds present in the plants include tropane alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Sansevieria fischeri singularis thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It can also survive, though less vibrantly, in zone 9. If you live outside of these areas, you may be able to grow snake plants indoors. However, if you want to enjoy your snake plant outside year-round, it’s best to choose another variety.
Pests and diseases
Unless you live in an arid region, your Sansevieria fischeri singularis will likely be attacked by pests and diseases at some point. If you notice that your snake plant is covered in yellow dust, check it out immediately. Yellow dust means scale insects; these are pests similar to aphids that feed on your snake plant’s sap.
To get rid of scale insects, gently remove them with your fingers or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use insecticidal soap spray if they don’t come off easily. Once all of the insects have been removed, wash off any remaining dust using warm water mixed with liquid dish soap and allow your snake plant to dry completely before returning it to its spot in your home.
Conclusion
Sansevieria fischeri singularis is generally considered toxic to humans and animals, and it should be noted that there have been some reports of minor skin irritation. If you plan on putting your snake plant in an area where curious children or pets may get to it, you should probably place it somewhere higher than your normal eye level.
It’s worth noting that sansevieria can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so unless you have a very large space for it, consider buying one with smaller leaves (or prune them). It’s also important to note that sansevieria are not cold hardy plants; they will die if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time.
