Dracaena trifasciata, previously known as Sansevieria trifasciata.
Many of us know this plant as "mother-in-law's tongue" or "snake plant", supposedly because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves.
One gardener told me it's called mother in law’s tongue because it's so hard to kill!
Another common name for this plant unbeknownst to me is the "viper's bowstring hemp", because it is one of the sources for plant fibres used to make bowstrings.
Dracaena trifasciata has had a hard life. It’s native to tropical West Africa and when it came to Australia, it was used outside in garden landscaping as it was so tough and hardy. Unfortunately, it got out of hand, people started to dump it in bushland and it found itself on the weed list.
However, I believe though that this plant can be used effectively and non-invasively when used as an indoor plant.
Dracaena trifasciata is one of my most recommended indoor plants.
It seems to survive the most unsuitable growing conditions, abuse and neglect. Basically, you have to work really hard to kill these Dracaenas. (I must be honest here and mention I have killed one, but it was purely from too much love!)
The Dracaena trifasciata has long sword like foliage. It’s a great plant when you need height and hardiness. There are three main forms of Dracaena trifasciata.
The original Dracaena trifasciata, has dark green foliage, with light grey-green stripes going across the leaves. Each leaf can reach to about a metre, but in optimal conditions, it can reach two.
There is also a variegated cultivar, called Dracaena trifasciata, 'Laurentii'. This one has green foliage with a yellow band around the outside and can also reach that one metre mark
The third form is the silver leafed called Dracaena trifasciata, 'Moonshine'. Unlike its’ brothers, Moonshine only grows to about 60cm high and has an almost white to silver foliage.
Dracaena trifasciata can handle any light situation from full sun to your darkest, no natural light, office cubicle. They can handle our hot humid summers and our coldest, driest air conditioners!
However, take care when watering these guys. Dry is best and remember that I almost rotted one to death through too much love.
You can grow these guys in great quality potting mix, or you can grow them in water. Weird I know. But without the soil around them, they do fantastically as a water plant!
Keep their leaves clean and free from dust and grease. I only tend to fertilise mine with an organic slow release fertiliser when I split them, which I only do when they break the pot they are in.
If you've never had any luck with indoor plants, this is the plant for you. I know you might think these are old fashioned and uncool, I was the same, but now have several at home and love them to bits. Why? They’re a large chunky plant that will always look good, survive low light and not need care. I have them growing where I couldn’t get any other indoor plant to grow and they look amazing so why not up your indoor plant game and get your hands on a chunky Dracaena trifasciata