Plant guide
サンスベリア
Watering rhythm
Every 14–21 days
Sansevieria is a succulent plant native to Africa, known for its striking architectural appearance. It's incredibly drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a favorite for beginners. Beyond being low-maintenance, it also helps purify the air, and its clean lines work beautifully in almost any indoor space.
Sansevieria thrives in bright light and can even handle direct sun by a window. That said, it's also perfectly happy in indirect indoor light. It prefers temperatures above 15°C; growth slows noticeably below 10°C. Low humidity isn't a problem for this plant—it actually prefers drier air.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 10–14 days
Summer
Every 10–14 days
Autumn
Every 14–21 days
Winter
Every 21–35 days
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, but only when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Since Sansevieria is naturally drought-tolerant, it's better to err on the side of underwatering. Always empty the saucer after watering to prevent root rot. If the soil still feels moist when you check, hold off—there's no rush to water again.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turning yellow | Overwatering causes the roots to rot, leading to yellowing across the entire leaf. Winter is a particularly risky time. | Stop watering immediately and move the plant to a well-ventilated spot. If the soil stays constantly wet, consider repotting into fresh, dry soil. |
| Leaves becoming limp and drooping | This could be either underwatering and the plant drying out, or root rot preventing the plant from absorbing water despite wet soil. | Feel the soil with your finger. If it's dry, water it. If it's wet, suspect root rot and consider repotting. |
| Pale spots or discoloration on leaves | Pests like scale insects or spider mites may be present, or the leaves could be damaged. | If you spot pests, gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm water. For severe infestations, consider using an insecticide. |
| No new growth appearing | The plant may not be getting enough light, or it could be in winter dormancy from cooler temperatures. | Move it to a brighter location and wait for spring. During winter, growth naturally slows dramatically, so avoid increasing watering in an attempt to encourage new leaves. |
| Unpleasant odor coming from the pot | The soil has been staying wet too long, causing root rot and decay. | Remove the plant from the pot right away and trim away any blackened, rotted roots. Repot it in fresh soil and reduce your watering frequency going forward. |
Register this plant and track its watering with Green Logs
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