The bird’s nest snake plant, Sansevieria hahnii, is one of over 70 species falling under the snake plant category. The Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentii plant, Habanii, has several common names. Bird’s nest snake plant, Golden hahnii, Good Luck Plant, Dwarf Mother in Law’s Tongue, Dwarf Snake Plant,
Trifasciata Hahnii Sansevieria plants or bird nest snake plant, Plants grow exceptionally well in hot, dry, arid climates and poor soil and are native to subtropical regions of Europe, India, and Africa.
It is related to the agave plant, and in its native lands, some of the larger family members are used as textile fiber. Sansevieria is a perennial plant that grows as a ground cover in hot climates (e.g., Florida, Arkansas, and Arizona).
The Bird’s Nest Sansevieria ‘Hahnii’
The snake plants‘ cast-iron qualities have merit, but their tall, stiff appearance is not to everyone’s taste. There are several “rosette” varieties of a smaller and more graceful design. As tough as older, upright Sansevieria types, these “flattened” varieties are called bird nest Sansevieria varieties. They have a catchy name that I will not forget. I have no idea who gave them the name, though.
The Discovery Of Sansevieria ‘Hahnii’ – Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
The Sansevieria trifasciata varieties by B. Hahn describes a new plant named Sansevieria ‘Hahnii’. The first dwarf cultivar and direct parent of most other dwarf varieties, Juan Chahinian was found at Crescent Nursery Company in New Orleans. W. Smith Jr. and patented as an “improved variety” of Sansevieria. Plant bears patent No. 470 and was dated June 3rd, 1941.
There was a trifasciata variation that produced the dwarf. This plant belongs to the Laurentianii genus. It develops like a rosette of leaves with the leaves growing from the root system. The leaves are spirally arranged, and their sides are curved upward; the leaves are upright when young, but as they grow, they start to turn flat and recurve backwards.
Leaves taper towards the bottom, forming a petiole which widens at the stem joint. Leaves, averaging eight to ten in number, are wide and oblong, ending in a tip that is variable in size, but always shLeaf width can reach 7.5 cm (3 in.) and length can reach 15 cm.much as 15 cm. (6 in. ), although these dimensions can sometimes be exceeded with the different clones and cultural treatments.
It produces new growth with an upright appearance at times, due to its freedom to offset.
Size & Growth
Hahnii Sansevierias are short, stubby snake plants that resemble a thick, heavy-textured rose. They have dark green leaves with gray bands running along their length. In general, it grows to a maximum height of 12″ inches.
Plants should be given between 3 inches and 6 inches to spread. Plant bird’s nest sansevieria in individual containers or pots when they become overcrowded.
Yellow and white bands are present along the edges of Golden hahnii’s leaves. This plant grows leaves in a rosette manner, and is sometimes mistaken for a bromeliad.
Plants should never have water standing in the center as this causes rot. In the same way that cacti and succulents require very similar care, Sansevieria will grow well with those plants as well.
Leaf curling is sometimes experienced by snake plant leaves. Sometimes snake plant leaves fall over.
Flowering & Fragrance
Evergreen Sansevieria birds nest snake plants are grown for their foliage. When overcrowded or stressed, they often produce small, inconspicuous but very aromatic greenish/white, tan, or yellow flowers.
Sansevieria flowers are sterile and do not produce seeds.
Soil & Transplanting
Hahnii Sansevieria tolerates soils of all pH levels. It thrives in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. An ideal growing environment for the plant would be one that contains gravel, coarse sand, perlite or other light, airy materials providing good drainage.
A standard cactus or succulent mix combined 50/50 with regular potting soil is an excellent choice for potted plants. In many cases, gardeners leave Sansevierias in pots for longer periods of time before transplanting them more than twice every two to five years. Adding fresh soil every spring doesn’t hurt the plant and won’t require fertilizing or transplanting.