Sansevieria futura superba is easily distinguished from others in the Sansevieria family by its broad, short sword-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette and its dark green color with yellow edges.
In reference to its growth habit, this Sansevieria is sometimes called “a bird’s nest Sansevieria.” Its scientific name is Sansevieria trifasciata, variety “Futura Superba.”
Native to West Africa, this hardy tropical plant is commonly grown in gardens as well as indoors. This is the perfect house plant for small apartments because it takes up so little space.
For rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and hospitals, Sansevieria “futura superba” is recommended for air purification. As far as Feng Shui is concerned, Sansevierias are considered good luck plants.
Beginners can grow this Sansevieria with little effort since it requires so little attention. Sansevieria futura superba has been said to be almost indestructible, even if you have two brown thumbs.
Sansevieria Futura Superba Care
A Sansevieria “futura superba” grows on average up to a height of about 12 inches, reaching a height of about 24 inches. Plants can grow happily in the same temperature range as humans – between 18 and 24°C (65-75°F). Unlike other Sansevierias, this one is not sensitive to dry air; it can live for a month without water and tolerates very low light levels. Growing it under fluorescent lights is also possible.
Soil
Sansevieria “futura superba” grows best in well-drained soil, since soil that retains too much water will lead to rotting roots. As this is one of the very few problems this Sansevieria can have, make sure it is planted in a soil mix with plenty of coarse material such as pine bark, coarse sand, and/or perlite.
Combine the coarse compost with the coarse material to make a plant that requires little water, no fertilizer, and barely any care. It works great for cacti and succulents.
Watering
There is not much difference between Sansevieria and Sansevierias in terms of their drought tolerance. After letting the soil completely dry between waterings, water thoroughly until excess water runs out of the drainage hole in the pot. It is imperative that the roots do not sit in water.
The Sansevieria “futura superba” should be watered once every few weeks in the summer when it is hot. I would rather be underwater than above the water.
The Sansevieria plant is known for its ability to thrive for weeks without water.
Planting your Sansevieria in a very well-draining soil is the best way to prevent overwatering. By doing so, all excess water will drain from the pot and roots will be properly aerated.
Light
A Sansevieria “futura superba” grows best in bright to moderate indirect light. In fact, it does well with little light and can easily be grown under fluorescent lighting without natural light. If you keep it between the south and west windows, this Sansevieria should not suffer from direct sunlight and thrive.In the summer, you can bring your Sansevieria out to the balcony or porch. At first, keep the plant in the dappled shade and gradually move it to the brighter area. An office, hospital room, hotel lobby, and other place with low natural light is common place to find Sansevieria “futura superba”.
Temperature
Sansevieria “futura superba” can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but it is often grown at a temperature that is comfortable for humans, between 18 and 24 °C (65-75 °F). The Sansevieria can tolerate higher temperatures, but it will need more water because it is a tropical plant. Taking your Sansevieria indoors before a frost occurs is the best way to ensure it survives low temperatures outside. Don’t let your Sansevieria come into contact with drafty windows or direct heating or air conditioning.
Humidity
The beautiful Sansevieria “futura superba” in our households can probably tolerate a wide range of living conditions. In addition, it includes the humidity. You won’t see it complain about the humidity in your bathroom; in fact, it will happily live there. If you have some natural light or even a fluorescent lamp, you should be able to grow a Sansevieria in every room of your home, using its lovely tolerance. This plant will provide some greenery and purify the air.
Fertilizer
A Sansevieria “futura superba” requires very little fertilizer. In the absence of fertilizer, you will not notice much difference, except maybe slower growth. Your Sansevieria will have all the nutrients it needs if your soil mix contains organic compost.In spring, before the active growth begins, add a layer of organic compost to the top of the soil, since Sansevierias like to be pot-bound and do not need to be repotted often.
You should fertilize your Sansevieria with diluted general-purpose or cactus liquid fertilizer if your potting mix is peat-based or contains regular garden soil. You should feed your plant once a month in the spring and summer and not at all in the fall and winter.
Repotting
There’s no need to worry about repotting your Sansevieria “futura superba.” They’re slow growers who want to be pot bound. It might even encourage them to bloom!Your Sansevieria should be repotted when the pot fills with roots. It is not uncommon for roots to break pots! We live in a powerful world. It needs to be repotted every three to five years into a one-size larger pot. You will not need to repot your Sansevieria for five to ten years if it is growing in low light.
It is necessary to remove your Sansevieria from its old pot, shake the old soil off, and remove all the babies that are growing from the mother rhizome. Pups are Sansevierias in pots that have already been potted. They are very easy to propagate. You can reuse the same coarse soil mix that you used before and place the mother plant in a new pot. Make sure to water it thoroughly and let it drain completely.
Pruning
Sansevieria does not need to be pruned. The occasional damaged leaf will be visible. The food is burnt and crisp on the edges when it has been exposed to the sun for a long time. Leaves with damage should be cut at the base.New growth will be allowed. There may also be rotten leaves at the base of the leaves.
A Sansevieria can experience this if the soil was allowed to get too wet and it was overwatered.When removing the damaged leaf, check the roots as well. Your Sansevieria will need to be repotted with fresh, moist soil if both the leaves and roots are rotting.
Propagation
You will want more of Sansevieria “futura superba” once you see it. Leaf cuttings can be used to propagate it, but there is an easier way. From its rhizome, Sansevieria grows pups, new plants.Sansevierias grow roots underground, cause new plants to appear in the garden, and grow roots underground if they were grown outdoors.
Growing on the pot’s side are the ‘pups. During repotting, they can be easily separated from the mother plant. Each new plant needs to be placed into its own pot after being cut.This is the easiest thing in the world! Pick a small pot because they are slow growers and it will take a long time for your new babies to fill out and start looking like their mother.
Blooms
You’ll never run out of surprises with Sansevierias! In time, you’ll get used to its glossy leaves and vibrant yellow edges as your “futura superba” lives on your window sill or desk.
Soon, a stalk will grow straight from the soil, covered in white fluffy buds. 1-2 days after opening, the buds transform into lovely, delicately scented lily-like flowers.
If your Sansevieria blooms, you cannot predict when. However, experienced gardeners suggest that keeping your plants slightly root bound will encourage them to bloom.
Growth
A slow-growing plant with a long lifespan, Sansevieria futura superba is a slow grower. Slower growth occurs when there is less light available. From the humid bathroom to an office without natural light, it grows in almost any condition. In addition to growing in the garden and at home, Sansevieria rarely needs water and can survive for months without light. The plant grows to a foot or foot-and-a-half tall, but never more than two feet. It can be stored in the same pot for five to ten years!Sansevieria “future superba” is often grown for its air purifying properties. Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene are removed by raising the oxygen level in a room. For bedrooms, baby rooms, and hospital rooms, it is recommended to keep Sansevierias.
Common Problems
Sansevieria “futura superba” is extremely resilient and resistant to most diseases and pests. In the wrong living conditions, it might succumb to root rot or get infested by mealybugs and spider mites.
Root Rot
In general, Sansevieria thrives in almost any environment except for standing water. The roots of your Sansevieria will be unable to get oxygen if the soil holds too much water, and are susceptible to fungal diseases. Water your plant only when the soil is dry, and ensure that your soil is free-draining. Whenever possible, it’s better to dive underwater instead of above the surface.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny, wingless insects that look like white cotton on your Sansevieria leaves. Plant sap is sucked out by these insects. The leaves will yellow and curl as a result of the damage. Mealybugs produce sticky honeydew when they feed, which encourages sooty mold growth. If you can’t remove the mealybugs with water, rub a cotton ball full of alcohol on your Sansevieria. Alternatively, you can spray the plant with neem oil or horticultural soap.When mealybugs appear on your Sansevieria, it means you are overwatering it or the soil retains too much water.
Spider Mites
A spider mite is a tiny spider that makes holes in leaves and feeds on sap. They form colonies on the underside of leaves. Sansevieria leaves will display them as tiny dots or dense, fine webbing. Leaf damage will result in yellowing and dropping of leaves. In addition to Sansevierias, spider mites can infest other plants nearby. Remove infected leaves, wash your Sansevieria with a strong blast of water, or spray it with neem oil. Bringing in beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can help ease spider mite infestations, if you do not mind living with insects. Typically, they are used in the garden.
Prevention
Preventing plant diseases or insect infestations from occurring is the best way to deal with them. A good growing environment is the first step to ensuring your Sansevieria “futura superba” thrives. The only problem with Sansevierias is that they can thrive in just about any climate condition as long as they are not overwatered.
If it has roots in water, you’ll kill your Sansevieria “futura superba.” Make sure it is planted in free-draining soil and don’t overwater it. Keep your Sansevieria leaves in check frequently to look for bugs, as well as spider webs and white cotton. Get rid of the infestation as soon as possible.