An ornamental plant known for being perfect in the home is Sanseviera Robusta!
Featuring a striking upright appearance, this gorgeous succulent is great for containers around the house. It can be easily maintained.
In order to keep such a beautiful plant at home, better read this guide for more information.
Sansevieria Robusta Care Guide
Sansevieria Robustas are very easy to care for, and will provide years of enjoyment if the proper care requirements are met. In addition, temperatures should not drop below 50F (10°C) when watering, and the soil needs to be dry. The light in direct sunlight is also ideal for the indoors, so you do not have to worry about it too much.
Light
You are guaranteed to get great results from this upright plant. It is neither sensitive to sunlight nor affected by shade.
The ultimate position for the Sansevieria Robusta is one that receives bright, indirect light, making it suitable for ground-floor apartments that receive less direct sunlight.
The Sansevieria Robusta is also an amazing ornamental plant to decorate your home all year round, as it retains its leaves and attractive appearance even when the light levels drop in the winter.
As such, it is ideal for those who like a tropical feel in their homes throughout the entire year!
Watering
In Africa, the Sansevieria Robusta plant requires little watering. This makes it a great choice for those who have little green thumbs or are just a little bit neglectful of plants!
There is a risk that too much water will damage this succulent, as it is susceptible to root rot.
Specifically, it shouldn’t be left in a plate of water while you are away on a vacation. Make sure that whenever you water it, the liquid doesn’t pool in the soil. A change in soil’s mix may be necessary if it does.
During the winter months when the plants require less attention, water only when necessary. Once a week is enough for the growing season.
You should check the soil below, even if it appears dry on the surface.
When checking if your plants need watering, use a chopstick or the end of a spoon to feel how damp they are below the surface.
You should not be able to feel the soil sticking to the item if you stick it carefully into the soil and remove it. If you can, wait another couple of days before watering.
Soil
In addition, soil must be well-draining and sandy, with a neutral pH level. Cacti and succulents need soil that is resistant to retaining water. For this purpose, you can buy soil specially designed for them.
Here, you want to choose a soil mix that will ensure the roots get enough moisture without becoming saturated.
It is vital that air pockets within the soil do not become water-logged, preventing the plants from getting oxygen deprived.
For homemade potting mix, you will need standard gardening soil as a base, to which you will add two parts sand to two parts soil, plus one part perlite.
In particular, the perlite will keep the soil loose and well-draining, which will prevent it from compacting.
If you want your plant to grow well, make sure you have good soil. Poorly draining soil is one of the few things that can hurt this plant.
Temperature
You won’t need to worry about temperatures much since the Sansevieria Robusta is perfect for indoors.
In the winter, make sure the environment is above 50°F (10°C) – moving it away from a drafty window during the cooler months can accomplish this.
The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 55°F and 85°F (13-30°C). Towards the lower ends of this range, growth will slow, and temperatures below 50°F can be harmful.
When risk periods are present, be sure to bring it inside if you do have it out on your balcony or terrace.
Flowers
Although rare, the plant may flower. A long stalk may appear with a white or cream-colored flower resembling a lily. It smells pretty good too!
Sansevieria Robusta is rarely used for flowers, so don’t buy it for that purpose!
Flowering may occur when the plant has been mildly stressed for a long period of time, for example when it has become restricted or roots-bound.
Nevertheless, the flower itself won’t harm the plant, so enjoy the rare display while it lasts.
Propagation
It just keeps on giving (and we have not even mentioned the health benefits yet – we will discuss that later).
You can propagate your Sansevieria Robusta in just three common ways. Let’s take a closer look at them in detail.
Propagating by division
Propagation by division is an economical choice for plants that need extra space. Lifting a new plant straight from its roots also guarantees that it will retain similar characteristics to the mother plant.
To do this, you must first remove the plant from the pot, gently shake off the soil, and then gently cut the root using clean scissors or a sharp knife. Ensure the section you wish to remove also has its own leaf.
If you repot the mother plant with the same soil mixture as the new root system, water gently and watch the soil.
Propagation by leaf cutting in soil
It’s very easy to repot a plant by using leaf cuttings, and if the plant takes to its new environment, your new plant will immediately become green!
Simple as cutting off the leaves at the base then letting them sit until they dry out. Then, simply insert them into potting mix (well-draining of course).
It takes a little while to get started, but it is well worth the time. Water the cuttings but make sure they drain well, then monitor the soil for a few weeks.
It’s interesting to note that using this method can result in slightly different plants from the mother!
Propagation by leaf cutting in water
The method is really cool, and you can see what is happening beneath the surface.
You will start by cutting an upside-down V into the bottom of the leaf, then cut it into a chevron shape to resemble the soil cutting method.
Put it in a jar with water! At first you might not see anything happen, but after a few weeks you’ll see roots sprouting from the cut area.
Soon, you will also see a few offshoots or pups beginning to grow as well.
The plants can actually survive quite well in water, and can become a beautiful decorative feature if you leave them for a while. If you want to watch them develop, you can leave them in the water as long as you like.
Growth
When you maintain optimal growing conditions for your Sansevieria Robusta, ensuring the light levels are constant, you can expect the plant to reach a height and width of around 39 inches (100 centimeters).
Leaf shapes sometimes resemble swords, often due to the upright growth of the plant.
This cool plant has a unique growth pattern which makes it ideal for modern spaces and offices, as its sharp appearance complements sleek design and architecture.
Although the plant is evergreen and does not shed its leaves, it does rest during the winter. Do not panic if you notice no or little growth during this time – this is perfectly normal.
As the warmer months approach, you’ll soon see it resuming its normal growth patterns given the optimal temperature and light conditions.
Toxicity
However, this robust and easy to maintain plant can be toxic if ingested by animals or children.
It’s quite a bummer, since the plant’s easy-care attributes are perfect for offices and homes.
It is especially harmful to cats and dogs to consume the toxins since they cause swelling of the lungs and tongue, as well as nausea and vomiting.
If you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the Sansevieria Robusta, take them to the vet immediately. Children should also be guarded around the plant.
Benefits of the Sansevieria Robusta
Historically used for herbal remedies, this striking green plant has a number of health benefits as well. Today, it is best known for its impact on air quality.
A carbon monoxide-, formaldehyde-, and benzene-containing plant absorbs airborne particles and toxins from its environment.
As long as you do not consume the plant, its presence in your surroundings will certainly be beneficial.
Common problems with Sansevieria Robusta
As we’ve talked about in depth here, the main advantage of the Sansevieria Robusta is its ease of upkeep, making it an excellent first plant. Or for those who cannot maintain a plant for much longer than a few months.
If you do not follow the basic tips in this article, problems may occur. Note: Although relatively hard to destroy, keep in mind the problems listed in this article.
Pests
It’s not uncommon for unwanted visitors to make an appearance. Be on the lookout for mealybugs and spider mites. Leaves are usually a food source for these bugs, which can destroy the surface and possibly cause infections.
You can try hosing them off with a gentle stream of water. Mealybugs, in particular, can resist this method. You can also use an alcohol rubbing mixture to remove them.
In the event of an infestation, isolate the plant from other plants to prevent it from spreading.
A regular inspection will help you identify any signs of an infestation, so you can remove them as soon as possible before they takehold and get out of control.
Sadly, you may need to start all over again with a new plant if this happens.
Root Rot
Infections of this type are most likely to occur on Sansevieria Robusta. The plant hates damp, soggy soil.
Overwatering or poor drainage can result in root rot. As a result, the soil becomes clogged with moisture, blocking oxygen pockets.
Soggy roots eventually become infected with fungal infections in damp environments.
Unfortunately, root rot may already be too late by the time the symptoms appear above the surface – the plant may lose shape, seem soggy at the base, or even begin to wobble in its soil. Therefore, you should keep a close eye on the moisture in the soil.
You should follow these soil content guidelines, make sure the soil is dried out before watering and decrease watering during the winter season.
Conclusion
This plant offers a striking appearance without requiring too much in the way of maintenance. Follow the basic guidelines, and you are likely to be able to enjoy your Sansevieria Robusta for years to come.