HAHN’S SANSEVIERIA

SANSEVIERIA TRIFASCIATA ‘HAHNII’

Hahn’s sansevieria is a neat, rosette-forming succulent with attractive, gray-green leaves. It grows well in either filtered sun or light shade and requires very little in the way of care. Position it in almost any room in the house except the bathroom, as it dislikes high humidity.

HEIGHT 8in (20cm)

SPREAD 10in (25cm)

FLOWERS Insignificant

FOLIAGE Succulent, gray-green

LIGHT Filtered sun/light shade

TEMPERATURE 59–75°F (15–24°C)

CARE Easy

PLACE OF ORIGIN West Africa

WARNING! All parts are toxic; gloves required when handling

CARE

Plant Hahn’s sansevieria in cactus potting mix to ensure good drainage. In spring and summer, water moderately, allowing the mix to dry between waterings. Apply a half-strength balanced fertilizer once a month. During fall and winter, reduce watering, stop feeding, and protect the plant from cold drafts.

If Hahn’s sansevieria is under stress or needs repotting, it will produce insignificant white flowers. There’s no immediate need to cut off these blooms, but make a note to repot the plant in spring. When repotting, remove any offsets and pot them to create new plants.

Hahn’s sansevieria has an appealing and distinctive architectural silhouette.

PROBLEM SOLVING Most of this plant’s problems are due to having been given too much attention. Overwatering often leads to rotting roots, after which, the plant’s decline is rapid. Reduce the risk of rot by growing it in cactus potting mix, which is very well drained; be careful not to overwater.

DISPLAY

Its rosette form and subtle coloring make Hahn’s sansevieria a popular choice for displaying in small rooms that have a modern feel. Each leaf is patterned with gray markings; the tips of the leaves end in a sharp point, giving it clear definition and a distinctive, architectural shape. It’s also often cited as being effective in purifying the air in a room (see Plants for a Healthy Home).

Hahn’s sansevieria can look stylish displayed in a simple gray container all on its own. However, consider grouping it with other shade-tolerant plants for even greater impact—it will grow happily alongside dumbcane and variegated snake plant, a larger relative of Hahn’s sansevieria. Both of these plants enjoy the same watering regime and soil as Hahn’s sansevieria.

Houseplants A–Z | HAHN’S SANSEVIERIA

ALSO TRY

If you like Hahn’s sansevieria, you might also want to try its variegated form, which requires exactly the same conditions—together they make the perfect pair:

• Golden bird’s nest (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Golden Hahnii’), height 8in (20cm). The thick leaves of this plant have a fine green marking around the edge, an outer golden band, and a green center.

Golden bird’s nest is an impressive plant when viewed from above.