Have you ever heard of Sanseviera moonshine? Among all the different ones you can find, this is perhaps one that stands out because it has light green leaves. Its shape is very similar but the simple tonality makes it one of the rarest that you can have at home.
Do you want to know more about her? Next We will tell you about its characteristics and the care and uses that you should know Do not miss it!
How is the Sansevieria moonshine
The first thing you need to know about Sansevieria moonshine is that it is part of the trifasciata. Another of the names it receives is mother-in-law tongue or snake plant. However, in the case of moonshine, it is also called the moonlight snake plant, or silver moon snake plant.
This is native to the regions of Africa, specifically Nigeria and the Congo. It is one of the rarest that you can have in your hands. And yes, it is a succulent plant.
It can grow, always vertically, up to 2 meters high.
How are the leaves
Focusing on the part of the leaves, they are wide and silver in color, or lime green. They have a narrow darker green margin at the edges. They grow in the form of a rosette and the leaves are born directly from the base. When the leaf is small it is more likely to be silvery white, and as it grows it darkens, but not too much.
Now it is possible to have a darker green moonshine. This is because, if you don’t give it enough light, it can cause its coloration to diminish and turn darker green, similar to other species of sansevierias. And no, it is not solved by putting it in the sun, it is something irreversible.
Do you throw flowers?
If you are lucky, you take very, very good care of it, and the plant perks up, you will be able to see it bloom. But the truth is that these characteristics are very difficult to achieve. Still, if you make it, In addition to being very lucky, you will enjoy white flowers with a very pleasant aroma.
But, as we tell you, it is not easy, in addition to the fact that the plant itself is not ready to flourish.
Sansevieria moonshine care
If the bug of having a Sansevieria moonshine at home has already bitten you, you will need to know what are the essential care it should have. They are not very delicate plants, quite the opposite. But it is good to know some peculiarities that must be controlled to avoid problems. We tell you.
location and temperature
The Sansevieria moonshine is a plant that can be both indoors and outdoors. Although its ideal would be outside and in semi-shade if it is too hot where you live (or in direct sun if it is not), the truth is that you could also have it indoors, either in semi-shade or in full shade.
In fact, it is said that it can spend up to 3 months in the shade.
Now, you have to take into account that, although it does not need light, this will make it not grow, or hardly do so. Therefore, if you want to see it get bigger you will need to place it in a place with good lighting.
Also, you have to keep in mind that when you place it in the shade or it does not get enough light, the leaves of the Sansevieria moonshine darken, losing that characteristic that makes it unique.
As for the temperature, it is true that it prefers a warm one, between 16 and 21º. But the truth is that as long as it doesn’t go below 3ºC and rises to more than 42ºC, it will be fine, it’s just that You need to be a little more aware of her, especially if it is the first year you have it.
Substratum
Normally, the Sansevieria moonshine is a plant that is usually kept in a pot. And for this reason it is necessary to provide it with good soil. The best mixture for this plant would be that of cacti, but you can also make a combination between universal substrate and perlite (40-60, respectively) to ensure that the substrate has a lot of drainage and is very loose.
This will help keep the roots from getting wet or rotting.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the parts where you have to be more careful. We must start from the fact that it is a succulent, which means that it stores water in its leaves. That should tell you that it doesn’t need as constant watering as other plants.
In general, irrigation in sansevierias is done:
- Once a month in winter.
- Once every fifteen or twenty days in summer.
It is important to follow this guideline because, as we told you, it does not need as much watering as other plants. But, in addition, you should not abuse watering at that time either. You simply have to moisten the soil, not flood it because you will have the same problem as if you water often.
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Adding a little compost during the growing season (ie spring and summer) is not a bad idea. Yes indeed, use a fertilizer for succulents and succulentsand always a lower dose than what comes out according to the manufacturer (so you make sure you don’t overfertilize it).
Plagues and diseases
We could say that the Sansevieria moonshine is an all-terrain plant. And the truth is that it is so. However, that is not to say that it is without its problems.
As for pests, one that can affect you is the cottony mealybug. Fortunately, once you know it has it, you only have to use a cloth and 70º alcohol to clean each of the leaves and completely eliminate the pest (you may have to do it a couple of times but it is eliminated).
Regarding diseases, the main one and the one that can completely kill your plant is root rot. And this arises from an excess of watering or from an excess of humidity. So keep that in mind if you run into this issue.
Multiplication
Finally, we want to talk to you about how Sansevieria moonshine is propagated. As it happens with others of the species, it can be done by seeds, by rhizomes or by cuttings.
The easiest way is by rhizomes, that is, separating the stems of the plant. But by cuttings it is also very common. In this case, what is done is cut a leaf in the shape of an inverted V, let it dry for 24 hours and put it in water to take root. Only when it has many can it be planted in the ground.
Usos
Finally, we want to talk to you about the uses that you can give to the Sansevieria moonshine. The truth is that it does not have many, but one of them is especially important and the reason why we would recommend buying this plant.
The first is undoubtedly the decorative use. Having it both inside and outside the home will make your home look unique. They are plants that grow very fast if you leave them and take good care of them, and you will enjoy very resistant leaves, just like the plant, so that it can last for years and years.
the second, and the most important is being an air purifier. In fact, according to NASA, it is one of the best purification plants in the world.. It is part of the list of air filters, which means that you could have it in your bedroom and sleep with it knowing that it will release oxygen during the night and that will influence better rest and better health.
Now that you know more about this species, do you dare to have a Sansevieria moonshine at home?
