Sansevieria Bantel’s Sensation

Sansevieria Bantel’s Sensation is a unique cultivar of Sansevieria Trifasciata. The S. Trifasciata is commonly known as Mother in law’s tongue or Snake plant. Bantel’s Sensation is particularly recognized by the long and slender variegated leaves. Due to the lovely white streaks, this plant is also called White Sansevieria. This stemless perennial is a hardy and very tolerant plant. Bantel’s Sensation cultivar was developed by Gustav Bantel, and it was issued a patent in 1948. Furthermore in 1993, the plant won a reputed award of Golden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Sansevieria Trifasciata is a part of the genus Dracaena from the Asparagaceae family.

Also Known As

Sansevieria Trifasciata Bantel’s Sensation Bantel’s Sensation White Striped Mother In Law’s Tongue, Dracaena Trifasciata Bantel’s Sensation, White Snake Plant, Mother-in-law’s Tongue Bantel’s Sensation, White Striped Snake Plant, Bantel’s Sensation Snake Plant, White Sansevieria, White Striped Sansevieria.

At A Glance

Features

Origin

Bantel's sensation cultivar was developed in a nursery. However, the parent plant Sansevieria Trifasciata is native to Africa. Specifically, it's widespread in regions from Nigeria to Congo.

Size

This cultivar has 2-3 feet long and 1-1.5 inches wide leaves. In bright light conditions, the plant can grow taller than 3 feet. Flower stalks can grow 2-2.5 feet high. And, the flowers are usually 1 inch long.

Foliage

This plant has distinctly vertical, fibrous white striped leaves. The leaves are flat, very straight and have pointy ends. They are dark green with silvery white stripes along the length. Although the overall leaf surface is smooth, it is channeled at the base.

Flower

On rare occasions, the plant produces long, vertical flower stalks. Normally there is one flower stalk, but there can be more. The flowers appear in bunches and are greenish creamy-white in color. These small, tubular flowers are lightly fragrant, and have a pleasant scent.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are mildly toxic for humans and pets. If ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea etc.

Growth Season

This slow-growing evergreen plant actively grows during the spring season. Flowering usually happens in the summer.

Pests

This plant is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. But, there is a possibility to get attacked by mealybugs or spider mites. Overwatering in particular can cause root rot, and further invite more diseases.

Propagation

It can be propagated by plant division, leaf cuttings or rhizomes. However, propagation using leaves may lose the variegation in new plants. When using leaf cuttings, take at least 3-4 inches sections and plant them in soil.

Growing Conditions

Water

This drought-tolerant plant doesn't need much water to survive. You can water it every 1-2 weeks during the growing season. Be careful while watering in the winters. Water once a month or less than that in extreme colds. Let the soil dry off completely before each time you water.

Light

This species can tolerate anything from the full sun to low light conditions. Ideally go for bright and indirect sunlight. For outdoor plants, select a shaded area to protect the plant from harsh afternoon sun.

Soil

Fast-draining soil is great for most Sansevieria plants. Recommended mix is loam and pumice in 3:1 ratio. Apart from making your own soil mix, you can use any potting mix for succulents and cacti.

Environment

Well suited for average room temperature and humidity. Temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) can be easily tolerated. Even though the plant is theoretically hardy to 40°F, it's necessary to keep it dry. Frost can damage the leaves, and it's better to avoid extremely low temperatures.