Sansevieria Trifasciata is most commonly known as Snake plant or...
Read MoreSansevieria Hahnii

Image source: Yercaud-elango / CC BY-SA
Sansevieria Hahnii is a gorgeous miniature cultivar of the well known Sansevieria Trifasciata (commonly known as Snake Plant). It is a stemless evergreen succulent that grows and reproduces rapidly. Especially when grown outside, it can spread everywhere using its underground rhizomes.
The cultivar was discovered in 1939 and was patented by Sylvan Hahn in 1941. Hence the name ‘Hahnii’.
This plant was earlier classified under the genus Sansevieria. Now it’s a part of the genus Dracaena from the Asparagaceae family.
- Sansevieria Trifasciata Hahnii
- Bird’s Nest Snake Plant
- Dracaena Trifasciata Hahnii
- Bird’s Nest Sansevieria
- Dwarf Mother in Law’s Tongue
- Dwarf Snake Plant
- Hahn’s Sansevieria
- Bird’s Nest Plant
At a glance
Features
Origin
The cultivar Hahnii is developed in a nursery. The parent species Sansevieria Trifasciata is native to western parts of Africa.
Foliage
Hahnii plants have darker green wide leaves with horizontal creamy white stripes. The foliage forms an attractive rosette shape. The leaves are flat, lance-shaped, smooth to touch, and get tapered towards the end.
Size
This dwarf version grows up to a foot. Leaves are 5-6 inches long and up to 3 inches wide. Flower stalk can be taller than the plant itself. It can rise at best 1.5 feet.
Flower
On rare occasions, this plant can grow vertical flower stalks covered in small buds. The flowers are creamy greenish white in color. The small, tubular flowers are lightly fragrant.
Toxicity
This plant has low level toxicity. If ingested, it can cause mouth and stomach irritations, vomiting and diarrhea in humans and pets.
Pests
Sansevierias are not very susceptible to pests and diseases. Spider mites and mealybugs are possible threats. The shape of the foliage may retain water for long, which can lead to fungal infections. Make sure to keep the leaves dry.
Propagation
Propagation is possible by plant division, leaf cuttings or rhizomes. When using leaf cuttings, take at least 3-4 inches sections and plant them in soil. Because of the smaller leaf size, better to use a whole leaf.
Growth Season
This evergreen plant actively grows during the spring to summer season. Flowering usually happens in late winter or in the spring.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Well-draining and sandy soil is great for most plants in Sansevieria group. Recommended mix is loam and pumice in 3:1 ratio. You can also use potting mix for succulents.
Water
No frequent watering is required for this plant. Let the soil dry off before watering again. Water once every other week or once a week, depending on its needs. In winters, you can water once a month.
Light
It 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.
Environment
Well suited for average room temperature and humidity. 60-85°F (16-29°C) is ideal. Avoid temperature below 40°F. In cold winters, the plant can become dormant.
Learn more about care and propagation of Sansevierias
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