Sansevieria Jade Pagoda

Image source: Mokkie / CC BY-SA

Sansevieria Jade Pagoda is a dwarf variety of snake plant or Mother in law’s tongue. It is a variegated cultivar of the well-known Bird’s nest plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata Hahnii). This plant can be recognized by its dark glossy leaves with yellow stripes. The leaves form a compact rosette shape similar to Hahnii plants. This stemless plant is hardy and easy to grow. It is a great indoor ornamental plant. You can use it as a tabletop decor, shelf piece or a gift plant.

Sansevieria jade pagoda can act as an air purifier by removing toxins from indoor spaces. Like other snake plants it produces oxygen at night.

This variety is a part of the genus Dracaena from the Asparagaceae family.

Also known as

Sansevieria Jade Dwarf Marginata
Sansevieria Trifasciata Jade Dwarf Marginata
Jade Marginata Snake Plant
Sansevieria Hahnii Jade Marginata

At a glance

Features

Origin

The origin of this particular cultivar is unknown. However, the parent species (Sansevieria Trifasciata) is native to tropical Africa.

Foliage

S. Jade Pagoda has flat, thick, succulent leaves. The foliage has rich deep green color and a smooth texture. Leaves are arranged in a rosette form and each leaf has a broad lance shape. The leaf margins have bright yellow stripes with irregular thickness. The contrast between dark green and yellow color makes the plant stand out from other houseplants.

Size

Being a compact hybrid, jade dwarf marginata only grows up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). Mature leaves are almost 2-3 inches wide in the middle. Flower stalks can grow up to 1.5 feet tall.

Flower

It is extremely rare for this plant to flower. It can produces vertical flower stalk covered in clusters of buds. The flowers are greenish creamy-white in color. The small, tubular flowers might be lightly fragrant.

Toxicity

Like all Sansevieria, it is mildly toxic for humans as well as pets. Chewing the plant can make the tongue and throat swell. If ingested in large amounts, it can cause gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling etc. Keep it away from your cats, dogs and children.

Pests

This plant is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. But, there is a possibility of infestation by mealybugs or spider mites. These insects are easy to get rid of, when encountered early. Overwatering is a major problem that causes root rot, fungus, and further invites more diseases. Be careful not to douse the rosette in water.

Propagation

There are various ways to propagate this plant- by root division, leaf cuttings or rhizomes. Dividing the root ball is a quick and reliable method. If you have a smaller plant, using healthy leaf sections may be more practical. When using leaf cuttings, take at least 3-4 inches long sections and plant them in soil, bottom side down. After a couple of months, the roots will form.

Growth Season

Warmer climate promotes the growth in snake plants. This evergreen plant actively grows during the spring and summer seasons. Flowering usually happens in the winter or spring time.

Growing Conditions

Soil

Fast-draining soil is great for most Sansevieria plants. Use ingredients like perlite, coir, pumice, gravel to increase the drainage capacity of the soil. Never use a dense, sticky soil for your snake plants. Instead of making your own soil mix, you can also use a regular potting mix made for succulents and cacti.

Water

This drought-tolerant plant doesn't need frequent watering to survive. You can water it every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, spring to summer. Reduce the watering frequency as temperature starts to drop. Water at most once a month during winters. Make sure that the top 1-1.5 inch soil is dry before you water the plants. Then water deeply and let it drain freely.

Light

This species can tolerate anything from the full sun to low light conditions. Ideal situation is bright and indirect sunlight. Keep your indoor plants in a well lit room, either using sunlight or with artificial lighting. Few hours of morning and evening sun is good. But, protect the plant from harsh afternoon sun.

Environment

S. Jade Pagoda plants do great in average room temperature and humidity. They are happy anywhere between 60-85°F (15-29°C). However, the plant is not winter hardy. It's better to avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C), especially if the soil is wet. Frost can damage the leaves, and causes permanent scarring.