If you think the sansevieria—sometimes jokingly called “mother-in-law’s tongue”—is just a nearly indestructible decorative plant, think again. One summer morning, upon entering my living room, I was greeted by a surprisingly sweet, almost vanilla-like fragrance. After a few minutes searching for a forgotten candle or a diffuser I’d accidentally turned on, I finally understood: my sansevieria had just bloomed.
Yes, this plant, renowned for its hardiness, can produce long stems covered in small white flowers capable of filling an entire room with their fragrance. A rare phenomenon, but absolutely magical when it occurs.
Here’s how I discovered the secrets that promote its flowering… and how you can do the same at home.
- It all starts with light
For years, I left my sansevieria in a shady corner, convinced that, because it “survives everywhere”, it didn’t need anything more. Big mistake.
To flower, it needs bright but indirect light.
By placing it near an east-facing window – where the morning sun remains gentle – I saw its growth awaken almost immediately. The leaves appeared firmer, thicker, and new shoots appeared regularly.
Key points to remember:
- Bright light but not scorching sun
- Avoid rooms that are too dark, as this slows down flowering.
- Temperature and humidity: the atmosphere matters
Sansevieria, which originates from dry tropical areas, likes stable warmth.
I have found that it grows best between 18°C and 27°C, without drafts.
Humidity? She does very well without it. A naturally dry house suits her perfectly. A light misting can help, but it’s absolutely unnecessary.
One essential rule: avoid sudden temperature changes.
After leaving a window open in the middle of winter, the plant stopped growing for several months.
- Watering: less is truly more
If the sansevieria had a motto, it would be:
“Leave me alone.”
She hates too much water.
And I speak from experience: the only time I tried “too hard,” the roots started to rot.
Today, I follow a simple rule:
- I only water when the soil is completely dry, sometimes every 3 weeks.
In winter, I water even less frequently. - To stimulate flowering, a liquid fertilizer for succulent plants every 3 to 4 weeks, from spring to the end of summer, works very well.
- The right soil: an essential foundation
Sansevieria doesn’t care about soil richness, but it does care about drainage.
I use a homemade mixture:
- 60% potting soil for green plants
- 30% perlite or sand
- 10% small gravel
Since I repotted it in a slightly larger pot (every 2 to 3 years), the roots are spreading without difficulty, which prepares the plant… for future flowering.
How can you tell when flowering is approaching?
Before the flower stalk appeared, the plant sent me several signals:
- Many young shoots at the base
- Accelerated growth during the warmer months
- Leaves that are stiffer than usual
Then one morning, a slender stem emerged from the center of the rosette.
Within a few days, small white flowers opened, releasing a fragrant nectar. By evening, the scent had become even more intense: a sweet and slightly exotic fragrance that transformed the atmosphere of the living room.
The unexpected benefits of a flowering sansevieria
Beyond its captivating fragrance, the sansevieria is also one of the most effective plants for helping to purify indoor air. It absorbs certain toxins present in paints or some household products.
- However, blooming remains an exceptional reward:
- A natural fragrance without a diffuser
- A calming atmosphere
- The satisfaction of seeing your plant express its full potential
In summary
Sansevieria can flower, yes… but only if you treat it gently, patiently and with the right conditions.
Abundant light, little water, good drainage, a stable temperature and a little fertilizer: these are the ingredients for success.
And when she decides to offer you her flowers, your house fills with a delicate fragrance that transforms the atmosphere into a true haven of peace .
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