20 - 30cm Sansevieria Trifasciata 'Megan' House Plant in 12cm Pot

Sansevieria Trifasciata 'Megan', a variety of the classic Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a robust, drought-tolerant houseplant with upright, sword-shaped leaves. It is well-known for its resilience, air-purifying qualities, and ability to thrive in various conditions. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to care for your Sansevieria ‘Megan’ to ensure it flourishes for years.

1. Light Requirements

Preferred Lighting Conditions:

• Thrives best in bright, indirect light. A north- or east-facing window is ideal.
• Can tolerate low-light conditions, but growth may slow down.

Adapting to Different Light Levels:

• Low Light: If kept in a dim environment, expect slower growth, but the plant will survive. It is perfect for offices, hallways, and bathrooms with little natural light.
• Bright Indirect Light: Encourages steady growth and vibrant leaf colour.
• Direct Sunlight: Can tolerate some morning sun, but too much harsh, direct sunlight (especially in the afternoon) can cause scorching or bleaching of leaves.

Signs of Incorrect Lighting:

• Too much light: Leaves may develop brown, crispy edges or fade in colour.
• Too little light: Growth slows, and the plant may stretch towards a light source.

2. Watering Schedule

How Often to Water:

• Water every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer.
• In autumn and winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Watering Method:

• Bottom watering (placing the pot in a tray of water for 10-15 minutes) can help avoid overwatering the leaves.
• Use room-temperature, filtered or dechlorinated water to prevent build-up of chemicals like chlorine and fluoride.

Checking Soil Moisture:

Before watering, ensure the top 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) of soil is completely dry. Use:

• Finger test: Insert your finger into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
• Moisture meter: Should read dry (1–2 range) before watering.

Signs of Improper Watering:

• Overwatering:
  • Yellowing, mushy leaves.
  • A foul smell from the soil (root rot).
  • Plant appears weak or wilting despite moist soil.
• Underwatering:
  • Wrinkled, curling, or drooping leaves.
  • Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot.

3. Soil & Potting

Best Soil Type:

Sansevieria prefers a well-draining, aerated soil mix. A good blend includes:

• Cactus & succulent mix (available in garden centres).
• DIY mix:
  • 2 parts cactus soil
  • 1 part perlite or pumice (to enhance aeration)
  • 1 part coarse sand (optional, for extra drainage)

Pot Selection:

• Material: Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are best as they wick away excess moisture.
• Drainage: Always choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

4. Temperature & Humidity

Optimal Temperature:

• Prefers 18–30°C (65–85°F).
• Minimum temperature: Avoid exposure below 10°C (50°F) as it can cause cold damage.
• Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioners, and radiators, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.

Humidity Preferences:

• Tolerates low to moderate humidity, making it ideal for most homes.
• If the air is very dry, consider occasional misting or placing a humidity tray nearby.

5. Fertilising

When & How Often to Fertilise:

• Spring & Summer: Feed once every 4–6 weeks to promote growth.
• Autumn & Winter: Do not fertilise during this dormant period.

Best Fertiliser Types:

• Balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser (diluted to half-strength).
• Slow-release fertiliser applied at the start of spring.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers as they can cause excessive leaf growth but weak roots.

Signs of Over-Fertilisation:

• Browning or burnt leaf tips.
• Salt build-up in the soil (white crust on the surface).
• Stunted or weak growth.

6. Pruning & Maintenance

How to Prune Sansevieria 'Megan':

• Trim damaged, yellow, or diseased leaves at the base using sterile scissors or pruning shears.
• Remove dead foliage to encourage healthy growth.

Leaf Cleaning:

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust.
• Do not use leaf shine products, as they can clog leaf pores.

7. Propagation Methods

By Leaf Cuttings:

1. Select a healthy, mature leaf and cut it into 5–10 cm (2–4 inch) sections.
2. Allow the cuttings to dry for 24–48 hours.
3. Place cuttings upright in well-draining soil, with the cut end inserted at least 2 cm deep.
4. Water lightly and keep in bright, indirect light.

By Division:

1. Remove the plant from its pot.
2. Separate pups (offsets) with their roots attached.
3. Repot each new section in a fresh pot with well-draining soil.

8. Common Pests & Issues

Pests:

• Spider mites: Tiny, red or brown insects causing speckled, yellow leaves.
• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like pests found on leaf bases.
• Scale insects: Hard, brown, shell-like bugs on leaves.

Treatment:

• Wipe affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
• Spray leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Isolate infested plants to prevent spread.

Common Diseases:

• Root rot: Due to overwatering or poor drainage.
• Fungal infections: Appear as black or brown leaf spots; treat with a fungicide.

Leaf Problems:

• Brown tips: Caused by dry air, under-watering, or excess fertiliser.
• Curling leaves: Indicate dehydration or cold damage.

9. Air-Purifying Benefits

• Removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
• Releases oxygen at night, making it a great bedroom plant.

10. Pet Safety

🚨 Toxic to cats & dogs if ingested, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

• Keep out of reach of pets.