Sansevieria is a genus of about 70 species of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, native to Africa, Madagascar and southern Asia. Common names include mother-in-law’s tongue, devil’s tongue, snake plant and bow string hemp, among others. They are evergreen perennials with stiff, sword-like leaves. The genus was named after Raimondo di Sangro (1710–1771), Prince of San Severo.
Pandanus odorifer, commonly known as fragrant screwpine or kewda, is a tropical plant in the Pandanus (screwpine) genus. It is native to Malesia and Australia, and is widely cultivated in other tropical regions. It grows to a height of 10-20 m and has large, fragrant flowers. The fruit is edible, and is used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
How to care:
Sansevieria are very easy to care for, and make excellent houseplants. They are tolerant of low light levels, and can even grow in complete darkness. They are also very drought tolerant, and only need to be watered every few weeks. To water, simply soak the soil thoroughly and allow it to drain away.
Pandanus odorifer is a fast-growing plant, and will need to be fertilized every month during the growing season. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Water the plant thoroughly after applying fertilizer.
Water requirement:
Sansevieria are very drought tolerant, and only need to be watered every few weeks. To water, simply soak the soil thoroughly and allow it to drain away.
Pandanus odorifer is a fast-growing plant, and will need to be watered regularly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Type of Soil
Sansevieria do best in a well-drained, sandy soil.
Pandanus odorifer prefers a well-drained, sandy soil.
Propagation
Sansevieria can be propagated by division or from leaf cuttings.
To propagate by division, simply remove offsets from the parent plant and pot them up in fresh potting mix.
To propagate from leaf cuttings, cut a leaf into 2-3 inch pieces and insert the pieces into a pot of moist sand or vermiculite. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny location, and new plants will sprout from the leaf cuttings in 4-8 weeks.
Pandanus odorifer can be propagated by seed, division, or air layering.
To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained, sandy soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Seedlings will appear in 4-8 weeks.
To propagate by division, remove offsets from the parent plant and pot them up in fresh potting mix.
To propagate by air layering, choose a healthy branch and remove a 2-inch section of bark from the branch. Wrap the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss, and then wrap the entire branch with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist, and roots will form in 4-8 weeks.
Pest and Disease
Sansevieria are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale.
Pandanus odorifer is susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and root rot.
Landscape uses
Sansevieria are often used as accent or border plants in gardens, or as houseplants. Pandanus odorifer is often used as an accent or border plant in gardens.