The Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the toughest and most low-maintenance indoor plants you can grow. It’s praised for surviving in nearly any condition, but what many people don’t realize is—it can bloom. And when it does, it may reward you with a soft, pleasant fragrance, especially at night.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to encourage blooming and extend the delicate aroma of this underrated houseplant.
1. Provide the Ideal Lighting – Indirect, But Bright
While the Sansevieria can survive in dim corners, it won’t bloom without the right lighting. For best results, place it somewhere with bright, indirect sunlight. A windowsill facing east or west is ideal—it gives your plant plenty of light without scorching the leaves.
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2. Water Wisely – Less Is More
One of the biggest reasons this plant fails to flower is overwatering. Since it’s a succulent, the Sansevieria stores water in its thick leaves and doesn’t need frequent watering. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Quick tip: Stick your finger about 1–1.5 inches (around 3 cm) into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. In winter, cut back even more—this is the plant’s rest period.
3. Use the Right Soil Mix
The soil should be well-draining to keep roots healthy and prevent rot. A standard succulent or cactus mix works great, but for even better results, try this blend:
- 50% cactus/succulent soil
- 25% coarse sand
- 25% perlite or vermiculite
This combination ensures airflow to the roots and prevents excess moisture buildup.
4. Fertilize (But Lightly)
A little extra nutrition during the growing season can make a difference. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer made for succulents every two months from spring to late summer.
Avoid overdoing it—too much fertilizer can build up salts in the soil and damage the plant.
5. Maintain Stable Temperature & Low Humidity
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue thrives and blooms best in temperatures between 64–86°F (18–30°C). It can handle some fluctuations but try to avoid cold drafts and rapid changes, which can disrupt blooming.
Humidity-wise, this plant loves dry air. If your home is particularly dry, a little added moisture is okay, but don’t go overboard.
6. Gently Stress the Plant to Encourage Flowers
Here’s a little secret: controlled stress can trigger blooming. By slightly reducing water and skipping fertilization during winter, you mimic its native climate. This “dry season” tells the plant it’s time to bloom once conditions improve in spring.
7. How to Make the Fragrance Last Longer
Though it’s rare, when Sansevieria blooms, its white flowers release a faint, lovely scent in the evening. Want to make that scent linger? Follow these tips:
- Keep the plant in a stable environment – no moving it around once buds appear.
- Wipe dust off leaves regularly – this helps it breathe better and stay healthy.
- Avoid sudden temperature shifts – stable warmth helps prolong bloom time.
8. What to Do After Blooming
Don’t worry when flowers begin to fade—it’s natural. Once they wilt, gently remove them to redirect the plant’s energy into recovery and future growth. Keep caring for it normally, and it may reward you with another bloom down the road.
9. Want More Blooms? Multiply Your Plant
Sansevieria is super easy to propagate. You can divide the root ball and replant the sections in new pots. With the same care, these new plants can also produce flowers of their own.