In nurseries, plant stores, and garden centers, it is increasingly common to find unusual specimens that capture the attention of those looking to decorate their homes with unique vegetation. One of the most surprising cases is that of the colored sansevieriasThese plants, known as Sansevieria cylindrica Or popularly known as mother-in-law's tongue, they stand out for their long, cylindrical leaves, which have been dressed in vibrant hues ranging from pink to blue, yellow, red, or white. But are these colorful sansevierias really natural, or is there a trick behind their striking appearance?
Are colored sansevierias natural?
The colored sansevierias that we find in the market They do not present these tones naturally. Actually, the base of these plants is authentic, but the coloring you see on the upper half of some leaves is the result of a artificial application of paint. Originally, the Sansevieria cylindrica It is a single green color, with subtle light or dark stripes, but never displays colors such as blue, pink, yellow or red without human intervention.
This method of applying paint, often with a velvety or matte finish, began as a way to protect leaf tips during shipping, but later evolved into a purely decorative process to attract attention at retail outlets and increase sales. Some nursery growers have even patented commercial varieties such as 'Spaghetti Velvet Touchz,' which uses vegetable dyes with a velvety finish, even claiming that they "do not harm the environment or the plant," although the reality is more complex than what is usually presented to the consumer.
To check if a sansevieria has been artificially painted, simply gently scrape the surface of the leaf with your fingernail. You'll discover that the colored layer is, in fact, just paint and if it is removed, the natural green of the plant is exposed.
Impact of paint on the health of sansevieria
The trend of colored sansevierias has generated debate in the gardening community, since this practice affects the health of plantsThe green leaves of any plant perform essential functions: they are the main photosynthetic organ and, through their stomata, carry out the gas exchanges necessary for plant life. When the leaves are covered with paint, these stomata are clogged and their ability to photosynthesize is reduced.The result is a reduction in the vitality and strength of the sansevieria.
The degree of damage will depend on the amount and length of time the paint remains on the plant. The longer the plant is covered, the weaker it will become, and the harder it will be to recover, especially if the paint isn't completely removed.
Problems that colored sansevierias can present
- General weakness: Because the leaves are covered and unable to exchange gases or receive light normally, the plant weakens significantly. It may slow or even stop growing, show less resistance to disease, and stop producing new leaves.
- Sunburn: If the plant is suddenly exposed to direct sunlight after removing the paint, the previously covered leaves will quickly burn. It's essential to gradually acclimatize the plant to direct light, as it has lost some of its natural protection.
- Diseases and pests: The stress caused by painting favors the growth of fungi and pests, such as mealybugs. Thus, a dyed sansevieria is much more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
- Inability to flourish: The flowering process requires a strong, healthy plant. Colorful sansevierias that have been covered for too long often have difficulty blooming, if at all.
Additionally, some sansevierias may lose leaves if their health worsens, or show wilting and abnormal coloration at the edges, which are clear symptoms that the plant is suffering.
How to care for a colorful sansevieria to prevent it from dying
If you've purchased or been gifted a colorful sansevieria and want to ensure its survival, there are several strategies to minimize damage and allow the plant to recover:
- Paint Removal: It's important to remove the paint layer whenever possible, even though it can sometimes be difficult. A safe method is to use a cotton ball moistened with warm (not hot) water and gently wipe the surface of the leaf. The process should be repeated several times and gently to avoid damaging the plant tissue. If the paint isn't completely removed, don't force the removal, as this may tear the leaf's cuticle.
- Bright location without direct sunlight: While the paint remains on the plant, it should be placed in a bright room, but out of direct sunlight, as the layer of paint can cause additional burns. Once the paint has disappeared, you can begin a gradual process of acclimating it to indirect natural light and eventually, if desired, to direct sunlight.
- Moderate irrigation: Sansevierias, especially the cylindrica, are drought-resistant succulents that are very sensitive to excess water. Water only when the soil is completely dry. During warmer seasons, they may need water every two weeks; in winter, once a month is usually sufficient.
- Using the right substrate: Always use a specific substrate for succulent plants or a mixture of equal parts peat and perlite, ensuring drainage and avoiding waterlogging that can lead to root rot.
- Monitor for the appearance of pests and diseases: Pay attention to symptoms of mealybugs, fungus, or brown spots. Remove severely affected leaves to prevent the problem from spreading and use specific products if necessary.
- Moderate fertilization: If your sansevieria is recovering, you can feed it very dilutely once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), using a liquid succulent fertilizer.
Botanical and ornamental aspects of Sansevieria cylindrica
La Sansevieria cylindrica It is native to West Africa, specifically from Nigeria to the Congo, and belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is recognized for its long, cylindrical leaves, which can reach up to two meters in its natural habitat, although in domestic cultivation they rarely exceed sixty centimeters. The leaves grow vertically or in a fan-like shape and can be braided to create original and decorative shapes.
Its natural color is Verde, often featuring light and dark lines and a rigid, fleshy texture that allows it to store water and withstand dry environments. In the home, the sansevieria is considered one of the longest-lived plants, resistant to long periods without watering or pruning.
There are around one hundred and thirty species within the Sansevieria genus, each with specific characteristics, but the cylindrica stands out especially for its shape and its adaptability to numerous environmental and decorative conditions.
Importance in decoration, purifying properties and curiosities
Sansevierias, including the cylindrica variety, are especially popular in modern interior decoration Due to their minimalist, vertical appearance, they add elegance to any room. They also adapt perfectly to both well-lit and dimly lit spaces, making them easy to integrate into different areas of the home.
Beyond its ornamental value, the sansevieria is famous for being one of the air-purifying plants More effective. Studies such as those conducted by NASA have shown that it is capable of absorbing up to 107 atmospheric pollutants, including harmful substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, among others. This makes it the ideal option for improving indoor air quality and reducing the effects of so-called "sick building syndrome."
Interestingly, the genus Sansevieria received its name due to a historical dedication error. It was intended to honor Pietro Antonio Sanseverino, Duke of Chiaromonte, but the naturalist Thunberg ultimately named it after Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero.
Essential care of Sansevieria cylindrica
- Location: It prefers bright environments and tolerates semi-shaded areas. It can survive in dimly lit spaces, although it grows best with plenty of light. If moving from low-light conditions to sunny environments, do so gradually to avoid sunburn.
- Irrigation: Water only when the substrate is completely dry. It's better to underwater than overwater, as sansevieria roots are susceptible to root rot caused by excessive moisture.
- Substratum: Use light, well-draining potting mixes, similar to those used for cacti. A universal potting mix with perlite works well, ensuring excess water drains out of the pot.
- Temperature: It doesn't tolerate frost. The ideal temperature is between 13°C and 24°C, but it can survive for short periods outside this range as long as the ambient humidity is low.
- Subscriber: During active growth (spring and summer), it is advisable to fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer for succulents every four to six weeks, avoiding fertilizing in autumn and winter.
- Pruning: It doesn't require pruning except to remove dry or damaged leaves. This prevents disease and maintains its aesthetic appeal.
- Transplant: Sansevieria grows best in pots that are tailored to its size, so it is recommended to repot every two years, always in spring, and be very careful not to break the root ball.
- Reproduction: It can be propagated by rhizome division or leaf cuttings. Both techniques are simple and allow for obtaining new plants without any complications.
- Common problems: It suffers from overwatering, low lighting, extreme heat, and direct exposure to heating or air conditioning. It can also be attacked by mealybugs and fungi if conditions are not appropriate.
