Sansevieria Bantel’s Sensation “White Sansevieria”
Sansevieria ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ is a unique cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata is a semi-tropical plant native to West Africa. Where it’s native it grows in open grasslands and as a weed along roadsides. It spreads vigorously by creeping rhizomes that can grow below ground or just above the soil surface. It earned the nickname “viper’s bowstring hemp” due to the fact that the tough plant fibers were once used to construct bowstrings. It’s gained a lot of popularity as a houseplant due to its low-maintenance care requirements. It is low-light tolerant and requires infrequent watering, making it an excellent houseplant for the constant traveler or city-dwellers with low-light conditions. The NASA Clean Air Study found that this plant is effective in removing environmental toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene.
Growth Requirements
Sun
Sansevieria ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ is an extremely tolerant and adaptable plant. It thrives in bright indirect light or dappled sun, and can even acclimate to a few hours of direct sun. Morning or evening sun is best, as intense afternoon sun can burn or bleach the leaves.
Though snake plants will grow best in bright light, they are quite tolerant of low light. Because of this, they are commonly found in offices and other spaces where there is not an abundance of light.
Temperature/ Humidity
Snake plants prefer warm temperatures. Between 70 and 90 ºF is ideal. They will decline in consistent temperatures below 50 ºF.
Hailing from a native tropical environment, Sansevieria trifasciata can tolerate a moderate amount of humidity, though they do not require it. Plants that are given plenty of humidity, will need less frequent watering.
Water
Snake plants are extremely drought-tolerant plants. They prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. When you water your snake plant, fully saturate the soil and be sure to let it dry out entirely in-between waterings. If you are ever unsure whether or not your snake plant soil has dried out, wait a few days before watering. These plants thrive on neglect, and overwatering is the easiest way to kill them. If you are forgetful or a frequent traveler and away from home for long periods of time, snake plants are a great plant for you!
Soil/Roots
These plants grow best in a loose, sharply draining mix. A good quality cactus or succulent mix is perfect. You can also use regular potting soil, but bear in mind this type of soil is more moisture-retentive so you’ll want to adjust your watering schedule depending on how well your soil holds moisture.
Pumice stone, perlite, and orchid bark are excellent amendments to improve soil drainage and can be added up to 50%.
Flowering
Snake plants are flowering plants, though they rarely bloom when they are grown indoors. The inflorescence is a long stalk that bears several small, greenish-white, sweet-smelling flowers.