Question
Hi Will!  I hope you can help! For several years I have had a green potted plant that we call a mother-in-law tongue. It has long tapered fronds with slightly pointed blades and is  about 3 feet tall now with new sprouts coming on constantly.  I started it in a 12 inch pot, and it is now transplanted into a large crock for about 2 weeks. The new crock is about the size of a five gallon bucket.  It is beautiful and healthy, and sitting in bright morning light....but, even turning the pot regularly,I cant get it to grow completely straight up like those I see in the garden center.  This one was little when I got it, and even though I staked it and tied it straight as the new shoots grew up....several of them that are not in the center of the plant curve outward.  
Can you tell me HOW TO MAKE IT GROW STRAIGHT UP?? rather than look limber and wirey and having to tie string around it to keep it from drooping everywhere?? Or if I want straight ones do I just need to go buy new ones??? I have read and read and read, and cant find this problem or an answer for it in any of the books I have searched.  I appreciate your help so much. Thanks Much!  Donna

Answer
Hi Donna,

Sansevierias (the correct botanical name) grow straight and tall in nurseries where they get lots of very bright light all day long AND where they are kept very potbound.

In very bright light (right in a sunny window indoors), the leaves that emerge are thicker and stronger than leaves that emerge in reduced light. Thick, strong leaves stand up straight while thinner leaves tend to bend over as they get taller.

When this plant is very potbound, the roots wrap around the lower portion of the leaves just below the soil and help keep them upright. The new leaves also emerge close to the edge of the pot, which also helps support the leaves and keep them from leaning. Recently repotted or prematurely repotted Sansevierias have too much space around the perimeter of the plant and that allows the leaves to lean away from the center.

For plants that receive lots of light and are kept potbound from the outset, flopping leaves are never a problem. It is hard to say what is the best remedy for your plant, at this point. If you want to e-mail a photo to me at my addreess below, that might help me to make more specific recommendations.

You might start by moving your plant back into its 12" pot or even smaller, if it will fit. Remember, it wants a very snug fit. Put it low in the pot so there is an inch or two at the top of the pot to support the leaves. Leaves that are thin and floppy can be cut off at the base. If given lots of sun, new leaves will be noticeably stronger, but the existing leaves will not change.

A final note and one you probably know. Allow the soil to become very dry in between waterings. Sansevierias are very sensitive to overwatering and once the roots start to rot, it will not recover.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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