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Snake Plant Flowers | Do Mother-In-Law Tongues Bloom?

While it is possible, seeing a snake plant bloom is a rare occasion. This plant, often referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, may go decades without producing a single flower. Then one day, seemingly out of the blue, you will notice a tall flower stalk and your snake plant blooming.

Sansevieria Trifasciata Mother in law’s Tongue

So, if you are wondering do snake plants flower? The answer is yes!

Snake plants, or Sansevieria, are most commonly known for being striking, hardy, and nearly impossible to kill. But what many people do not know is that this lovely green plant is able to produce flowers.

In this article, we will highlight everything you need to know about snake plant flowers and how you might be able to get yours to bloom.

If you like hardy, slow-growing, and low-maintenance plants, we also recommend the ZZ plant.

What Does a Snake Plant Flower Look Like?

Snake plant flowers are greenish, cream, or white in color. When snake plants bloom, the flowers generally grow in clusters along the plant’s tall and erect flower stalks or spikes. These stalks grow up to 3 feet tall and are covered with dozens of honeysuckle or lily-like flowers.

When Do Snake Plants Bloom?

Snake plants bloom no more than once a year, usually in the springtime. This is a rare occasion that can last up to a few weeks. While the plant can flower every year, it is not easy to predict when it might bloom.

Why Do Snake Plants Bloom?

Snake plants thrive on a little neglect and are said to bloom when they are “mildly stressed”. This implies that when these plants are left alone, with little water and plenty of bright light, they spread and can quickly become root-bound. When this happens, the plant will try to propagate itself by producing flowers.

This, however, is not always the case and does not guarantee that your plant will bloom. In reality, there are many other reasons why a snake plant might bloom, which will be outlined in the section to follow.

Do Snake Plant Flowers Have a Fragrance?

Sansevieria flowers have a rich fragrance. The smell is unique and varies for different Sansevieria species.

The smell is especially strong at night, as they contain sweet, sticky nectar, which appears as dew drops on the plant’s stems. Blossoms generally close during the day and reopen after dark.

Note – The sweet-smelling, sticky nectar can sometimes make a mess when trickling down the plant’s stem. To avoid this, place paper towels around the pot during the weeks of blooming.

Can Snake Plant Flowers Be Used in Flower Arrangements?

While snake plant flowers are pretty, they are not sturdy enough to be used in flower arrangements. The flowers are best kept on the stalks where they have bloomed.

How Long Do Snake Plant Flowers Last?

Snake plants bloom for 4 to 8 weeks, but how long the flowers will last is unknown.

Should I Cut the Flowers Off My Snake Plant?

You do not need to cut the flowers off your snake plant. However, once they die back, it is suggested that you prune the flower stalks off at the base. This will help the plant conserve energy and maintain a tidier appearance.

Do Snake Plants Die After Flowering?

Snake plants are monocarpic, meaning they will not die after flowering. The blossoms transition into orange berries.

What Makes a Snake Plant Bloom?

Wondering what makes a snake plant bloom? The truth is, the exact conditions required for this plant to blossom are unknown. Some snake plants might not flower even after years of caring, while others may flower every year in spite of frequent neglect. In fact, giving them little attention can make them thrive.

While snake plants thrive on neglect, they may not bear flowers under certain conditions. To increase the likelihood that your plant blooms, it is important to ensure its basic needs are met.

For tips on how to take care of a snake plant, take a look at this snake plant care guide. Below are several factors which may contribute to your Sansevieria blooming.

Age

Snake plants do not need to reach a certain minimum age before they can flower. Even small, younger flowers are able to flower annually.

While true, age does have some influence as the older the snake plant gets, the higher the chances of it blooming. More specifically, mature plants with optimal growing conditions are more likely to produce flowers.

Light

Like most plants, snake plants need light to flourish. However, a snake plant’s light requirements are not as strict as those of other plants. They prefer bright, indirect light and can also tolerate some direct sunlight.

They even grow well under low light conditions, so placing them in a shady corner won’t hinder their ability to flower.

Temperature

Snake plants thrive in higher temperatures as they are tropical plants and are native to Africa and South Asia.

Unsurprisingly, they are also not too fond of cold temperatures. So, if you keep temperatures between 16ºC (60ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF) you’ll have the best chance of finding flowers on your snake plant.

Water

If you want your snake plant to flourish and hopefully bloom, it is important to ensure that its water requirements are met. As snake plants are succulents, they can store water in their leaves and do not require frequent watering.

In fact, during the winter months, it is recommended that you give your plant a two-month break from watering.

Ensure that you’re letting the soil dry out completely before watering again. These plants do not like being overwatered, as this leads to soggy soil, splitting leaves, and sometimes root rot.

Soil

Snake plants are not fussy when it comes to soil; They are prone to root rot, so a free-draining soil or soilless potting mix works best. We recommend using a succulent and cactus mix.

Pot Condition

As previously mentioned, snake plants grow best when they are mildly or continually stressed. As such, allowing your plant to be a little pot-bound with little water and sufficient bright light may lead to blooming.

Note that these conditions of overcrowding do not guarantee that your snake plant will produce flowers. There are many factors that may encourage your plant to bloom, like the ones mentioned above.

Snake Plant Flower Benefits

The Sansevieria is an ornamental plant with many benefits. From the aesthetic it adds to a room, to the various health benefits it provides, these plants are truly remarkable. Below are several benefits of snake plants and their rare, creamy-white flowers.

Absorbs Odors

Snake plant flowers have a distinctive smell. In some countries such as China and France, the plant is used in perfumes. It is also good to put these plants in the bathroom, kitchen, or any other place that leaves a strong odor.

Abundant Oxygen Supplier

All plants produce oxygen, but Sansevieria is said to be one of the highest oxygen-producing plants. These plants efficiently absorb toxins and release oxygen into the environment. They are also one of few plants that produce oxygen at night.

Indoor and Outdoor Natural Air Purifier

Studies claim that air pollution can be deadly both indoors and outdoors. One of the best ways to reduce air pollution is with snake plants.

These plants are able to absorb excessive amounts of carbon monoxide and rid the environment of other toxic air pollutants and cancer-causing agents.

It’s Beautiful

This elegantly tall, evergreen plant is a great addition to any room, be it at home or in your office. It has a long lifetime and is the most tolerant decorative plant, so it will keep your space beautiful and healthy for years to come. You might even be lucky enough to witness its flowers bloom.

It’s a Lucky Plant

Many believe that it is lucky to keep a snake plant in one’s home or office. According to Feng Shui (a pseudoscientific traditional practice originating from ancient China), these plants are believed to bring strong protective energy and good fortune.

It is also said to shield house owners from negative Chi, as well as invite eight virtues. These virtues include prosperity, intelligence, longevity, beauty, creativity, health, strength, and poetry.

Final Thoughts on Mother-in-Law-Plant Flowers

Snake plants are a beautiful green addition to your home. They are hardy, resilient, and almost impossible to kill. For this reason, Snake plants are perfect for just about any plant owner, whether experienced or a beginner. Now you know some of the reason behind mother-in-law tongue flower meaning.

Reminder – if your snake plant is not blooming, this is not because it is not receiving adequate care.

These plants may not blossom for years, even under perfect conditions. Plant owners are often taken by surprise by the appearance of a flowering stalk. When this happens, you’ll be in for a real treat!