How to Make a Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)

Bloom You may have never seen a Sansevieria (popularly known as “mother-in-law’s tongue” or “snake plant”) bloom, as this phenomenon is quite rare. However, it is possible that you will encounter it if you follow the right steps. Let’s take a look at some tricks on how to make a mother-in-law’s tongue bloom!Do Sansevieria plants bloom?The short answer to this question is: Yes, they do! It happens once a year, usually in the spring or summer, if the conditions are right. However, it is still an extremely unusual event.

Important note: You should keep in mind that if you have the Sansevieria trifasciata “Hahnii” (dwarf) variety, it will not bloom, no matter what you do.
What does the flower look like?
Sansevieria flowers grow on tall stems or spikes. These stems can reach a height of several centimeters or even meters and are filled with small clusters of tubular flowers with narrow petals, similar to lilies or honeysuckle. The colors range from cream, green to white, depending on the type of plant.

Some varieties have white flowers with a hint of purple or lavender.
Some species have bright red flowers.
Some varieties do not have a tall flower stalk, but bloom directly from the base in large clusters.
What does the flower smell like?

Sansevieria flowers are extremely fragrant and give off a spicy vanilla scent that is incomparable to anything else. The flowers also produce sweet-smelling nectar, sometimes so much that it can run down the stem! The flowers close during the day and open at night. The scent becomes very strong after dark.

How long do the flowers last and what happens after that?
The flowers can last from a few weeks to a month.

Will the plant die after flowering? No. Sansevieria will continue to thrive after flowering. The flowers will turn into orange berries (small fruits) and the stems will eventually wither.
Tip: When the flowers fade, be sure to cut them back to the base to save the plant energy and keep it looking neat.
How to Encourage Flowering? (A Practical Guide)
There is no guarantee that your plant will flower, but there are certain factors that can help:

Ample light: The best way to get Sansevieria to bloom is to expose it to plenty of sunlight. Most people keep it in the shade or in low light, which prevents flowering. Keeping it outside or near a window that receives direct sunlight (an east-facing window is best, 3-4 hours of sun per day) can induce flowering.
Root-bound: A plant often flowers when the roots have no more room to grow. When the pot is full of roots, the plant flowers as a mechanism for reproduction.
Controlled stress: Keeping the plant in a slightly stressed state, along with reduced fertilization, can trick it into flowering.
Age of the plant: New and young plants generally do not flower. You will have a better chance with a mature specimen.
Watering: Do not overwater the plant under any circumstances. If you water the plant less and keep it in a good location, it will grow quickly and fill the pot.
Additional tips:

Avoid keeping the plant near air conditioning or heat sources. Protect it from sudden changes in temperature.
Only take the plant outside after all danger of frost has passed.
It is best to use a soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents.