The Ultimate Guide to the Twisted Sister Snake Plant
Its pointed, spiral-wound leaves rise in a spiralling column of verdant, rhythmic stripes to make the Twisted Sister Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’) one of the most unforgettable and unique types of the more common snake plant. Also known as the ribbon snake plant and mother-in-law’s tongue, the oddly eye-catching genetics of the plant have made it a favourite addition to every indoor garden. One of the lowest-maintenance plants, indoors or outdoors, this hardy addition to any home attracts beginning gardeners as well as seasoned hobbyists and comes with a host of useful properties and wild variations that work with nearly any environment. In this guide to the Twisted Sister Snake Plant, we will look at everything you need to know about the plant, from its origins to what makes it so unique and special, and the ways in which it can benefit gardeners and the plants living nearby.
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What is the Twisted Sister Snake Plant?
Twisted Sister is a cultivar of the Sansevieria trifasciata species native to West Africa – the name comes from the twisted, corkscrew leaf shape and distingusihing it from typical upright leaves of other varieties of snake plants. The leaves are a variegated green, yellow and sometimes silvery colour, a visually striking plant for any setting.
A member of the Asparagaceae family, Sansevieria are sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp and Saint George’s sword, after the swords left by the saint of that name after his battles with the dragon, reportedly now growing in Ischia. Like their names, the plants have a certain peasant chic about them: they like what others dislike, like it hot, resist pests, are impervious to drought, retain their leaves, rotirck and swell at the roots to break up compacted soils, and seed easily at the root – which is how the Twisted Sister arrived.
The Benefits of Growing a Twisted Sister Snake Plant
Air Purification
Perhaps most importantly, Twisted Sister is a very effective air purifier – all members of the Sansevieria genus are great at absorbing formaldehyde, benzene and xylene through their leaves. According to the 2013 review ‘Air Quality Benefits of Indoor Plants’ by NASA’s Clean Air Study, plants in the Sansevieria genus remove a higher percentage of formaldehyde and benzene than many other popular indoor plants. Airborne formaldehyde, benzene and xylene are known to come from products such as flooring, paint and plastics.
Low Maintenance
That way, although it looks hard and beautiful, it’s the plant equivalent of Twisted Sister: it rocks and they just can’t get enough of it. Forsrestia ‘Birgersson’ (also called the Twisted Sister Snake Plant) is virtually indestructible, the most carefree of houseplants. It doesn’t need to be watered frequently, it thrives in even low light, it’s fairly pest-proof, and, as it also happens, a snake plant can survive even if an office drone packages it for neglect, shipwreck and extended dry periods commensurate with the state of one’s messy desk.
Aesthetic Appeal
Twisted Sister Snake Plant has become popular among interior designers and plant parents for its unique aesthetic, sculptural qualities and size. It is sold in pots of all shapes and sizes, and the twisted variegated leaves of the plant made even more wrinkly and wavy by the lengthy drought they have endured when waiting for sale or for their owners to purchase second plants that they can propagate. These make great centrepieces in living rooms and dining rooms, perched atop a tall stand, or stuffed onto bookcases, desks, or windowsills, filling out the empty spaces of larger homes.
Health and Well-being
It’s not only for its air-purifying qualities that the Twisted Sister Snake Plant is considered wonderful, you know. The range of positive benefits on mind and body are well documented, with plants in interior spaces known to reduce stress, improve mood, increase focus and contribute to a general sense of wellbeing. Its calm, calming potential makes it incredibly welcome in living rooms, bedrooms and workplaces.
How to Care for a Twisted Sister Snake Plant
Light Requirements
The Twisted Sister Snake Plant is one of the easiest to grow houseplants, thriving under anything from very low light to bright, indirect light. However, the best way to ensure your plant grows to its full potential and develops exciting, rich, deep tones for its foliage is to grow it in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight will burn the leaves, and not enough light will stunt growth and dull colouration.
She tolerates low-light spaces, so no large, west-facing windows required. Just about any dark spot in your home or office can be improved with a Twisted Sister Snake Plant. Don’t be too shy to add greenery to your bathroom, a narrow hallway, or a room with a dinky window.
Watering
When it comes to watering the Twisted Sister Snake Plant, more is always less: the plant is generally drought-tolerant and should have its soil dry completely before it is watered again. Overwatering the plant is one of the most common errors snake plant owners can make and can lead to root rot, a potentially fatal condition.
Water the Twisted Sister Snake Plant when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry. When you water, make sure all the excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot so that there is no water left. In the winter, water even less often than in the summer, as the plant slows down, as well.
Soil and Potting
Because this plant prefers to be dry between waterings and to be planted in soil with good drainage (to prevent water from pooling around the roots and rotting them), a cactus or succulent potting mix is the best – and easiest – option since these mixes are created with good drainage in mind. If you don’t have the cactus type of potting mix, you can create your own mix by combining 75 per cent standard potting soil and 25 per cent sand or perlite.
For a pot, it should be one that is potted with drainage holes so extra water is avoid. Best material for a pot is terracotta, which is porous and its holes evaporates moisture more easily and also prevent overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
Twisted Sister Snake Plants can withstand a wide variation of temperatures indoors, and the ideal range is 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Cooler temperatures can be tolerated by the plants, but they should be protected from frost, as this can kill the leaves.
They also tolerate a range of humidity levels, making them suitable for dry interior environments as easily as more humid ones. However, since they prefer lower humidity, there’s no need to mist the leaves or place the plant in a humid bathroom if it’s not also getting lots of light.
Fertilizing
An established Twisted Sister Snake Plant does not need to be fertilised heavily. If you want your plant to grow fast, feed once or twice during its growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength. Always water before applying fertiliser to avoid burning the roots. Snake plants slow down as summer wanes, and they enter dormancy in fall and winter. It is not necessary to fertilise during this time.
Pruning and Propagation
Often, the Twisted Sister Snake Plant doesn’t require much pruning as it slowly grows to mature size and retains its tight, shapely appearance. However, you can remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain the appearance of the plant. When removing leaves, start by using sharp, rugged scissors or pruning shears and cutting as close to the soil level as possible.
Twisted Sister Snake Plant is easy to increase by division or from leaf cuttings; divided sections of the root ball with a few leaves and roots each can be replanted in separate pots, or cut lengths of healthy leaf can be planted whole and grow into new plants, with roots forming at their bases.
Common Problems and Solutions
Root Rot
Root rot is the most common problem faced by Twisted Sister Snake most often results from overwatering. If possible, make sure your pot has drainage holes before buying this plant, and always let the soil get dry between waterings. If you think your snake plant has root rot, remove it from the pot, snip off any affected roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Pests
Though the Twisted Sister Snake Plant is fairly pest-resistant, once in a blue moon, it can find itself being the target of spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. This generally happens when it is kept in a space that is too dry for prolonged periods, or because there is an existing infestation problem in the vicinity where your plant is located. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying them with a potion of water and mild soap should take care of larvae and nymphs. If the issue gets too advanced, use an insecticidal soap (diluted with water following manufacturer’s instructions) or a spritz of neem oil spray, making sure to keep it out of direct contact with the flowers and roots. Keep in mind that houseplants that are infected with these pests can spread them to other plants in your home; therefore, thoroughly wash your hands after touching the plant.
Yellowing Leaves
However, besides not looking after the plant satisfactorily, yellowed leaves can be a sign that the plant is receiving too much or too little water, or is receiving too much sunlight. Therefore, if the plant is yellowed and suffering, you can either test the moisture level of its soil, move it to a spot that receives less or more sunlight, or maybe even move it completely!