Sansevieria trifasciata- Mother-in-law's Tongue

Sansevieria trifasciata, commonly known as Mother-in-law's Tongue or simply MIL is a popular houseplant. Its thick succulent leaves can withstand prolong period of drought.

MIL leaf blades against a background of Philodendron Imbe

Whether planted in the ground or in a container, MIL thrives happily. Sometimes they revert to a form where the yellow edge is not present as seen in the single clump in front.

A Pygmy Grass Blue (Zizula hylax pygmaea), with shreded wings perched on the tip of a blade. 

 Sometimes the leaf blades lose its yellow margins as in this particular one.

A pair of sparrows attempted to get in between the succulent leaves for reasons still unknown to me. Are they getting into a tryst or attempting to build a nest?

Crossing borders from sharp leaf blade to leaf blade was not an issue at all.

This is the dwarf version with the leaf blades arranged in a rosette. I cheekily gave it the moniker, 'Daughter-in-law's tongue'.

This is the plain Jane, "Daughter-in-law's tongue' with no yellow stripes.


These Daughter-in-law's tongue are used as landscape plants with an ixora hedge at the back.

It is my favourite indoor plant as it can stand neglect. This is placed on the first floor landing where it can get sunlight streaming in from the staircase window.

This pot of MIL's Tongue has being at the same spot on the staircase landing for around 3 years and badly needs to be repotted and spruced up.

Tasha likes to scamper up the staircase ahead of me and turn back to watch my slower ascent. I have to find a way to indicate to her that there's no competition, as I do not wish to fracture any bones in my body.