Sansevieria Trifasciata Black Jade Plant, commonly known as Snake Plant, is a dwarf variety. The Black Jade Bird’s Nest is a dark solid green and does better in lower light than those Snake Plants with bright variegation. It will not grow as tall as other snake plants commonly known as Laurentii or Zeylanica. Black Jade will not exceed 10 inches in height, which makes it a perfect candidate for those low light areas with space constraints. Snake plants are drought tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is dry.
Water
Occasional – Drought Tolerant. Only needs watering once or twice a month
Light
Bright Shade – Mostly Shade
Humidity
They prefer lower humidity in the air.
Temp
Performs best in temperatures between 59-74°F but will survive short periods of temps at 50°F
Soil
Prefers a well-draining soil
Fertilizer
Fertilize plants twice a month at 1/2 strength during the growing season.
Pronunciation
san-se-VEER-ee-uh try-Fash-ee-aw-tuh HAHN-eye
Common Name
‘Black Jade Bird’s Nest’, ‘Black Hahnii’, ‘Dwarf Snake Plant’, ‘Birdsnest Plant’, ‘Bird’s Nest Sansevieria’, ‘Hahn’s Sansevieria’, ‘Dwarf Mother-in-Law Tongue’, Dwarf Snake Plant
Scientific Name
Sansevieria ‘Black Jade Hahnii’
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if eaten. Keep away from children and animals.
Snake plants are one of the easiest and most adaptable houseplants around. Sansevieria trifasciata hahnii (san-se-VEER-ee-uh try-FASH-ee-aw-tuh HAHN-eye) is one of over 70 different species falling under the heading snake plant. ‘Black Jade Hahnii’ is a dwarf variety of the well known Snake Plant. The plant only grows about 6-8” tall. Never growing over a foot tall, making it perfect for desks or small spaces. This succulent has a cacti-like appearance with interesting variegation. Vase-like rosettes have spirally arranged broad elliptical leaves.
Watering Black Jade Hahnii
This member of the Agave family is a low maintenance succulent that only needs watering once or twice a month. Water thoroughly from below or at the base of the plant, only when the soil becomes dry. Any doubts about watering should result in waiting, as it is a drought-tolerant plant. If you really want to be sure, a inexpensive moisture meter can be a fool proof way of watering. Do not allow water to stand on the leaves. Be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Always plant in a pot with a drainage hole.
Black Jade Hahnii Humidity
Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Black Jade Hahnii’ grows well in high humidity levels and dry conditions. Keep it away from air vents or drafts as this can dry out your plant. It will need very little water in the winter.
Light for your Bird's Nest
Sansevieria thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light but will adapt to low light conditions too. Colors are enhanced in bright, filtered conditions. Tolerates low light and partial shade making it a popular office plant. It is one of the top plants that grow in fluorescent lights.
Black Jade Hahnii Soil
Hahnii Sansevieria acts as an indoor air purifier, removing toxins from indoor environments. They tolerate many soil conditions, but grow best in well draining soil. I prefer a soil amended with gravel, perlite, or pumice or coarse sand to allow good drainage. A standard succulent or cactus mix combined with perlite is also an excellent choice for snake plants. It is not too picky about pH requirements and does well in soil ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Fertilize your Snake Plant
Use a fertilizer diluted at half strength if needed. Sansevieria are low maintenance plants and do not require a lot of supplementary feeding. This plant is sensitive to over fertilizing so only use sparingly.
Black Jade Hahnii Propagation
The ‘Bird’s Nest’ succulents naturally propagate from underground rhizomes that run on top of or just beneath the surface of the soil. Propagation can be done by dividing the rootball, from offsets and from leaf cuttings.
To propagate from a leaf, take leaf cuttings and have them callus over for a few days. Place them in water or soil in the same direction they normally grow. Upside down cuttings will not take root.
Propagation also works well by dividing the root ball. Separate and place each division in a new pot with a drainage hole. More on Propagating Snake Plants.
Black Jade Hahnii Uses
‘Black Jade Hahnii’ is used outside as a groundcover and for edging. It is drought resistant so it is perfect for xeriscaping. Indoors it is easy to care for and makes a nice, attractive, trouble-free houseplant. Tolerates low humidity and goes without water for long periods. Hahnii will suffer little from under watering but will really suffer from overwatering.
Creamy tan flowers bloom in mid-summer. Bird’s Nest will not die after it flowers but it will stop producing new leaves. The flowers apparently have a sweet aroma although we have never smelled them. Some of these plants, depending on the growing conditions, rarely flower. Even very healthy plants may be stubborn and not produce flowers.
Snake Plant Toxicity
Mildly toxic if eaten. Keep away from children and animals as pets as all parts of the plant are toxic.
Grooming your Bird's Nest
Keep Bird’s Nest leaves shiny and glossy by dusting them with a soft damp cloth. Do not mist your snake plant because it can leave unsightly water spots on the leaves. Over time leaves may naturally die. Be sure to trim them back.
Many Snake Plant lovers allow their Sansevieria to become root bound and do not transplant more often than once every two to five years. This will not necessarily hurt the plant. However, once the plant outgrows its current pot repotting your Bird’s Nest Snake Plant will allow it to continue to thrive and grow. Add fresh soil every spring if not transplanting.
Snake Plant Varieties
There are over 70 varieties of snake plants. To learn more about different snake plant varieties such as the Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’, Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, Futura Robusta, Futura Superba, Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Cylindrica’, and more, visit here.
Snake Plants rarely are affected by pests, but it can happen. The major pests that affect the Snake plants are mealybugs, thrips, spider mites and aphids. These pests feed off the plant by sucking sap from the leaves. This causes wilting and eventual drying of the plant if you don’t control them. Learn more about pest eradication here.
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