Sansevieria Trifasciata Black Robusta is a hardy drought-tolerant plant with long, broad leaves. It’s commonly confused with Sansevieria Black Coral. Black Robusta is a medium-size snake plant that has dark green leaves mottled with silver. Because of their adaptability and tolerance, it’s a perfect beginner plant. These low light plants are perfect for offices. Their broad leaves soak up toxins and carbon dioxide and produce oxygen to help purify the air in the room.
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
Common Name
‘Black Robusta’ Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law Tongue’, Snake Plant
Scientific Name
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Black Robusta’
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) is one of over 70 different species falling under the heading snake plant. You can’t do much better than the Snake Plant. It has been a favorite of interior designers for years because of how adaptable it is to a wide range of growing conditions. The stiff vertical leaves with variegated patterns make a dramatic and modern statement in any room.
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 is 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.
Sansevieria ‘Black Robusta’ grows well in high humidity and dry conditions. Keep away from air vents or drafts as this can dry out your plant. It will need very little water in the winter.
Sansevieria thrives in moderate to bright indirect light, but will adapt to low light conditions too. They tolerate low light and partial shade making it a popular office plant. It is one of the top plants that grow in fluorescent lights.
Black Robusta Sansevieria acts as an indoor air purifier, removing toxins from the air. 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.
Use a fertilizer diluted at half strength if needed. Sansevieria are low maintenance plants and do not require a lot of extra feedings. This plant is sensitive to over fertilizing so only use sparingly.
The Black Robusta succulent naturally propagates from underground rhizomes that run on top of or just beneath the surface of the soil. Propagation can be done by dividing the root ball, from offsets, and from leaf cuttings.
To propagate from a leaf, take leaf cuttings and have them callus over for a few days. Next, 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. Read more about Propagating Snake Plants here.
Black Robusta Uses
The ‘Black Robusta‘ is used outside as a groundcover and for edging. Indoors it is easy to care for and makes an attractive houseplant. It tolerates low humidity and can go without water for long periods. Robusta will suffer little from under watering, but a lot from overwatering. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill your plant.
Creamy tan flowers bloom in mid-summer. Black Robusta will not die after it flowers, but may stop producing new leaves. The flowers apparently have a sweet aroma although I have never smelled them. Some of these plants, depending on the growing conditions, rarely flower. Even very healthy plants may be stubborn and not grow flowers.
Snake Plant Toxicity
Black Robusta is mildly toxic if eaten. Keep away from children and animals as pets as all parts of the plant are toxic.
Grooming your Black Robusta
Keep Black Robusta leaves shiny and glossy by dusting them with a soft damp cloth. Do not mist your snake plant because it can leave water spots on the leaves. Over time leaves may naturally die. Be sure to trim them back.
Sansevieria 'Black Robusta' Repotting
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 plant will allow it to continue to thrive and grow. Add fresh soil every spring if not repotting.
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.
Sansevieria 'Black Robusta' Pests
Snake Plants rarely are affected by pests, but it can happen. The main pests that affect 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.
Buy it: Black Robusta Snake Plant
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