The Mother in Law's Tongue is a tough plant known for its upright, sword-shaped leaves that can grow tall and narrow. Native to West Africa, it has become a popular indoor plant around the world due to its ability to adapt to different environments. With its striking appearance, itās not just an attractive addition to any room but also easy to grow, making it perfect for beginners.
Benefits of Growing Mother in Law's Tongue Plants
- Doesnāt require frequent watering or special conditions.
- Helps improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins.
- Thrives in areas with minimal sunlight.
- Adds a modern and sleek look to any room.
- Can withstand neglect, making it perfect for busy individuals.
- Increases humidity, which can be beneficial for your skin and respiratory system.
Are Mother in Law's Tongue Plants Toxic or Not?
Mother in Law's Tongue is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe plant for households with children and animals. However, its leaves may cause mild stomach upset if ingested, so itās best to keep it out of reach of curious pets and young children.
Where Should I Place a Snake Plant in My House?
Mother in Law's Tongue is quite adaptable and can thrive in various areas around the house. However, it does best in locations that meet its basic needs:
- Living Room: Place it near a window or in a bright corner.
- Bedroom: Ideal next to a window where it gets indirect light.
- Office or Study: Works well on desks or in corners with moderate light.
- Bathroom: Great for bathrooms with enough natural light since it thrives in humidity.

How Much Light Do Mother in Law's Tongue Plants Need?
Mother in Law's Tongue can grow in both low and bright light conditions. However, it performs best in:
- Indirect light: This is ideal for its growth.
- Low light: It can adapt to areas with less sunlight, but growth may slow down.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Long exposure to direct sunlight can burn its leaves.
How Much Water Do Mother in Law's Tongue Plants Need?
These plants are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Here's a quick guideline:
- Only water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Reduce watering during the colder months when the plant's growth slows down.
- Use well-draining soil and pots to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
Best Conditions Where Mother in Law's Tongue Plants Can Thrive
Hereās a detailed look at the ideal growing conditions for your Mother in Law's Tongue:

Tips on Planting and Growing Mother-in-Law's Tongue Plants
- Make sure your pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
- Use well-draining soil. Sandy or cactus mix works best for this plant.
- Mother in Law's Tongue grows slowly, but repot when the roots outgrow the pot (about every 2-3 years).
- Place the root ball at the same depth as it was in the original pot.
- You can propagate Mother in Law's Tongue by cutting healthy leaves and allowing them to root in water or soil.
Tips on Caring for Mother in Law's Tongue Plants
- Let the soil dry out completely before watering.
- Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust-free.
- While snake plants are resistant to most pests, watch out for mealybugs or spider mites.
- During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed it with a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month.
Final Words

Mother in Law's Tongue is a hardy, low-maintenance plant perfect for anyone looking to add greenery to their home without the stress of constant care. With a bit of attention to its light and watering needs, this plant can thrive in almost any home environment, adding both beauty and air-purifying benefits to your space.
FAQs
Can I keep my Mother in Law's Tongue plant outdoors?
Yes, Mother in Law's Tongue can be kept outdoors, but only in warm climates. It thrives in temperatures between 60Ā°F to 85Ā°F (15Ā°C to 29Ā°C) and cannot survive frost. If you live in a region with colder winters, it's best to bring the plant indoors during the colder months to avoid damage.
Why are the tips of my Mother in Law's Tongue turning brown?
Brown tips can be caused by several factors:
- Overwatering: The plant is prone to root rot if overwatered, which can lead to browning at the tips.
- Underwatering: Drought stress can also cause the leaf tips to turn brown if the plant has gone too long without water.
- Salt build-up: Fertilizer residue or minerals from hard water can accumulate, leading to browning edges. Use distilled or rainwater if possible and flush the soil occasionally.
Can I grow Mother in Law's Tongue from seeds?
While it's possible to grow a Mother in Law's Tongue from seeds, itās not the most common method. Growing from seeds can take time and requires patience, as the plant grows slowly. Most people prefer to propagate it through leaf cuttings, which is much faster and easier.
How do I know if my Mother in Law's Tongue is getting too much sunlight?
Signs of too much sunlight include:
- Yellowing leaves: Especially the tips or edges of the leaves.
- Sunburned spots: These may appear as pale or brown patches on the leaves.
- Curling or scorched leaves: If the leaves start curling up or feel dry and brittle,
they might be getting too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a spot with indirect light to restore its health.
How often should I repot my Mother in Law's Tongue?
Mother in Law's Tongue grows slowly and doesn't need frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. A root-bound plant can be identified by roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil.
What should I do if my Mother in Law's Tongue becomes leggy?
If your plant becomes leggy, meaning the leaves become stretched out or spaced too far apart, it may not be getting enough light. Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light, and if necessary, trim back any overly long or unhealthy leaves to encourage new growth. Regular pruning can also help maintain a compact and healthy shape.
Can I grow Mother in Law's Tongue in a terrarium?
While Mother in Law's Tongue is typically grown in pots, you can grow it in a terrarium with caution. Make sure the terrarium has proper ventilation to prevent excess moisture, as the plant prefers well-draining soil and avoids humidity. A closed terrarium could encourage rot or fungal diseases due to trapped moisture. If you're using a glass container, ensure itās large enough to accommodate the plantās growth.
What do I do if my Mother in Law's Tongue starts developing black spots?
Black spots on the leaves usually indicate a fungal or bacterial infection, often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove any affected leaves and ensure the plant is in a well-draining pot. Adjust watering habits and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. If the problem persists, treat the plant with a mild fungicide.
Can I grow Mother in Law's Tongue in a raised garden bed?
Mother in Law's Tongue is typically grown indoors in containers, but it can also be planted in a raised garden bed, as long as you ensure proper drainage. Raised beds tend to retain moisture more than regular garden soil, so itās crucial to choose a well-draining soil mix. Additionally, if you live in a region with cold winters, it's important to bring the plant inside before frost sets in, as it can't tolerate freezing temperatures.