Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top about the plant known as the language of the mother-in-law It may seem like a strange trick, but has a positive effect on their growth and overall health.
This is one of the most popular houseplants. In general, it requires little care, does not require constant watering and does not require much light.
In addition, its environmental benefits are widely proven, including the ability to purify the air and improve well-being in the rooms in which it is placed. In addition, for some it is able to attract positive energies and repel negative ones.
Mother-in-law’s tongue is extremely adaptable, making it an ideal plant for those looking for an uncomplicated nature. But why do some suggest sprinkling it with coarse salt? Here is the answer.
Why is it recommended to sprinkle salt on your mother-in-law’s tongue?
The plant is popularly known as “the language of the mother-in-law“, which scientifically belongs to the genus Sansevieria (also called “Sansevieria trifasciata” or recently reclassified as Dracaena trifasciata), has become an icon of home gardening. Not only for its aesthetics with upright, green leaves with yellow or light tones, but also for its hardiness and easy cultivation indoors.
In this context, an unconventional but increasingly widespread piece of advice arises: Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the plant. Why do fans and experts recommend it? And most importantly: how to do this without damaging the plant?
According to various articles, such as one from the newspaper El País, The technique is based on three main advantages. Firstly, that’s what it says Salt stimulates growth: Applying a small amount would favor the activation of certain nutrients in the soil, which can lead to stronger and healthier leaves.
Salt can help activate nutrients and strengthen your leaves in surprising ways. Photo: Unsplash.Second, Salt can prevent pestsas some insects or mites would move away from plants where salt is applied in a controlled manner.
And thirdly, By creating a slight “stress” in the plant, it could become more resilient to adversity. a strategy known in horticulture as “strengthening in moderation.”
The trick seems simple: all you need is a very small pinch of salt, sprinkled directly on the leaves or at the bottom of the substrate. But the warning is clear: If the amount is exceeded, there is a risk that the plant will “burn” or suffer irreversible damage..
With this in mind, moderation is key: salt becomes an aid rather than a replacement for basic care.
In order for this technique to bear fruit, it is advisable not to forget about the basic care of the mother-in-law’s language. First, moderate watering. This plant does not tolerate excess water; The soil must dry well between waterings so that the roots do not rot.
Second, indirect light. Although mother-in-law’s tongue tolerates shade, it grows much better in bright light but without direct sun.
Mother-in-law’s language, a noble plant.Finally, Leaf cleaning. Occasional wiping with a damp cloth will help remove dust, allowing for better breathing and nutrient absorption.
The salt technique is to be understood as: an additionnot as a substitute for this care.
But why does this idea work when you look at it more technically? By adding a small amount of salt (actually sodium chloride or similar) to the substrate or on the leaves, osmotic processes in the soil can be activated, facilitating the absorption of certain dissolved minerals.
The “small dose of stress” suffered by the plant sends warning signals that prompt it to strengthen its defenses – greater tissue density, greater leaf thickness, etc. – which is interpreted in horticulture as greater robustness.
On the other hand, many insects have an aversion to environments with slightly higher salt concentrations, which could drive away pests that would otherwise colonize.
However, caution is advised here: if a certain salt content is exceeded, the soil loses its ability to store sufficient water, the roots can dry out and the plant can go into “salt shock”, which leads to necrosis on the leaf tips or dark spots. Therefore, it should not be overdone.
The recommendation is to apply salt every now and then (not often) in minimal amounts and observe the plant to see how it reacts.In practice, The recommendation is to apply salt every now and then. (not too often) in minimal amounts and observe the plant to see how it reacts.
It can be applied immediately after light watering (when the substrate is not completely dry but not soaked). Sprinkle a spoonful of vegetable salt (or a small amount of table salt) at the base or on the outer leaves. Then wait a few days and monitor.
If the leaves become shiny, become stronger or show no signs of burning, the treatment can be repeated every 2 to 3 months. However, if stains are found, the surface should be washed with plenty of water to remove excess material.