Sansevieria “Snake Plant:” The Super Easy, Low Maintenance, Air Purifying Houseplant You Need + Descriptions of 9 Varieties

Sansevieria, commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a versatile and hardy houseplant that is native to West Africa. With its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements, it’s no wonder that sansevieria has become a popular choice for homes and offices around the world. In addition to its beauty, this plant is also known for its ability to improve air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Keep reading to learn more about the history, characteristics, and health benefits of sansevieria.

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A Brief History of Snake Plant

Sansevieria has a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for a variety of purposes including as a decorative element in tombs and as a source of fiber for making ropes and baskets. In more recent times, snake plant has become a popular houseplant in many parts of the world due to its ability to thrive in low light conditions and tolerate periods of drought. In some cultures, it is also believed to bring good luck and is often given as a gift for this reason.

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Physical Characteristics of Snake Plant

Sansevieria is a perennial plant that typically grows to be about two to three feet tall, although some varieties can reach up to four feet in height. The leaves of sansevieria are typically long, narrow, and pointed, and can range in color from dark green to green and yellow striped. Some species of snake plant also produce small, fragrant flowers that are typically white or pale pink in color. The plant’s root system is relatively shallow and fibrous, making it well-suited to growing in containers.

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Caring for Your Snake Plant

One of the many reasons why sansevieria is such a popular houseplant is because it is so easy to care for. It is tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, and can even survive in areas with no natural light. Watering requirements for snake plant depend on the specific conditions in which the plant is grown, but it is generally recommended to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to be careful not to over-water the plant. Sansevieria can be propagated from leaf cuttings or by dividing the root ball when repotting. It is generally recommended to repot the plant every few years, or whenever the root system becomes too large for the current container.

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Sansevieria is known for its ability to thrive in low light conditions. It is considered a good choice for locations with little natural light, such as offices and basements. In fact, Sansevieria is often referred to as a “low light” or “no light” plant because it can survive in areas with no natural light at all. However, it is worth noting that while Sansevieria can survive in low light conditions, it may not necessarily thrive or produce new growth in such conditions. To keep your Sansevieria healthy and happy, it is recommended to provide it with some indirect light if possible.

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Common Problems and Solutions for Snake Plant

Snake plant, or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a very popular and easy to care for houseplant. However, there are a few common problems that can crop up if its needs are not met. Here are some potential issues you may encounter with snake plant and how to remedy them:

Leaf yellowing: If the leaves of your snake plant are turning yellow, there are a few possible causes. Too much water can lead to root rot which causes leaves to yellow and die off. Solution: Allow the soil to dry out before watering again, and be sure you are not overwatering on a regular basis. Not enough light can also cause yellowing. Solution: Move the plant to a brighter spot in your home or use a grow light to provide more illumination.

Brown leaf tips: If just the tips of the leaves are turning brown, this is often a sign of underwatering or low humidity. Solution: Water the snake plant more frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. You can also mist the leaves with a spray bottle or use a humidifier to increase humidity.

Pests: Common pests for snake plant include mealybugs and spider mites. Examine the leaves and stem regularly for signs of small bugs or webbing. Solution: Wipe away any pests or webbing you see with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For severe infestations, you may need to use a insecticidal soap or other miticide according to the product directions.

By providing the proper light, water, and humidity for your snake plant and checking for any pests regularly, you can help prevent these common issues or address them quickly if they do appear. With some basic care, snake plant can be a very easy and undemanding houseplant.

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What is the best way to increase humidity for my snake plant?

Some good ways to increase humidity for a snake plant include:

Using a humidifier. Place a room humidifier near your snake plant and adjust it to maintain 40-50% relative humidity. This is a more consistent method than misting, but requires equipment.

Grouping plants together. Grouping your snake plant with other houseplants can create a microclimate of higher humidity around the plants. The plants will release water vapor as they transpire, increasing local humidity.

Pebble trays. Place some pebbles in a tray and add water to the tray, being sure the pot’s base is not sitting in the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant. Refill the tray as needed to maintain humidity.

In general, maintaining humidity around 40-50% is a good target for snake plant. Monitor your plant and adjust humidity based on how it responds. Higher humidity may lead to rot, so avoid very high levels and be sure there is sufficient air circulation and the soil is not kept too wet.

The Health Benefits of Snake Plant

In addition to its air purifying qualities, snake plant is also believed to have a number of other benefits for human health. Some people claim that the plant can help to reduce stress and improve sleep, and it has also been suggested that it may have the ability to boost the immune system. It’s important to note, however, that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of snake plant.

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Other Considerations for Snake Plant

While sansevieria is generally considered a safe and non-toxic plant, it is important to keep in mind that it can be harmful to pets and children if ingested. If you have pets or small children, it may be best to keep your sansevieria out of reach to avoid any accidental ingestion. Additionally, it is worth noting that some people may be allergic to the sap of the sansevieria plant, so it is a good idea to take precautions if you are unsure of your sensitivity to the plant.

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Cultivars of Snake Plants

There are many cultivars, or cultivated varieties, of Sansevieria available, including:

  1. Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular cultivar with long, upright leaves that are typically green with pale yellow stripes.
  2. Sansevieria zeylanica, or snake plant, is a cultivar with long, thin leaves that are typically green or blue-green in color.
  3. Sansevieria cylindrica, or cylindrical snake plant, is a cultivar with cylindrical leaves that are typically green or grey-green in color.
  4. Sansevieria moonshine, or silvery snake plant, is a cultivar with bright green leaves that are edged in silver.
  5. Sansevieria kirkii, or star sansevieria, is a cultivar with dark green leaves that are patterned with white or pale green stripes.
  6. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, or golden snake plant, is a cultivar with long, upright leaves that are green with pale yellow stripes and a yellow border.
  7. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, or bird’s nest snake plant, is a cultivar with small, compact leaves that are typically green with pale yellow stripes.
  8. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Futura Superba’, or superba snake plant, is a cultivar with long, upright leaves that are green with pale yellow stripes and a wavy margin.
  9. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Goldiana’, or goldiana snake plant, is a cultivar with long, upright leaves that are green with pale yellow stripes and a yellow border.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, sansevieria is a beautiful and low maintenance houseplant that is well-suited to a variety of settings. Its striking appearance and air purifying qualities make it a popular choice for both homes and offices. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of sansevieria, it is clear that this plant has much to offer. If you’re looking for a stylish and easy-to-care-for plant to add to your collection, consider giving sansevieria a try.