One of the most commonly-grown indoor plants, the snake plant has gained popularity, because of its hardiness and easy-to-grow and air-detoxifying qualities. This guide will help you know all about the types, growing process and caring tips for this plant.
Snake plants: Key facts
| Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata (Up until 2017, it was botanically classified as Sansevieria trifasciata)
Type: Succulent Leaf type: Stiff, sword-like, green-banded leaves with a yellow border Flower: Yes but not common. Little yellow flowers may grow in potted plants Varieties available: Over 70 Also known as: Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Devil’s Tongue, Jinn’s Tongue, Bow String Hemp, Vipers Bow, Snake Tongue, St George’s Sword Height: From 8 inches to 12 ft Season: All year long Sun exposure: Keep in shade with a few hours of direct sunlight Ideal temperature: 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit Soil type: Well-drained Soil Ph: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline Basic requirements: Intermittent watering, indirect sunlight, home-made fertiliser Ideal location for placement: Bedroom, window sills and workspaces Ideal season to grow: Spring Maintenance: Very low |
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Snake plant varieties
Available in more than 70 varieties, snake plants are commonly-used to adorn and add a green touch across the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Europe, Africa and Asia. While the biological name of this flowering plant is Dracaena trifasciata, its varieties go by the names of Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Devil’s Tongue, Jinn’s Tongue, Bow String Hemp, Vipers Bow, Snake Tongue, St. George’s Sword.
Sansevieria Trifasciata or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue is the most commercially successful variety of this plant because it is easier to grow and maintain than the other varieties.
Snake plant flower
If a snake plant is pot-bound, sweet-smelling, greenish-white flower clusters appear on tall spikes.
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Snake plant size
The plant could grow anywhere between 8 inches and 12 ft.
Are snake plants harmful?
The plant is harmful to pets like cats and dogs. They should also be kept away from the reach of children.
Snake plant: How to plant?
Tolerant, high growers and no-nonsense evergreen plants, snake plants are easy to grow. Snake plants can be grown by cutting and dividing. Find a pot, preferably a terracotta one, with a drainage hole at the bottom. Use free draining soil to reduce the chances of rotting. Using a sharp knife, cut the plant into sections, leaving the roots of each section intact. Replant the new snake plant sections into a new pot. Snake plants can be grown from seeds, as well but that is a harder method.
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Snake plant: Maintenance tips
Often described as nearly indestructible, the snake plant would do okay as long as you place them in indirect sunlight and water them twice a week. Excessive watering would be harmful, so allow them to dry out between watering cycles. A homemade fertiliser would be good enough to provide your snake plant with all the nutrition.
Snake plant care
- Too much water can kill the snake plant. This is true for all succulents. Prick a small wooden stick, two inches deep, in the soil. If the soil sticks to the stick, wait before you water.
- The leaves of the snake plant collect dust. Wipe them clean regularly.
- Snake plants must be divided annually, preferably in the spring.
- While they are mostly free from bacteria attacks, their roots may become prone due to overwatering. Remove the dying leaves and let the plant dry out more than usual. If that does not help, save the plant by repotting the healthy parts.
- Do not use fertilisers for the snake plant in winter.
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Snake plant: Benefits
Pollution killer: Apart from serving the obvious purpose of adorning your indoor spaces, snake plants are well recognised for their air-purifying quality. According to a NASA research paper, Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abetment, mother-in-law’s tongue is highly effective as a detoxifier, filtering the air of formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene. The NASA study, published in 1989, suggests that at least one plant per 100 sq ft can effectively clean the air. Owing to their unique quality of emitting oxygen during the night, these plants are ideal for bedrooms. Since they can clean the air even in a room full of people, they are highly recommended for workplaces.
Great enhancer of interiors: For interior upgrades, snake plants are as apt for small rooms as they are for large hallways. Not many art pieces can beat a flourishing snake plant, creating a lively aura in a home or office.
Ideal gift item: They make for a great gift for your friends and family members.
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FAQs
What is the most common variety of snake plants?
Sansevieria trifasciata is the most common species of snake plants.
How long do snake plants usually last?
A snake plant would usually last between 5 to 10 years. In some cases, they can live for as long as 25 years.
What are to good things about a snake plant?
Snake plant is well-known for its air cleansing properties.
How many hours of light do snake plants need?
Snake plants require over 5 hours of indirect sunlight to stay healthy.