One of the simplest indoor plants to care for is the snake plant, often referred to as “Mother-in-Tongue” Law’s and Sansevieria. This succulent plant is ideal for beginners because it is highly tolerant. What you need to know about maintaining a snake plant at home!
About Snake Plants
Snake plants, which are indigenous to southern Africa, are well suited to climates that are comparable to those in the southern United States. As a result, in USDA zones 8 and warmer, they can be cultivated outdoors for a portion of the year. Snake plants should only be planted in restricted areas or in containers since they spread by putting out underground runners and may become invasive.
Only a very small number of conditions have the power to significantly harm this plant, including excessive water and cold temperatures. Root rot is brought on by wet soil, and foliage can be harmed by prolonged exposure to freezing weather.
How to Plant Snake Plants
- Pick a pot with a bottom drainage hole. Since terra cotta pots let the soil to dry out more readily than plastic pots, they are ideal for growing snake plants.
- Use a potting mix that drains effectively. The best potting soil is one made for “cacti and succulents,” as it will be less likely to become overly wet.
- Avoid burying snake plants too deeply when repotting them. The plant needs to be buried the same depth as it was in its previous container.
Choosing a Location in the Home
- Snake plants can handle some direct sunshine but prefer bright, indirect light. However, they also thrive in dark, shaded spaces and other low-light sections of the house, albeit more slowly.
- Relocating your plant too quickly from low light to direct sunlight will shock it. Try to avoid doing this. When relocating plants, do so gradually. Over the course of about a week, gradually expose the plant to stronger and brighter light. In warmer, brighter places, plants will require more water, so be sure to alter your watering practices accordingly.
- Keep the plant in an area that is warm (above 50°F) (10C). Make sure to shield it from drafty windows in the winter.
How to Care for Snake Plants
Overwatering is one of the most frequent issues with snake plants and other succulents. These plants frequently have root rot because they cannot tolerate wet soil well. Follow these watering guidelines to prevent this:
- Avoid watering too often. Between waterings, allow the soil to mostly dry out.
- Observe more than simply the appearance of the soil’s surface to determine when to water. Instead, carefully insert a wooden chopstick or your finger a few inches into the ground. Delay watering if you detect any wetness or if soil sticks to the chopstick.
- If at all feasible, use the pot’s bottom water. This promotes deep, downward root growth, which helps to support the thick, towering leaves.
- Water less frequently in the winter than in the spring and summer when the plant isn’t actively growing.
- The broad, flat leaves are prone to dust accumulation; if necessary, wipe them clean with a moist cloth.
- In ideal circumstances, snake plants grow quickly and may require dividing every year.
- In the spring, split and replant. Remove a part with roots and leaves and put it in a pot with potting soil that drains properly.
- A snake plant may occasionally flower if it is confined to a pot. On tall spikes, fragrant clusters of greenish-white flowers can be seen.
- The most typical species of snake plant is Sansevieria trifasciata. It has tall, dark-green leaves with alternating bands of light grayish-green.
- With “Bantel’s Sensation”
- Up to three feet long, narrow leaves contain white vertical lines. Finding this kind can be challenging.
- Sansevieria hannai
- In “Bird’s Nest,”
- A tight nest-like shape, resembling that of a bromeliad, is formed by short, broad, dark and light green leaves. Only 6 to 8 inches are grown on leaves. To thrive, this type does not require a lot of light.
- The “Golden Hahnii”
- Similar to the common “Bird’s Nest,” but with yellow-variegated leaf edges.
- Cylindric Sansevieria:
- called “Cylindrical Snake Plant”
- This type of snake plant has cylindrical leaves that finish in a sharp point, as the name would imply.
- called “Starfish Snake Plant”
- The cylindrical leaves of the starfish snake plant fan out from its base, giving it the appearance of a starfish.
- Masoniana Sansevieria
- A “Whale Fin”
- These fascinating snake plants have broad, huge leaves that mimic a whale breaching the surface of the water.
- According to reports, peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants are highly effective in purifying the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde. To fully understand the breadth of these plants’ air-purifying potential, however, more research is required!
- A species of snake plant called Sansevieria trifasciata, which is indigenous to tropical Africa, produces a robust plant fiber that was originally utilized to construct hunting bow strings. It also goes by the term “Bowstring Hemp” because to this.
- The most frequent problem is overwatering-induced root rot.
- Remove any dead leaves and let the plant dry out more than usual if this happens. Snake plants are tough and usually bounce back. If the plant doesn’t improve, take it out of its container, throw away any rotten roots and leaves, and repot it in new soil.
What are called snake plants?
The snake plant, sometimes known as mother-in-tongue, law’s is a hardy succulent that can reach heights of up to six feet.
Snake plants not only provide some ambiance but also have a lot of health advantages, such as:
- air filtering inside
- eliminate harmful contaminants
- could improve mental health
- simple to maintain
- useful in preventing allergies
- may contribute to enhancing a space’s “energy,” in accordance with feng shui
- can treat mild illnesses
Filter indoor air, even at night
Snake plants, like other domestic succulents, assist in air filtration. This specific plant is special because it is one of the few living things that can change carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen at night.
Due to its ability to maintain a healthy airflow, this characteristic makes it the perfect plant for bedroom décor.
Remove toxic pollutants
The removal of harmful air pollutants is another property of snake plants. Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing chemicals in minute amounts, such as:
- CO2
- benzene
- formaldehyde
- xylene
- trichloroethylene
- toluene
Snake plants may provide a powerful barrier against allergies brought on by airborne pollutants thanks to their capacity to absorb and eliminate these toxins.
Mental health booster
The premise that plants play a good function is well established, according to research from 2018, even though the advantages of indoor plants on mental health still deserve additional scientific study.
Due to its therapeutic properties, horticultural therapy is even used in the treatment of mental illnesses.
A low-cost, low-risk option to enhance the settings in companies, schools, and healthcare institutions is by adding indoor plants.
Low maintenance and easy to care for
There are several reasons why snake plants are popular indoor plants. One is how simple it is to maintain.
All continents commonly have Sansevieria plants in pots, according to botanist Halina Shamshur of NatureID.
They are frequently planted on windowsills in homes, apartments, and various public buildings since they are very low maintenance.
Shamshur claims that snake plants can withstand both shade and intense sunlight, as well as being submerged underwater, drafts, and dry air. They also hardly ever get infested and don’t need to be repotted frequently.
Effective against allergies
Snake plants can aid in reducing the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander by releasing oxygen and adding moisture to the air.
This is unquestionably advantageous because low indoor air quality has been associated with a variety of health problems, including allergies and asthma.
A little feng shui can go a long way
According to Shamshur, the snake plant is adored by the Chinese because it can neutralize bad energy. Feng shui claims that putting Sansevieria in a classroom can help students study.
According to Shamshur, snake plants are thought to absorb negative energy and get rid of resentment and envy. She proposes putting them in a room where people frequently quarrel or close to radiation-emitting devices.
Although there is no scientific support for this, there is no harm in trying.
Relieves minor physical ailments
Shamshur mentions a number of additional advantages of snake plants that, while not supported by science, are generally acknowledged among botanists.
For instance, it is claimed that snake plants:
- skin burns and wounds
- lessen inflammatory
- support a normal blood pressure range
- aid in boosting the immune system
- aid in eliminating parasites
- headache reduction
She claims that the sap from the plant’s leaves can be used to wounds, burns, and inflammation. A headache can be treated with aromatherapy.
Shamshur reminds us to use caution when utilizing snake herbs for therapeutic purposes.
Large amounts of saponins, which are toxic compounds, are present in their leaves. Numerous laxative, choleretic, and diuretic medications frequently contain saponins.
Before utilizing snake plant to treat any problems, be careful to speak with a doctor. Never consume or drink any snake plant components.
Can I grow a snake plant in succulent soil?
Growing a snake plant is a simple way to bring some greenery inside. This plant can endure a variety of pH and moisture levels, but it does best when planted in the right soil. Novice growers indoors might have a few queries.
Q. What NPK ratio do I need for a snake plant?
For snake plants, a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10 NPK, is usually optimal, however minor changes are also acceptable. Simply look for an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor houseplants.
Q. How do I properly prepare the soil for a snake plant?
The ideal method is to first fill the bottom of the pot with gravel or small rocks before filling it with soil. In the event that your organic soil is in a dry, expanded condition, you should add water to the soil in a big bowl. After it has absorbed the water, plant the snake plant in the pot after adding the soil.
Q. Do snake plants like coffee grounds?
Due to their acidity, coffee grounds will cause the soil’s pH to decrease. Use a pH tester for the best outcomes. Instead of adding coffee grounds to the snake plant if the pH is at or near 7, treat it to a cold cup of coffee every so often.
Q. Can I use regular potting soil for snake plants?
Snake plants should thrive in potting soil that is made for indoor plants and drains well. Avoid potting soils that have been opened and left open for more than a few months, especially outdoor soil. Insects and disease are more likely to spread when standing in an open container.
Is the mother-in-tongue law’s a succulent plant?
The recommended temperature range is between 60 and 75 °F (15 and 24 °C), but not below 50 °F (10C).
Light:
The mother-in-tongue law’s is renowned for its ability to function in direct sunlight and dim lighting, while bright lighting with partial sun and shade is ideal.
Watering:
Because it is a succulent, the soil does not need to be kept damp because the plant retains water in its leaf. Water in the spring, summer, and fall when the soil seems dry to the touch, and only once a month in the winter. Avoid overwatering at all costs to prevent the plant’s base and root from rotting.
Soil:
I would simply use a regular cactus and succulent potting mix that is readily accessible from all garden supply stores.
Re-Potting:
Repot the snake plant only when the pot splits from development because it dislikes it when it’s done frequently. The optimum container for them is a clay pot that can split once the inside growing area has been utilized.
Fertilizer:
Feed your succulents once a month throughout the main growing season (spring to fall) with a diluted cactus and succulent fertilizer.
Humidity:
Although it’s best if your home has a moderate amount of humidity, this plant can withstand dry air and drafts.
Propagation:
When it’s time to repot the plant or when you notice sufficient plant development, multiply via division. Additionally, you can prune offsets that develop close to the plant’s base and grow 2 inch leaf tip cuttings. The best strategy appears to be to divide the plant.
Note:
Potential Problem
Base rot: The most frequent cause of this issue is over watering in cold weather, which can be first noticed by the leaves turning yellow or drooping. If the entire base of the plant is damaged, you will need to remove the worst-affected areas or trash the entire plant.
If you are certain that you have not overwatered, examine the room’s temperature because the rot could be brought on by a drop in temperature below 50F (10C). If this does occur, make sure to take cuttings for propagation.
How frequently should snake plants be watered?
PRO TIP: If you’re unsure, let it rain! Overwatering is the most frequent error with these plants.
Always evaluate your plant’s watering requirements as soon as you get one. It is important to check the soil’s moisture content first to make sure it isn’t soggy in the root zone before giving your plant a drink. Additionally, think about aerating your plant’s soil before to the first watering. By aerating, moisture may be removed and the soil can breathe.
A soil probe, which enables you to check your plant’s moisture level at the root level and may also be used to aerate the soil if ever overwatered, is the finest method we have found to obtain an accurate moisture reading throughout the soil. We have discovered that soil probes are a crucial instrument for maintaining snake plants’ health and growth. Choosing our Monitor Brass Soil Probe is a classy move.
Sansevieria prefer to completely dry out in between waterings. Overwatering is the most frequent error with these plants. During the growing season, you won’t need to water your plant more frequently than once every ten days (at most), even if it is placed in enough bright indirect light. It may only require watering once every month in the winter or if the plant is in low light. Regardless of where you put your Sansevieria, be careful to allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. Sansevieria are prone to root rot, thus it’s crucial to avoid watering the plant if the soil around the roots at the base of the plant is damp.
To maintain balanced growth on all sides, rotate your plant occasionally, and dust the leaves frequently to help the plant photosynthesize well. Take the chance to check the undersides of the leaves when dusting them and keep an eye out for bugs. Every few months, you should clean your leaves with a fine-spray mister and a microfiber cloth.
To protect your floors and table tops if you are using an organic container to pot your snake plant, we strongly advise adding a waterproof saucer underneath the pot. Humidity can collect beneath the pot and harm surfaces.
Keep in mind that every plant is a distinct living creature with different demands depending on where it is. You can have a long and fulfilling relationship with your Sansevieria if you pay attention to its health and its watering requirements.