Snake Plants : Easiest Potted Plants to Care For

 

If I were to curate a list of the best plants to have inside the house, the snake plant would top my list.

 Snake plants also popularly known as Sansevieria or Mother in laws tongue are undoubtedly the easiest to grow and easiest to maintain plants indoors as they have minimal water and sunlight requirements.

This plant is for you. Yes, The Snake plant can easily gel up with your super busy lifestyles, it doesn’t mind being neglected.  

Have a green thumb? No? no worries. If you have had a checkered history with plants, this plant is for you. Snake plants are hard to kill, you cannot fail with a Snake plant. 

If you have been following my blogs, you might have noticed that snake plants have been featured in almost all my blogs on plant love. 

For this blog I thought of picking up the Snake plants so that I get a chance to touch each aspect of the Snake plants starting with its origin, shades, varieties to snake plant care, propagation and décor ideas, so read on.  

About the Snake Plant

 Snake plant is a tropical plant that is a native of Africa.

There are more than 70 varieties of Snake plants. They come in various shades of green and variegated variations. Its foliage is thick. Some varieties grow vertically while other dwarf varieties grow spirally.  The vertical Snake plant can go up to 12 feet. 

The Snake plant gets its name from the shape of leaves with pointed tips and patterns on the leaves that resemble snakeskin.

How the Snake plant got its name as “mother in laws” tongue? Now, this is hilarious. Yes, you have guessed it correctly, it is associated with a talkative mother in law’s long tongue.

Sansevieria, devil’s tongue and bowstring hemp are some of its other known names. 

Check out images from my Snake Plant collection below

This is a bright snake plant, dwarf type with green in the middle and white at the edge.   

 

One of the dwarf varieties, silvery green with patterns that are dark green.

This is a vertical variety of futura Robusta, with thick long leaves. 

Almost looks like golden hahnii, the only differentiator is its darker shade of green.

 

Snake plant detoxify air

Snake Plant is one of the few plants that provide oxygen even during nighttime because of this property it is considered ideal for bedrooms

Did you know Snake Plant is an air purifying plant recommended by NASA?

NASA Clean Air Study placed around finding ways to clean closed spaces naturally suggested one air-purifying plant per 100 square feet has the capability to clean air naturally.

In the study Snake plants were found to have the capability of removing volatile organic pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and xylene along with absorbing carbon dioxide.

Prof B.C. “Bill” Wolverton who was closely associated with NASA’s clean air study, published his research in his book “How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants To Purify Your Home Or Office ”. Snake plant is one of the recommended plants in that list too.

Snake plant care 

The Snake plant is a sturdy plant that is hard to kill.  If you are mindful of following care tips, I am sure you will nurture a healthy snake plant.

Water less:

 Snake plant doesn’t need frequent watering. It can retain moisture in its leaves and can go without water for weeks.

Water your indoor snake plant once in two weeks. If the snake plant is in sun, observe and water, if the soil is moist do not water, prefer to water once in a week.

Well-draining Soil

it requires well-draining soil; you can choose succulent potting mix or general-purpose potting fix make sure to avoid waterlogging. Use gravel and stone to cover the bottom of the pot or planter so that the access water can drain out easily.

Indirect Sunlight

Its basic requirement is indirect sunlight however it can survive in direct sunlight but should not be kept in sun for prolonged hours.  

Root rotting

Root rotting is probably the only reason that can kill this plant. 

Root rotting can happen due to overwatering, waterlogging, or lack of space for the plant to grow in the planter.

What are the signs of root rotting? Soggy leaves and decaying plant. If you see any signs of root rotting act immediately before it is too late to revive the plant.

Insect attack

 Insects don’t attack this plant, so you can relax on that bit. I do see dust or spiders moving on the leaves sometimes when it is neglected for weeks. Clean the plant leaves with a damp cloth to keep the leaves clean and shiny.

Fertilizer

I do not use any fertilizers and am happy with the growth rate of my Snake plants. However, if you want to use any fertilizer use liquid fertilizer.

Snake plant propagation 

Snake plant propagation is easy.

All my ‘mother in laws tongue’ you see in pics has grown out of just one leaf cutting. You can see how well they are doing and still growing in the small pots.

Let’s check out the 3 ways to propagate a snake plant

1. Snake plant Soil propagation:

         here are the steps,

·         Pickup a healthy leaf, Cut the leaf in pieces of 2’’ inches.

·         Push the cutting into a cup of soil. Remember to keep the upside up while pushing the cutting into the soil.

·         now Keep the cup in shade and water it once in a week.

·         After 25 – 30 days, you might see some roots at the bottom of the cutting and soon a baby plant will emerge out of it.

2. Snake plant water propagation

·         Cutout a healthy leaf and place it into water

·         Change water in the container once in a week

·          after 25 – 30 days, you will see signs of root formation.

3. Divide the Snake Plant  

A snake plant self-propagates inside the planted pot. When you see that the pot surface is full this is your opportunity to divide and grow more plants.   

Pull out the plant from the planter and separate the different plants attached, remove the link carefully. Each separated plant should have its developed root system for repotting. Now plant these plants separately in different pots.

 Snake plant décor

 Snake plants are extensively used in interior décor. If you have been observant you must have seen them at office entrances, shopping malls, restaurants etc.

I am obsessed with Snake Plants. I have them all over my house. I often use them in my plant arrangements and interior décor.

They look best in black or white colored ceramic pots. I prefer growing them in small pots. I have also turned some of my old ceramic mugs into snake plant planters. 

Check out the some décor ideas below 

So, what are you waiting for get home your Snake plant, checkout some buying options below. 

Where to buy a snake plant?

Checkout some buying options on my amazon affiliate link.

Did you like this blog on Snake plants? If yes do hit the like button below.