By James Thomas 
Snake plants
Snake plants are also understood by the more unknown botanical name, ‘sansevieria’, but you might also see them referred to as mother-in-law’s tongues, viper’s bowstring hemp, or tiger’s behind orchids.
These pretty succulents originate from western and southern Africa but are also found wild in better tropical climates, like Florida and Hawaii. Snake plants usually have wide leaves that grow straight up and taper to a spike at the top. They power sit in the same family, but each type of snake plant can look very different. Zey’s distinctive tiger lines and height give him extra drama, while Mikey is a bit closer, making him ideal for a shelf or a desk. Apollo might be the most irregular of our snake plant family, but he’s just as easy to watch for as Susie, who’s a good all-rounder and arrives in lots of sizes.
Are snake plants easy to care for?
Snake plants are nicely-known for thriving on neglect. They react best to the lightest of watering and then just being left alone. That’s why we call them (nearly) unkillable, making them a great beginner plant or ideal if you enjoy some green business around your busy schedule.
If you have a baby, immature children, or pets, you should be aware that snake plants can be mildly poisonous if ingested. While this doesn’t mean they’re cold-blooded assassins, it’s sensible to keep them out of reach of small humans and furry family partners.
Trendy Snake Plant Arrangements for 2024
1. Trendy Snake Plant Wall
You can get a towering plant stand wall and fill it with snake plants for a lovely wall display.
2. Countertop Collection Idea with Different Snake Plants
A random mix of planters with other snake plant varieties on the countertop. Pretty, right? Go with these dwarf types.
3. Whale Fin Snake Plant Arrangement
Did you understand you could plant just the leaf of a snake plant in a pot? This idea is definitely a trendsetter if you ask us.
4. A Stair Full of Snake Plants!
This power does not seem easy, but you can use this idea for the stairs to the attic, where you don’t go often. Or keep them in these areas.
5. Peg Table Companion
Snake plants do make lovely friends for your gatherings if you keep them on the peg table near the couch. You can also pair it with a sedum like the image.
6. Corner Wooden Blocks with Snake Plants
Corridors and docks are the perfect places for tall, raised beds full of snake plants. Don’t ignore the wall decor.
7. Antique Snake Plant Corner
All you require is a pot and saucer with a snake plant and an old wooden trunk for this.
8. On a Stubby Plant Stand
Stubby plant stands have a cute, modern appeal, particularly with snake plants. You can put these on windowsills, countertops, or on the bottom.
9. Tiny Wicker Basket Trio
Put three small terra cotta pots with snake plants in a wicker basket. It’s really that simple to create a beautiful display.
10. Sansevieria Cylindrical in Metal Pots
Antiquities are the new direction in 2024, so why should snake plants be left behind? You can go for any old metal pot that has a rural look.
How often should I water my snake plant?
Snake plants don’t require much water. Just top them up with a tipple to moisten their mud whenever it feels extremely dry or crumbly – about every two weeks, and small frequently in winter. Make sure you allow your snake plant’s soil to parch out completely between waterings, as this helps to prevent root rot.
Naturally, a larger snake plant will need better water, and watering more often.Snake plant benefits
The snake plant, generally referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a resilient succulent that can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several floors.
In addition to providing a bit of air, snake plants have several health benefits, including:
- purify indoor air
- remove toxic contaminants
- may help promote mental health
- painless to care for
- useful against allergies
1. Filter indoor air, even at night
Similar to other family succulents, snake plants help to filter indoor air. What’s unique about this special plant is that it’s one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen in the evening.
This grade makes it an ideal plant for bedroom decor since it can help regulate fit airflow.
2. Remove toxic pollutants
Snake plants are also understood for their ability to help remove toxic air pollutants. In small contributions, snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, having:
- 1-CO2
- 2-benzene
- 3-formaldehyde
- 4-xylene
- 5-trichloroethylene
- 6-toluene
With the ability to drink and remove harmful toxins, snake plants may act as an effective protection against airborne allergies.
3. Mental health booster
While the advantages of indoor plants on mental health still warrant further scientific research, the concept that plants play a favorable role is well established, according to 2018 research.
Horticultural treatment is even used in mental health treatment, due to its therapeutic results.
Indoor plants can be counted to workplaces, schools, and medical facilities as a low-cost and low-risk way to improve these conditions.
4. Low maintenance and easy to care for
The snake plant is a standard houseplant for many reasons. One is that it’s so easy to tend for. According to Shamshur, snake plants can handle both shade and direct sunlight, underwatering, drafts, and dry air. They also don’t require frequent repotting and barely ever get infested.
5. Effective against allergies
By releasing oxygen and counting moisture to the air, snake plants can help lessen the impact of airborne allergens like dust and anger.
Since poor indoor air rate has existed linked to many health-related issues like allergies and asthma, this is a substantial advantage.
5 Tips to Care for a Snake Plant:
Light: Place in avoiding sunlight; tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water sparingly; let the mud dry out completely between waterings.
Soil: Use well-draining soil; cactus or succulent mix works nicely.
Temperature: Support in a warm environment, ideally between 70-90°F (21-32°C).
Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a level fertilizer.
Does my snake plant need any extra love?
Your snake plant is a merciful soul and doesn’t need much in the way of tender loving care. Giving their leaves a gentle wipe with a neat, damp cloth every once in a while will help keep them free from dust and garbage. This will help your snake plant to breathe voluntarily, absorb light, and keep them looking shiny.
During spring and summer, your snake plant will also thank you for providing them with a little good-quality liquid fertilizer once a month. Think this a special treat, rather than a necessity; they’ll do just fine without this extra effort.
Conclusion
Snake plants are established to be as useful as they are visually appealing. They can thrive indoors and outdoors, with little to no maintenance.
What’s more, snake plants can also support filtering indoor air, a quality that can keep you safe and fit. Consider adding a snake plant to your house for both aesthetic and health reasons.
FAQs
1. What are some good ways to arrange snake plants in my home?
Snake plants can be arranged in colorful ways! You can place them in a corner for an altitudinous, dramatic look or group flower pots on a shelf for a cozy sense. They also look great in an ornamental pot on a table or coming to a window where they can get some light.
2. How numerous snake plants should I use in an arrangement?
It depends on the space you have! For a small area, one or two snake plants can be perfect. For larger spaces, you can use three or further in different sizes to produce visual interest. Just make sure they’ve enough room to grow!
3. Can I mix snake plants with other plants in an arrangement?
Yes, mixing snake plants with other types of plants can produce a beautiful arrangement! Choose plants with analogous light and water requirements, like pothos or ZZ plants. This way, they’ll all thrive together.
4. What types of pots work stylish for snake plants?
Snake plants do well in colorful pots, but make sure they’ve drainage holes to help overwater. You can use ceramic, terracotta, or indeed ornamental baskets. Choose a pot that matches your home’s style for a cohesive look!
| Aspect | Snake Plant Characteristics | Care & Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Native to western and southern Africa; now also found in tropical regions like Florida and Hawaii. | Thrives on minimal care; suitable for indoor and outdoor environments. |
| Common Names | Mother-in-law’s tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp, tiger’s tail orchid, Sansevieria. | Place in indirect light or low light conditions for optimal growth. |
| Variety of Appearance | Diverse varieties with different colors, patterns, and leaf sizes; include types like Apollo, Zey, Mikey, and Susie. | Water sparingly; allow soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. |
| Ideal Arrangement Options | Wall displays, countertop collections, stair placements, peg tables, or grouped on stands and shelves. | Best in well-draining cactus or succulent mix; avoid frequent repotting. |
| Watering Needs | Requires minimal watering; water only when soil is completely dry (every two weeks or less in winter). | Ensure complete drying between waterings to prevent rot. |