Snake Plant

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Are you looking for a striking and visually stunning plant that takes little effort to take care of? Look no further than the Snake Plant. This vivid green succulent is known for its ability to survive just about anything. But if you want it to truly thrive, we have some tips and tricks down below to get you started.

?    Large (up to 60 feet tall outdoors, 1o feet indoors)

?    Low-light (bright, indirect)

?     Water every 1-2 weeks, thrives on average to high humidity

?     70-90°F

⭐️     Purifies and humidifies air, releases oxygen at night

?     Indoor & Outdoor

The Snake Plant is native to tropical environments. But it can easily adapt to your home. Not only will it look beautiful in just about any room, but these plants also offer a lot of amazing health benefits that make it the perfect companion for any plant lover. Find out if this durable, beautiful succulent is right for you (hint: it is!).

What is a Snake Plant?

The Snake Plant is basically the hardiest houseplant ever! Its versatility and survivability have made it one of the most popular houseplants of all time, especially for first-time owners. 

Lack of water? No problem. Lack of sunlight? Fine!

Of course, the Snake Plant looks its best when cared for properly — and luckily, it has very minimal requirements!

They can withstand drought because they use the crassulacean acid metabolism process. This basically means it exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. The pores in the plant’s leaves are opened at night to prevent water from evaporating during the day. This is the opposite of most plants, which exchange gases during the daytime.

The Snake Plant is a member of the Lily family. It’s an evergreen perennial that features stiff leaves that grow vertically upward. They are dark green with light gray-green cross-banding, reaching about 30 inches long. In optimal conditions, they can reach upwards of six feet!

three plants in basket pots

Why is it Called a Snake Plant?

Because of its color and shape, it’s no surprise that the Dracaena trifasciata adopted the name, Snake Plant. But these plants have other common names, too. This includes Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, and Saint George’s Sword, which also came from the unique shape of its rigid leaves.

How Many Types of Snake Plants Are There?

This succulent has a ton of varieties, all of which can grow inside. The most common variation is the Black Gold variety. It has dark green leaves with yellow accents. It can sometimes sprout small flowers in the summer. This is most likely the Snake Plant you’ll come across most frequently. But here are a few others:

Futura Robusta: This variety type has leaves with gray-green stripes. It’s a bit shorter than some of the other types of Snake Plant but just as hardy.

Twisted Sister: Unlike many other variations, this plant has curled leaves. They will often resemble a bird’s nest-like shape.

Golden Hahnii: This is a dwarf variety of Snake Plant. They only grow to 12″ high. The leaves form clusters as they continue to grow, creating a sort of rosette pattern.

Futura Superba: This variety has shorter and broader leaves. But besides that, it resembles the Snake Plant with bright green leaves and gold edges. This variety doesn’t mind a bit less sun.

Where Are Snake Plants Native To?

The Snake Plant is native to southern Africa, more specifically tropical West Africa from Nigeria to the Congo. That’s where they get their love for warmer weather! These plants are durable and can also be grown outdoors if you live in a southern state with a warmer climate. But always keep them contained and in pots since they can become invasive.

These plants were first cultivated in China. Its discovery quickly turned it into a treasured houseplant. Families brought them indoors because they believed it would provide them with a long, healthy life, beauty, art, and strength.

In Nigeria, the Snake Plant is linked with Ogun, the Orisha of War. It’s often used in various rituals. In Brazil, they are linked to Saint George, hence one of its many nicknames.

In What Environments Do Snake Plants Thrive In?

Since these plants are native to a warm tropical environment, they will easily thrive in warmer regions. A temperature range between 70 and 90 degrees is best, meaning people that live in colder climates may need to keep on the heater when it gets too cold for the plant. The Snake Plant thrives in humid or dry atmospheres, meaning it can do well sitting near your desk or adding color to your bathroom.

Dracaena trifasciata close up image

What Are the Benefits of Snake Plants?

The Snake Plant is more than just a nifty addition to your decor. This plant has a lot of benefits to your health, meaning it’s great to have one — or 15 — of these plants around. We say 15 because that’s what NASA recommends!

NASA has done studies that prove the Snake Plant is an air purifier. It removes toxins like formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, making it perfect for offices and workplaces that could use a bit of fresh air. This includes paint makers and automotive shops, etc. NASA noted that 15 to 18 Snake Plants in a 1,800 square foot space could create some clean air in most environments.

They also release oxygen at night whereas most plants convert CO2 into O2 in the morning. This makes these plants the perfect candidates for a bedside partner. Even if you were in a completely air-sealed room, you’d have air thanks to having six to eight Snake Plants per person.

Still not sold on moving some of these plants into your home? Since they can absorb toxins and release oxygen, they’re known to help people with allergies. Avoid sick building syndrome (SBS) and allergy symptoms by keeping a few Snake Plants around. The improved air quality will positively impact your overall health.

Are Snake Plants Easy to Grow at Home?

The Snake Plant is the most durable and hardy succulent out there. It’s one of the easiest to grow inside the home, making it perfect for any plant lover! Water it whenever the soil is dry and give them bright, indirect light. Make sure your house is warm. And give them a quick dusting here and there. See? That’s almost foolproof!

Which Snake Plant is Right for You?

The most popular type is the Black Gold variety. That’s the one you’ve been reading about this whole time. But almost every type requires similar care to thrive indoors. It really narrows down to which one matches your style and which one fits in your home just right. There’s a Snake Plant out there for everyone!

Final Thoughts – Snake Plant

These plants make a perfect fit for any home, whether you’re a first-time plant owner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned plant lover with room for more plants! Its tough, verticle leaves make it a striking addition to any decor, but it also has a lot of health benefits that will keep you adding Snake Plants to every room in the home! These addicting plants are versatile, hardy, and great for your health!