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The snake plant is a common houseplant typically placed in homes for decorative purposes or to maintain feng shui. It’s a popular plant among beginner gardeners as it requires very little maintenance while offering numerous benefits and is also pleasing to the eye.
Some gardeners consider the snake plant a ‘boring’ plant because of its stiff structure and lack of flashy colors. However, there’s a lot more to this plant than meets the eye. Here’s a quick look at the benefits of growing snake plants in your home.
What are Snake Plants?
Native to Africa and Asia, snake plants are easy to recognize by their sword-shaped leaves that have an almost artificial look to them. It’s an evergreen plant that’s also known as ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’ and ‘Viper’s bowstring hemp’ and is categorized as a highly resilient succulent that can grow up to several feet.
While this plant does have many health benefits and is relatively safe, it can be toxic if ingested. Its leaves contain a type of poison that, if consumed, can cause numbness and swelling of the tongue. If you have or plan on having snake plants in your home, make sure to place them away from animals and children.
Benefits of Snake Plants
As mentioned earlier, the snake plant has various benefits that have been proven through research and studies conducted by top organizations. If you’re wondering whether this houseplant is for you and you’re looking for an indoor plant that’s easy to grow and maintain, check out these benefits:
1. Air Purification
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, have been found to be excellent at purifying the air. A study by Harvard University found that snake plants produce high amounts of oxygen, making them a great addition to any indoor space. The plant is also known to remove harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene from the air, making it a popular choice for offices and homes.
This is because the snake plant is able to absorb these toxins through its leaves, and convert them into nutrients. Therefore, adding a snake plant to your home or office can not only improve the air quality but also provide an aesthetically pleasing touch to your space.
2. Oxygen Production
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are known for their air-purifying properties. These plants are unique in that they produce oxygen during the night, unlike most other plants that only produce oxygen during the day through the process of photosynthesis. This is because snake plants use a different process called crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) to produce oxygen.
During the night, snake plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into organic acids. Then, during the day, these acids are broken down to release carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. This unique process makes snake plants an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment.
3. Low Maintenance
Snake plants are very resilient and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. Snake plants are also very easy to propagate, so you can easily create new plants from a single healthy one.
They are generally pest-resistant and can thrive in a variety of containers, making them a great option for both indoor and outdoor spaces. As long as they are kept in well-draining soil and are not overwatered, snake plants can go for extended periods without needing any special care or attention.
4. Natural Dehumidifier
These plants absorb excess moisture from the air through their leaves, which can help to reduce humidity levels in a room. High humidity levels can promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health. By reducing humidity, snake plants can help to prevent the growth of these harmful substances.
Lower humidity levels can make a room feel more comfortable, especially in the hot and humid summer months. Snake plants are a great natural solution for reducing humidity levels in your home without the need for expensive dehumidifiers or air conditioning systems.
5. Aesthetically Pleasing
Snake plants are known for their unique and attractive appearance, which make them a popular choice for indoor decor. Their leaves grow in an upright fashion and are characterized by their long, sword-like shape and vibrant green color. They have a sleek and modern appearance that can complement any room in your home or office.
Additionally, snake plants come in different varieties, each with their own distinct leaf patterns and colors, adding a unique touch to any space. With their striking appearance, snake plants can easily become a statement piece in any room, adding both beauty and functionality to your indoor environment.
6. Pest Control
Snake plants are known to have insecticidal properties that can help repel pests from your home. They release a chemical called O2 that helps in improving the air quality, while at the same time repels various pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scales.
The plant also helps to purify the air by removing toxins and chemicals, thus making it difficult for pests to survive in your living space. The leaves of the snake plant are hard and sharp, making it difficult for insects to walk on and, thus, avoiding infestations. This makes the snake plant a natural and effective way to control pests in your home without using harmful pesticides.
7. Mood Booster
While snake plants are not typically thought of as mood boosters, they can indirectly improve your mood by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. As mentioned earlier, snake plants have been found to purify the air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Additionally, the green color of the leaves can have a calming effect on the mind, and the plant’s presence in a room can create a natural, soothing ambiance. Finally, taking care of a plant can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can also contribute to a positive mood.
8. Better Sleep
Snake plants are believed to promote sleep by improving the air quality in your bedroom. They release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide during the night, which is the opposite of what we do when we breathe. This creates a more balanced and cleaner air environment in your bedroom, which can lead to better sleep quality.
Additionally, snake plants also release a natural fragrance that can help to calm your mind and reduce stress levels, which can further improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Overall, snake plants can be a great addition to your bedroom decor and can help to improve your sleep hygiene.
9. Improve Productivity
Snake plants can also boost productivity by purifying the air and promoting a healthy environment. With increased oxygen levels, the brain can function more efficiently and stay alert for longer periods of time. Moreover, the snake plant has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve focus and concentration.
The plant’s ability to absorb toxins also helps eliminate distractions and keep the air clean, which can reduce the number of sick days taken by employees. With their low-maintenance requirements, snake plants are an easy way to enhance the work environment and create a space that fosters productivity and creativity.
10. Feng Shui
Snake plants have been used in Feng Shui for their symbolic and practical benefits. According to Feng Shui principles, snake plants have a strong energy that can help purify the air, promote good luck, and enhance positive energy flow. They are believed to absorb negative energy and promote a sense of calmness and tranquility in the home.
Placing snake plants in the bedroom is said to promote restful sleep, while placing them in the office can help improve focus and productivity. In addition, the upright and sword-like leaves of snake plants are believed to symbolize strength, resilience, and determination.
Overall, incorporating snake plants into your home décor can help create a positive and harmonious living environment.
Disadvantages of Snake Plants
Now that we’ve looked at the amazing benefits of snake plants, let’s also take a quick look at their disadvantages.
- It grows slowly.
- It’s difficult to propagate. This plant is quite delicate so it can be difficult to propagate.
- Snake plants are toxic for pets and humans.
- Many people tend to believe that snake plants bring bad luck. If you’re someone who believes in good or bad luck, this plant may not be a good choice for you.
- Snake plants are quite prone to fungal attacks, mainly on their leaves.
FAQs about Snake Plants
Yes, snake plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. It is best to keep them out of reach of pets.
Yes, snake plants can tolerate low light conditions and can even grow in artificial light.
Snake plants do not need to be watered frequently. It is recommended to water them every 2-3 weeks.
Yes, snake plants are easy to propagate. They can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or by leaf cuttings.
Snake plants do not require frequent fertilization. Fertilizing them once or twice a year is sufficient.
Snake plants can survive in outdoor conditions in mild climates. However, they are best suited for indoor environments.
No, snake plants are not known to attract pests. In fact, they can help repel some pests.
Yes, snake plants can produce small white or greenish flowers, although it is rare for them to do so when grown indoors.
The Take-Away
If you’re considering having snake plants in your home but you’re not really sure about it, this article can help you decide! As you can see, snake plants aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer excellent health benefits and require hardly any maintenance at all. What’s not to love!
