If you’ve been out and about finding the next green companion for your house or personal space, then you’ve probably come across the snake plant. The tall, slender, and wonderfully striped green marvel, with leaves that look like they’re wearing a subtle camouflage pattern. Snake plants (botanically known as Sansevieria trifasciata or more recently as Dracaena trifasciata) have become household favorites for many reasons. To name a few, they are famously hardy, look striking in any decor, and offer a host of benefits that even experienced gardeners continue to appreciate.
While scrolling down you will discover a range of benefits the snake plant offers, exploring everything from its decorative versatility to its remarkable ability to improve indoor air quality. By the time we reach the end, you might find yourself itching to head to the nearest nursery to pick up one (or maybe more!) for your own home. Let’s get started.
What is a Snake Plant?
Snake plants, also referred to by the rather cheeky nickname “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” are a group of succulents recognized by their tall, blade-like leaves. Typically, these leaves stand upright, are thick and fleshy, and display unique banded patterns in shades of green, yellow, and sometimes silver. Originating from Africa and parts of Asia, they’ve been cultivated worldwide due to their resilience and striking aesthetic.
Snake plants stand out because of their architectural shape. While some plants sprawl or vine, the snake plant’s sleek, upright leaves can provide a sculptural element to any living space. Their distinct leaf patterns also add a hint of intrigue. Designers and interior decorators often use them as statement pieces especially in minimalistic or modern spaces because they naturally draw the eye upwards and help break the monotony of horizontal lines in a room.
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork of what a snake plant is and why it’s so beloved, let’s jump into the numerous benefits this spectacular houseplant brings into your home.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
One of the primary reasons houseplants have surged in popularity is the growing awareness of air quality issues, especially in indoor environments. Modern buildings often suffer from a lack of ventilation, trapping pollutants, and stale air inside. This leads to what some term “sick building syndrome,” where inadequate airflow can exacerbate allergies and other health issues.
Now to combat this, various studies, including a famous NASA Clean Air Study, have shown that certain plants can help remove harmful toxins from the air. Snake plants being one of the plants holding such properties are adept at filtering out chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. While you might not notice an immediate difference, having a snake plant or two in the areas where you spend the most time like your living room, bedroom, or office can gradually contribute to cleaner, fresher air.
Most plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day, and the process tends to reverse at night. Interestingly, snake plants perform a kind of photosynthesis known as the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). This process allows the plant to continue releasing oxygen at night, which can be particularly beneficial in bedrooms by potentially improving air quality while you sleep. Although you won’t wake up the next morning feeling like you’re in the middle of a lush forest, every bit of extra oxygen can contribute to a more comfortable and restful environment.
Mental and Emotional Health Benefits
There’s a growing body of research showing that being around plants can reduce stress and can boost mood significantly. Caring for a living plant, even a relatively hands-off one like the snake plant, fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to nature. This can provide moments of tranquility in an otherwise hectic day. It brings a sense of calm you might feel while checking the soil or trimming away a brown leaf.
Owning a snake plant can gently encourage mindful habits as well. You can’t overwater it, so you learn quickly to observe your plant, check the dryness of the soil, and water only when necessary. This small routine of observing its leaves, and noticing how it grows, brings a bit of the outdoors inside, prompting us to slow down and engage our senses. That little pause, while you inspect and care for your little companion, can be meaningful for mental health in a fast-paced world.
Going back to the air-purifying quality mentioned above, better air quality can also contribute to reduced stress and a clearer mind, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors. If you work from home or spend long hours studying, adding a snake plant to your workspace can be part of a holistic approach to creating a healthier, more calming environment.
Low-maintenance and Nearly Indestructible
These spiky plants are tough little fellas. Even when you might get preoccupied with work and life in general, a little neglect won’t adversely harm the snake plant. For example, there might be weeks when you’re juggling so many tasks that watering a plant is the last thing on your mind. The snake plant is extremely forgiving in such cases. If you forget to water it for a while, it’s unlikely to hold a grudge. Thanks to its succulent-like leaves, it stores water efficiently and doesn’t need frequent hydration. Many enthusiasts mention that it’s actually easier to kill a snake plant by overwatering it than by forgetting about it.
After water, light is the second most important element needed by plants. But not all homes are blessed with ample sunlight streaming in through large windows. If your living space is a bit on the dim side, the snake plant will stick by your side to brighten you up. While it does best in bright, indirect light, it can adapt to lower light conditions, making it a solid choice for offices, basements, or corners of the home that don’t receive as much natural illumination. Just remember that in low-light environments, its growth might slow down a bit. But if you’re patient, you’ll see steady progress over time.
Additionally, unlike some houseplants that can quickly become havens for spider mites, mealybugs, or fungus gnats, snake plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Of course, you’ll still want to keep an eye out for any potential infestations, but in general, you can rest assured that these hardy plants aren’t at the top of a pest’s wish list.
Feng Shui and Symbolic Significance
In the practice of Feng Shui, houseplants are often placed strategically in living spaces to promote positive energy flow. The snake plant, with its upright and pointed leaves, is sometimes used to ward off negative chi (energy). When placed in the right spot, it can be a symbol of resilience and protection, acting as a natural shield against bad vibes.
Feng Shui also revolves around balancing the five elements, namely wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Plants typically represent the wood element, which can bring a sense of growth and vitality to a space. With snake plants being relatively low-maintenance, it’s a gentle way to incorporate the wood element without adding too much clutter or demanding too much of your time.
Because of the uniqueness of its shape and its associations with Feng Shui and NASA’s Clean Air Study, snake plants can be fun conversation starters. Guests and visitors might ask about your gorgeous plant, giving you the perfect opportunity to share your newfound knowledge about its air-purifying properties or cultural significance. It’s always a joy to connect with people over a shared admiration for nature.
Enhancing Different Areas of Your Home
Bedrooms
Many people choose to place a snake plant in their bedroom to take advantage of its nighttime oxygen release. Even if the plant’s effect on oxygen levels is subtle, it can psychologically enhance the feeling that your sleeping space is fresh and calming.
Home Office
Whether you work full time from home or just pop into your office for occasional tasks, having a snake plant near your desk can help purify the air and reduce stress levels. Its vertical growth habit also helps break up the monotony of a room filled with horizontal surfaces like desks, shelves, etc.
Living Room
In the living room, snake plants can serve as eye-catching accent pieces. They can anchor a particular corner that feels bare or awkward. Try placing a tall variety next to the sofa or entertainment center to add some life and freshness to the room.
Entryway
What better way to greet guests than with a lovely dose of greenery? Placing a snake plant in your entryway not only brightens the space but also instantly communicates a sense of warmth and welcome to visitors. Since this area might be more prone to drafts or inconsistent light, remember that a snake plant is robust enough to handle these variations.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t keep a plant alive,” give the snake plant a shot to change your mind. With just a bit of attention, you’ll find it standing tall and vibrant for years, quietly doing its part to improve the environment around it. And if you’re already a proud snake plant parent, there’s always room for another cultivar or two to diversify your indoor jungle.
Embrace the beauty, resilience, and subtle magic of the snake plant. It’s an invitation to experience nature’s touch in your daily life minus the stress of high-maintenance care. Whether you place one on your windowsill or line a few along your hallway, you’ll be adding a little more green goodness to your world. And isn’t that something we could all use a bit more of?
