As one of the easiest houseplants to care for, snake plants, or Sansevieria, or Mother-in-law’s tongue, can be mentioned. Plants like this are great for beginners who are unsure of their growing abilities. A snake plant is also a versatile element that can add color to any area of a room at home.
Snake plants make beautiful indoor and outdoor plants, so you may wonder about their characteristics. Despite the fact that the snake plant does not require extra care, knowing all about it, including its characteristics, growing tips, and caring tips, is important.
Now, let’s look at the characteristics of snake plants, which will be explained below.
Snake Plant Characteristics
Sansevieria is a genus of about 70 species of flowering plants in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) native to tropical Africa. A common species used in gardening is Sansevieria trifasciata, a low-maintenance plant.
A properly cared for snake plant is a stemless, evergreen perennial that will last for many years. When grown indoors, snake plants are often 1-2′ tall. They’re tall in their native habitat, but are often small indoors.
The most distinguishing characteristics of this snake plant are its sharply-pointed, fleshy, erect, sword-shaped leaves which are deep green with light gray horizontal stripes. A thick rhizome will produce stiff leaves in a rosette.
Snake plants bloom in spring with fragrant, small, greenish-white flowers followed by orange berries. Indoor plants rarely produce fruit or flowers in this case.
The following characteristics describe Sansevieria trifasciata:
- Genus name: Sansevieria trifasciata
- Plant type: Houseplant
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Lighting requirement: Low, Medium, High
- Native range: Nigeria
- Zone: 10 to 12
- Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
- Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
- Maintenance: Low
- Watering: Low
- Habit: Upright
- Foliage color(s): Green & White variegated
- Color of flower: White
- Blooming period: Rare & Erratic
- Common name: Snake Plant
- Characteristics: low maintenance
- Propagation: Division, leaf cuttings, seed
- Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors
- Bloom description: Greenish-white
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: Medium
- Maintenance: Low
- Flower: Showy
- Leaf: Colorful, evergreen
- Fruit: Showy
- Tolerate: Drought
Snake Plant Uses
As there are no branches, except for tough, upright, thick leaves and a slender profile, it makes an ideal flooring plant for small spaces. The snake plant, however, can remove toxins and some harmful chemicals. As well as removing toxins, the snake plant produces oxygen at night, so it’s a great idea to keep it in the bedroom.You can also use your snake plant as a natural air purifier that will deliver powerful protective energy around your home. A snake plant placed in a new building will be able to help fight allergies for sick building syndrome.
How Does the Snake Plant Look?
Snake plants are resistant, as they require only very low levels of light to produce photosynthesis. The foliage of this plant will be wide and blade-like. Snake plants make stunning tall thrillers when combined with succulents or other low-water plants, at least in summer.Depending on the variety you choose and how exposed they are to light, sword-like leaves will vary in color and pattern. With a bit of neglect, the snake plant will stand tall against a window or wall and also add plenty of texture and greenery. Low light and a lot of sun are able to survive in this plant. Small, fragrant tubular flowers will also bloom on this plant. Additionally, tiny rosettes of leaves are formed by dwarf varieties. Its most common foliage, however, is green with silver-gray streaks. The edges of the variegated varieties may also be gold or cream.Some varieties have water-resistant leaf fibers that are sometimes used to make ropes and bowstrings. Other varieties are grown as decorations because of their attractive foliage. Although species vary, this plant usually has thick roots, long, and short, with narrow basal leaves that stand upright.
Snake Plant Care
It is important to understand the plant’s basic and preferences and needs despite its reputation of being an easy-to-care plant. The following are some tips for taking care of snake plants:
Lighting
Snake plants can tolerate full sun as well as indirect and low light conditions. Furthermore, they do well in shady corners with low light levels. Plants can also be kept in a warmer spot with temperatures above 50 °F (10 °C). Avoid drafty windows in the winter when you have snake plants.
Watering
If you overwater your snake plant, it will easily rot, so make sure the soil is well-drained. If the soil needs to dry between waterings, you can do so. The plant will, however, do well in sandier soil, since it is native to arid deserts. Growing a snake plant in the hotter zones will require a bit of extra water for the first few weeks.
Temperature
Temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for growing snake plants. Temperatures that are warmer are more preferable to them. Temperatures below 50 °F, however, will harm them. Snake plants grow best in USDA zones 9 to 11.Pests ProblemsIt is important to know that snake plants are susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Snake plants are also vulnerable to pests because they sap sap from them which weakens them and also causes small wounds and leaves to drop from them.
Toxicity
Even though the toxicity levels are low, it is best to keep pets away from your plant. It will however cause your pet to feel nauseated, vomit, urinate excessively and get diarrhea. By educating yourself about poisonous plants, you can avoid any accidents while enjoying your greenery.