Are you interested in snake plant overview? It is a very good idea to know more about this plant before you buy or get one for yourself. So that you can take care of it properly. We have all the information you want to know about this unique plant, however, this time let’s start with a quick overview.
What Is A Snake Plant?
Other names for Sansevieria Trifasciata include mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plant, and Saint George’s sword (in Brazil). Plants in this genus belong to the Asparagaceae family, which is endemic to tropical parts of western Africa between Nigeria and Congo. This plant has gained popularity since the 1930s, from the Victorian era. Although totally ignored, the plant is capable of surviving and flourishing. Many people choose to keep this plant in their homes. The plant requires little maintenance and is perennial in nature. Among the other types of the species are the Golden Hahnii, the Hahnii (the birds nest), and the Silver Hahnii.
History
Sansevieria has strong ties to both folklore and modern science. There is sufficient historical evidence to support the growth of this plant. The Chinese used to keep this plant in their houses as a valuable houseplant, since the Eight Gods bestowed their eight virtues on all those who possessed it. In order of importance, the virtues are prosperity, beauty, long life, intelligence, health, art, and strength.
To facilitate the entry of pre-Feng-Shui virtues inside their homes, they placed the plants close to the entrances. These plants were mainly exhibited in the offices of herbalists, acupuncturists, and doctors. As well as being planted in large rice paddies, this plant was also spread in good restaurants, banks, accountants’ offices, temples, monasteries, shrines, and banks. Sansevieria was cultivated and valued long before the Chinese had ever heard of it.
Anatomy
To make it a complete snake plant overview, let’s take a look at the anatomy of this amazing plant. The evergreen plant grows perennially and grows with a rhizome that creeps underground or above ground, forming crowded stands. Inflexible leaves are borne vertically, beginning at the base of the rosette. In their fully developed state, leaves are a deep green color with pale grayish green crossbanding, and are typically 70-90 cm (28-35 in) long and 5-6 cm (2.0-2.4 in) wide.
Habitat
It grows in abandoned gardens, disturbed areas, open woodlands, by the sides of roads, in the wastelands in coastal regions, and in riparian areas and on the margins of tropical forests. It is also found in sub-tropical regions where temperatures are warmer.
Best Soil For Planting
Choosing the right soil for snake plants is one of the crucial facts in this snake plant overview. Snake plants can be propagated easily. These plants are highly susceptible to decay, so they should be placed in well-drained soil. Through the roots, fleshy rhizomes are generated; these can be easily removed with a sharp knife and then potted. Once they are planted, use a potting mix that drains well and is loose, free-draining. It is ideal to have sandy soils.
Planting
The soil in the garden should never be used. Make use of a good potting medium for house plants. Repotting is appropriate when roots penetrate and break the pot. The Sansevieria plant should always be placed in a window sill facing east, north or west all year round. In the event that the window faces south, place the plant almost one foot to one side of the window.
Watering
The Snake plant only needs a little water. Over-watering is worse than under-watering. For the first few weeks, use no more than a quarter cup of water. Allow soil to dry completely during intermittent watering. Don’t pour water over the leaves. You should always water the plants at the base and along the edges.
Additionally, Sansevieria warns you by sending you signals as to how efficient your watering plan is. If there is not enough water, the leaves droop or lean, becoming wrinkled. When the leaves are overwatered, they become slimy. Whenever you notice leaves turning greasy, slimy, or starting to appear wilted, discard them immediately! It also prevents other leaves from being affected. You should adjust your watering quantity based on the change in season. When the weather is hot, provide your plants with more water. In winter, plants need little water, and that too only once or twice each month.
Care
When snake plants are established, they need less care. Place them far from direct sunlight, especially during the winter. Plants are healthier if they are allowed to dry in between waterings. The plant should be fertilized with a small amount of all-purpose fertilizer if it is potted.
Temperature
Last but not least thing in this snake plant overview is about the perfect temperature for it. You can tell a sickly or shabby-looking plant from one that is flourishing by the correct temperature that is applied to it. A snake plant’s leaves become scarred when the outside temperature drops below 55°F. Snake plants can be grown in daylight temperatures between 60°F and 80°F and in night temperatures between 55°F and 70°F.