Where is snake plant from? It is important to know the origin of a plant in order to determine whether it will fit into your home and what care it needs. Desert plants require a moderate amount of sunlight and soil that drains quickly. Tropical rainforest plants require some protection from strong sunlight and high humidity.
The snake plant is native to rocky, dry habitats in tropical Africa. The plants most commonly grown in homes are the Sansieveria trifasciata and its cultivar Sansieveria cylindrica, both of which have stiff, upright leaves. There are pointed tips on each leaf, which should be treated gently. If the tips are broken, the leaves cease to grow. The snake plant has a well-deserved reputation for being an extremely durable plant that can withstand a variety of conditions.
CAM Metabolism
It is the fact that this plant has Crassulacean Acid Metabolism that makes people want to keep it in their bedrooms and bathrooms. During the daytime plants usually take in carbon dioxide while nighttime plants take in oxygen. We always discourage placing too many plants near our sleeping areas, as they could consume oxygen and cause suffocation.
Snake plants, however, present a different situation. When the plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night, they release oxygen into the air; people breathe this as they sleep, leading to increased fresh air. Snake plants were used to cure sick building syndrome because they provide a constant supply of oxygen.
Planting And Care
Considering where is snake plant from, the snake plant will thrive no matter how much light or humidity it receives. The popularity of the plant is largely due to its deeply shaded, green leaves and height, as well as its hardiness. Despite its adaptability, they grow best in indirect, steady light, but they do quite well in very bright light as well. Temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for them, and they won’t tolerate temps below 50 nor a spot near drafty windows. If you grow a snake plant outside in the garden, keep it in a container so that it doesn’t spread freely: underground runners multiply this plant quickly and it can quickly erupt out of control.
Snake plants prefer dry environments and are drought resistant. It is best to plant them in soil that drains well and is loose. The best soil for cactus is a commercially prepared cactus mix, as are other soils on the sandy side. Plant snake plants in pots that have thick walls, as the snake plants’ roots are extremely strong, and you may see the pot crack as it grows. It is best to use terra cotta pots as they absorb excess water.
The snake plant will grow quickly under the sun, so anticipate repotting or dividing it every year or two, preferably in the spring. It is possible that your pot-bound plant will flower. Whenever you repot, make sure you use fresh potting soil, and don’t bury your plant too deeply. The bottom of the container should always have drainage holes. Every once in a while, wipe down the leaves to keep them clean as they collect dust.
Watering And Nutrients
Snake plants do not like to be overwatered. A moist soil will soon develop root rot. Don’t take the soil’s surface as an indication of soil moistness. Before watering, you should stick your finger four inches deep into the soil to ensure that there is no moisture at all. A snake plant that is kept in bright light will require more watering than one kept in a darker room.
Generally, snake plants should not be watered more than twice per month, with some of them not needing water for as long as six months. The plant will require even less water during the winter. Well, this watering schedule is reasonable if we consider where is snake plant from. Cacti fertilizers (1-7-6) work well for snake plants. Snake plants should only be fertilized during the growing season. Dilute slow-release fertilizers to half strength if you decide to use them.