What Are the Benefits of Snake Plants?

Snake plants, particularly the resilient succulent Sansevieria trifasciata, are heralded as one of the top household plants for improving air quality. Commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue, they are native to Asia and Africa and are celebrated for their health benefits, including being effective against allergies and their ability to absorb toxic pollutants.

These hardy plants contribute to the ancient art of feng shui, believed to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. The snake plant’s benefits extend beyond just aesthetics; they are a practical addition to any home, offering a multitude of advantages for both the body and mind. In this post, I’ll help you understand why keeping Snake plants at your place can be beneficial. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Snake Plant?

A snake plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata and colloquially referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular and hardy houseplant admired for its distinctive upright foliage.

Appearance

The snake plant stands out with its sword-like leaves, reaching skyward with a fierceness that’s both elegant and striking. The leaves are thick and sturdy, often boasting a pattern of green mottled with grey or silver. This architectural plant adds a modern touch to any room with its upright growth habit.

Its sharp leaf silhouette can vary from plant to plant, but each leaf maintains the signature sword-like shape that makes the snake plant so recognizable. The variegation on its leaves can also differ, providing a range of patterns that can complement any decor style.

Folk Law

The snake plant, or Sansevieria, has long been considered an ideal plant in folk law, with tales of its protective and purifying powers. It’s said to guard against negativity and ensure the household’s prosperity and well-being. This belief, rooted in tradition, adds a layer of intrigue and history to this humble yet powerful plant.

Throughout the ages, the snake plant has been a symbol of tenacity and strength, often featured in stories as a token of perseverance. It’s no wonder that this plant has maintained its popularity not just for its beauty, but for the cultural significance that it carries.

Types of Snake Plants

The different types of snake plants are not just visually distinct; they also offer a range of sizes and growth habits. From the compact and curly to the tall and straight, there’s a type of snake plant that can fit snugly on a desk or make a bold statement in a larger room. The following are the most common types of snake plants:

Bird’s Nest Snake Plant

The Bird’s nest variant, a cozy relative of the larger snake plants, forms a rosette that resembles a bird’s nest. Its shorter leaves curl slightly, creating a nest-like structure, perfect for those who love the snake plant’s benefits but have limited space.

Cylindrical Snake Plant

Cylindrical snake plants, or Sansevieria cylindrica, take a departure from the traditional flat-leaved varieties. Their rounded leaves thrust upward, presenting a fascinating cylindrical shape that adds a sculptural element to any room. This variety still offers the classic benefits of snake plants, such as improving air quality and requiring minimal care.

Laurentii Snake Plant

The Laurentii Sansevieria, a snake plant recognized for its visually appealing gold and green variegated leaves, is favored in feng shui for its health benefits. Like other snake plant benefits, it aids in improving air quality and is effective against allergies, all while requiring well-draining soil and minimal watering—only when the soil is completely dry.

11 Benefits of Snake Plants

Snake plants, like the sansevieria genus, are not just household plants, they are a powerhouse of health benefits. They purify the air, removing harmful toxins and providing cleaner breathing space. Additionally, these plants are adept at allowing the soil to dry between waterings, preventing root rot, and thriving in both indirect light and artificial foliage settings. Let’s have a look at the following 12 benefits of Snake plants:

Air Purification

Snake plants excel at filtering indoor air, making them an excellent choice for bedroom decor. They have the unique ability to absorb harmful toxins, such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are common in household products. By incorporating snake plants into your home, you’re not just adding greenery; you’re also promoting a healthy airflow.

With their air purifying qualities, snake plants contribute to a cleaner and more invigorating indoor environment. This makes them a popular choice for those who are health-conscious and looking to reduce the presence of toxic air pollutants in their living spaces.

Oxygen Production

Snake plants perform CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis, which means they can produce small amounts of oxygen at night unlike most plants. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations about this benefit.

The Reality: The amount of oxygen produced by a few snake plants is minimal compared to what humans consume. You would need an impractically large number of plants to meaningfully increase indoor oxygen levels.

The Benefit: While the oxygen boost is modest, the psychological effects of having living plants nearby and the improvement in air quality through toxin removal can contribute to better sleep quality and overall well-being.

Low Maintenance

The low-maintenance nature of snake plants makes them a favorite among busy individuals. Snake plants can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from low light to indirect sunlight, and they don’t require frequent watering. This resilience allows them to thrive with minimal care, making them a perfect choice for those with a hectic lifestyle.

Humidity Regulators

Snake plants help regulate indoor humidity through a process called transpiration, where they release moisture through their leaves. This natural process can add beneficial humidity to dry indoor environments, particularly during winter months when heating systems can make air uncomfortably dry.

Important Note: Snake plants add moisture to the air rather than removing it. If you’re dealing with excess humidity issues, you’ll need other solutions like dehumidifiers or improved ventilation.

The amount of humidity released is minimal compared to other houseplants, making snake plants suitable for most indoor environments without creating excess moisture problems.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Snake plants, with their vertical stripes and green leaves, bring a touch of the wild indoors. Their architectural form and the variety of textures and colors available make them a visually appealing addition to any room. From their gold and green variegated patterns to the dark green hue of the classic variety, snake plants can enhance any space with their natural beauty.

Mental Health and Well-being Support

Studies in environmental psychology suggest that indoor plants, including snake plants, may contribute to improved mental well-being through several mechanisms:

Research-Supported Benefits:

• Reduced cortisol levels (stress hormone) in some individuals
• Improved focus and concentration in work environments
• Enhanced mood through connection with nature (biophilia effect)
• Sense of accomplishment from plant care routines

Important Note: While these effects are promising, individual results vary greatly. Plants should complement, not replace, professional mental health care when needed. The benefits are generally modest and work best as part of an overall healthy lifestyle approach.

Toxin Removal

Snake plants are recognized by NASA’s Clean Air Study for their ability to remove certain indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and toluene. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly found in household products like cleaners, paints, and furniture.

Important Clarification: While removing these toxins from indoor air may contribute to a healthier environment, there is no scientific evidence that snake plants prevent or treat cancer. Claims about cancer prevention should always be discussed with healthcare professionals.

The plant’s air-purifying abilities are most effective in sealed environments and work gradually over time. For optimal air purification, NASA recommends approximately one plant per 100 square feet of living space.

Better Sleep

Ever noticed how a good night’s sleep can make you feel ready to take on the world? Well, snake plants might just be your new bedtime buddy. These hardy greens are known for releasing oxygen at night, which can lead to a healthier indoor environment for us snoozers. That extra oxygen might just help you drift off to dreamland a bit more easily.

And it’s not just about quantity, but quality too. With a snake plant by your bedside, you’re setting the stage for a restful night. They’re like silent, leafy guardians that watch over you as you catch those Z’s. So, for a sleep that’s as sound as a seed nestled in the soil, consider a snake plant your natural sleep aid.

Effective for Allergies

For folks battling the sniffles and sneezes, snake plants are a breath of fresh air. They’re pros at snatching up airborne allergens, making them a top choice for allergy sufferers. Just like a trusty friend, they’re there to help you through those itchy-eyed days by filtering out the stuff that makes you miserable.

Imagine walking into a room and taking a deep, easy breath. That’s the kind of relief snake plants can offer. So, if you’re looking for a green companion that’s got your back when allergies strike, look no further than this tough little plant. It’s like having a natural air purifier without the hum of a machine.

Drought Tolerant

Let’s talk about resilience, and snake plants have got it in spades. These hardy greens can go for weeks without a drink, making them perfect for busy folks or those who tend to forget the watering can now and then. Their thick leaves store water, keeping them plump and happy even when the soil’s dry as a bone.

Feng Shui

In the world of Feng Shui, snake plants are believed to be more than just pretty faces. They’re said to bring a sense of balance and positive energy to any room they grace. With their upward-growing leaves, they symbolize the flow of positive vibes, acting like green antennas for good fortune.

Proper Care Requirements

While snake plants are low-maintenance, they do have specific needs for optimal health:

Light Requirements:

• Prefer bright, indirect light but tolerate low light conditions
• Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Can survive in offices with only fluorescent lighting

Watering Guidelines:

• Water only when soil is completely dry (usually every 2-6 weeks)
• Water less frequently in winter
• Overwatering is the most common cause of snake plant death

Soil and Potting:

• Requires well-draining potting mix (cactus/succulent mix ideal)
• Ensure pots have drainage holes
• Repot only when severely root-bound (every 3-5 years)

Temperature:

• Prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C)
• Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C)

Common Problems:

• Root rot from overwatering
• Brown leaf tips from fluoride in tap water (use filtered water)
• Pest issues (rare but watch for spider mites in dry conditions)

Easy to Propagate

Snake plants can be propagated through several methods:

Leaf Cuttings (Slower method, 2-6 months):

1. Cut a healthy leaf into 2-3 inch sections
2. Let cut ends dry for 2-3 days to prevent rot
3. Plant cut-end down in well-draining soil
4. Keep soil lightly moist, not wet
5. New shoots will emerge from the base

Division (Faster method, immediate results):

1. Remove plant from pot during repotting
2. Gently separate root systems and shoots
3. Each division needs roots and at least one shoot
4. Plant divisions in separate pots

Important Note: Leaf propagation of variegated varieties (like Laurentii) will produce solid green plants, not variegated ones. Use division to maintain variegation patterns.

Safety Considerations

Pet Safety:
Snake plants contain saponins, which are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While rarely fatal, keep plants out of reach of curious pets.

Child Safety:
Generally safe around children, but the plant’s sharp, pointed leaves could potentially cause minor injuries. Place appropriately to avoid accidents.

Skin Sensitivity:
Some people may experience mild skin irritation when handling snake plants. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin or notice any reaction.

Air Quality Reality Check:
While snake plants do remove some toxins from indoor air, they should not be relied upon as the sole solution for serious air quality issues. Proper ventilation, source control, and professional air purification systems are more effective for significant air quality problems.

Wrap-Up!

In the world of houseplants, the snake plant stands out for its resilience and practical benefits. Beyond its ability to remove certain indoor air pollutants, it brings architectural beauty and low-maintenance greenery into our homes.