Snake Plant

Scientifically known as Sanseveria trifasciata, the snake plant, is known to withstand all types of conditions and this makes it an ideal plant for beginners or novices. The plant bears leaves which are heavy and have an appearance like that of a sword. These leaves have an architectural built, which are upright and can grow up to 3 or 4 feet tall. The fiber of this plant, was once used to make bowstrings. However, it is now used as an ornamental plant and as an indoor plant in cooler climates. As a house plant, it improves indoor air quality by getting rid of toxins such as nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde. The snake plant has a green border, and is a close relative of the Mother-in-Law's Tongue which has yellow banded leaves.

Tips On Caring for A Snake Plant

The snake plant, according to what many hobbyists have experienced, can grow even when deprived of light for weeks. However, it is said to prefer moderate to bright light and it can also adapt to full sun. Loose, well-drained potting mix is good enough for its growth. It can also adjust to sandier soil. This plant, as mentioned, is among hardy species of plants which can tolerate irregular watering conditions. Watering once every 7-10 provides the plant with its required amount of water. The soil should be allowed to dry between watering. During winter, cut off watering sessions to once in a month.

Under-watering and over-watering are the only things which can kill the snake plant. You will understand if you are over-watering the plant, when the foliage begins to droop and in case if the plant is not receiving enough water, its foliage will begin to wrinkle and bend over.

The plant fancies warmth and temperature below 50 degree Fahrenheit (10 degree Celsius) may be harmful for its health. It is advisable to grow the plant in a pot as it prefers to be pot bound. Repotting may be considered only when the pot becomes too small to maintain an upright position. Fertilizer suitable for the plant during the growing season would be a mild cactus fertilizer. During winters, need does not arise to fertilize the plant.

Propagating the plant is simple and can be done by propagating a healthy green leaf of the plant itself. Make some cuttings of the leaf into 3-4 inch segments and plant them in fresh potting soil. Make sure about the top and bottom portion of the plant cuttings, before planting them. Post planting the cuttings, keep them in a bright and warm place, avoiding direct sunlight. Water the soil to make it moist, not soggy though. 3-4 weeks is the period which is required for the cuttings to grow its roots and a couple of months for the leaves. The propagation can also be done by potting new shoots which emerge from the soil as spikes. As an alternative, the plant can also be divided during repotting.

'Compacta', 'Silver Hahnii' and 'Silebersee' are some of the many popular snake plant varieties, or also known as cultivars (a variety of a plant developed from a natural species and maintained under cultivation). Other varieties include 'Goldiana', 'Hahnii' and 'Laurentii'.

Note that the plant it is known as among the most poisonous houseplants. So it is advisable to keep it away from the reach of pets and children. However, the plant is toxic and may harm only when ingested or eaten.

As aforesaid, the snake plant is one of the toughest and easy-to-grow plants. Moreover, it cleanses indoor air. So, if you can take care about its drawback of being toxic, then it is not a bad choice after all.