Snake Plant
Now, when talking about pests, snake plants produce a chemical called saponin that repels bugs like mosquitos for example. 1 Another pro for snake plants? They don't require much watering either so you truly are getting one of the best houseplants on the market.
Precautions. Snake plants are best kept out of reach from curious hands because they are poisonous to house pets and teething toddlers. Snake plants have a chemical called saponins in the leaves and roots, which are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Despite the rumors and myths circulating online, snake plants are entirely safe and non-toxic. In fact, snake plants are one of the best houseplants to have around if you have pets or small children. They are easy to care for, can thrive in low-light conditions, and are known for their air-purifying abilities.
Good luck and prosperity: Snake Plants are considered lucky plants that attract good fortune, wealth, and abundance into your home or workspace.
Avoid keeping your snake plant in the bathroom, as they prefer dry conditions.
How long does a snake plant live? Most snake plants live up to 10 years, although some have been known to live as long as 25 years with proper care.
Unlike some household plants, the snake plant produces oxygen throughout the night, while also taking in carbon dioxide (CO2), a natural byproduct of breathing. This characteristic makes the snake plant perfect for home or bedroom decoration due to its ability to improve air quality.
Sunlight is key, and a few hours of light each day will help the plants grow new stems. In addition, snake plants require little water. In fact, watering them once or twice a month is typically sufficient. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering.
Snake plants are pretty tough, but they do require fertilization during the growing season to remain healthy. If your plant is suffering from nutrient deficiencies, you can use a magnesium-rich fertilizer or apply Epsom salt to the potting mix.
Incorporating snake plants into your home is a natural and effective way to enhance indoor air quality and alleviate arthritis pain. Their ability to purify the air, reduce inflammation, and promote mental well-being makes them an invaluable addition to any living or working space.
Avoid placing rocks in the bottom of the pot, as it does more harm than good.
Your snake plant will benefit from extra nutrients to help it keep growing strong during the spring and summer months. So, while your snake plant is actively growing, feed it once a week with Miracle-Gro® Tropical Houseplant Food.
Saturate the soil with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide 3% per 1 litre water. Put wet soil in a watertight container and leave overnight before planting. This kills pathogens such as fungi and bacteria including insect eggs and nematodes (roundworms).
Water. Your Snake Plant only needs to be watered fortnightly, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to only water your snake plant once a month if the soil is still moist after 2 weeks.
Plants that are “nutrient-hungry” and prefer slightly acidic soil do well with used coffee grounds added to the topsoil. For instance, Snake Plants, Philodendrons, the Peace Lily, Pothos, Palms, the Jade Plant, and the Money Tree are coffee-loving plants.
The only thing the snake plant doesn't like is when you touch its sharp tip. If you break the tip of the Sansevieria, it will stop growing - kinda like when you cut a leaf of Aloe Vera. Snake Plant can survive in basically any corner of your home.
Boost Your Home's Energy with a Snake Plant
In feng shui, the philosophy of harmonising energy flow in your living space, pointed shapes can symbolise negative energy. However, the Snake Plant is a bit of an exception. Its upright, sword-like leaves are seen as protectors, warding off stagnant or harmful chi (energy).
Prayer plants (Calathea) are a stunning addition to any home, but avoid keeping yours in the bedroom. "Calatheas can be finicky. They never want to dry out.
Though snake plants are attractive and easy to grow, you'll need to keep them out of reach of babies, kids, and pets. All parts of snake plants (also called mother-in-law's tongue or Saint George's sword) are toxic, due to the presence of chemicals called saponins.
Dracaena trifasciata is commonly called "mother-in-law's tongue", "Saint George's sword" or "snake plant", because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves that resemble snakes.
Overwatering. The number one cause of snake plant leaves falling over is too much water. Like other succulents, snake plants store water in their leaves and need less water than most houseplants to survive. Overwatering a snake plant makes its soil soggy, keeps roots from breathing, and causes them to rot and die.
It grows out from rhizomes which mass together and multiply as the plant gets older. Snake plants can grow from 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 m) tall in the right conditions.
The right direction of the snake plant as per vastu principles is south, east and south eastern corners of the house. Avoid keeping a snake plant on any table surface and also do not border it with any other indoor plant. However, one should avoid placing snake plants in bathrooms, this plant prefers dry conditions.