Still confused whether or not to grow a snake plant? These cool facts will surely solidify your decision. Read on to be amazed!
Snake plant, scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata, is a common find in homes all across the globe. But don’t let its abundance fool you! This succulent has so many fascinating characteristics that will shock you! Continue reading and learn why the snake plant never disappoints.
Things You Will Not Regret About Your Snake Plant
1. Almost Unkillable
Starting off with the basics, a snake plant is known for its ability to thrive in the harshest of conditions where most other plants can’t. It does not need constant babysitting, making it perfect for couch potatoes or forgetful gardeners. In fact, it does not even fuss over the optimal basic growth requirements.
2. No Water, No Problem
Forget the stress of having to water your plant every few days. The snake plant is a succulent that loves prolonged periods of dryness. As a matter of fact, overwatering is a bigger problem than underwatering! It can go up to 1-2 months without watering during the winter!
Pro tip: Even though it loves arid conditions, make sure to thoroughly irrigate the substrate when the top 2 inches of the soil feels dry and repeat the cycle.
3. Shady Rooms, Thriving Plant
Most plants die when they are deprived of sunlight, but not the Snake plant! This botanical wonder can even survive in a room with barely any sunlight. It is perfect to add some natural charm to a gloomy room.
Note: Just ensure that a little amount of indirect sunlight or LED grow lights provides it with the bare minimum to help it continue with its biological functions.
4. Improves Human Health by Purifying Air
The snake plant is not just an eye-pleaser, but it has health benefits too, and the cool part is you don’t even have to eat it to obtain them! According to research conducted by NASA, snake plants are one of the best air purifiers as they filter out toxins from the air! Placing them near your bed can help improve air quality and, therefore, your health!
5. Botanical Humidity Regulator
Just like most plants, snake plants transpire. During this process, along with the exchange of gases, they also release water vapor. This is especially useful in dry conditions, such as rooms with ACs. Balancing out humidity, even on a low level, helps not only other plants in the vicinity but also humans by improving skin texture and breathing.
6. More Oxygen After Sunset
Did you know that even though the process of photosynthesis requires sunlight, snake plants perform CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis, so they even release oxygen at night? This is good for boosting oxygen levels at night, especially in the area where you sleep.
7. Pests Rarely Do Them Harm
Snake plants are nearly indestructible, and pests do little to no harm to the plant. Its unique form and growth requirements prevent many bug infestations. Also, except for a few, this plant is resistant to most infections and diseases.
Note: This doesn’t mean that the chances of a pest infestation, infection, or disease are 0. Please inspect the plant and take necessary measures if one does arise.
8. Beacon of Good Luck
The snake plant is also called the good luck plant because, according to feng shui, it wards off evil spirits and energies. It is seen as a protector and invites fortune, especially if you place it at the entrance of your abode or in a southeast corner, respectively.
9. Boosts Productivity and Sense of Peace
Most snake plant foliage is in a calming shade of green. It is scientifically proven that this color helps ease the mind and, therefore, boost productivity. It is a constant reminder of mental well-being and thus deserves a spot near your study or office desk.
10. No Fear of Allergies
Snake plants have no pollen and collect little dust due to their vertical leaf posture. This is a boon to those who can’t grow just any plant due to allergic issues. The water vapor released during transpiration, coupled with the filtering of air toxins, makes it perfect for those with sensitive noses or lungs.
11. Acts as a Natural Room Divider
Why use a boring, orthodox room divider or partition when you can use snake plants! These succulents usually range between 1-3 feet tall, with certain species reaching 6 feet! Use this vertical dominance to your advantage, and if strategically placed, they make a perfect botanical room divider.
12. Long Lasting Garden Friend
You won’t worry about getting a new snake plant any time soon. This succulent can survive for over a decade under the right conditions. So once you establish it, it becomes part of your family, going from one generation to the next!
13. Enhances the Visual Appeal of a Home
Lastly, we have to mention the obvious – the visual wow factor! These plants have a unique erect form and come in various colors with spectacular variegations depending on the variety. They blend perfectly in all home styles and can even be used as a centerpiece to draw attention.
Note: Depending on the variety, the physical characteristics may slightly differ, such as Dracaena cylindrica, which has cylindrical leaves, while Dracaena ‘Twisted Sister’ has twirling or spiraling foliage.
Now that you know why the snake plant is a fan favorite, go ahead and tell us in the comment section which succulent can give it a hard competition for the title of the “Most beloved houseplant!”
