Being one of the most popular houseplant make people curios, what is snake plant?, some people probably think it is a plant that look like snake. Well, that is not wrong tho. Read below to know more about what is snake plant.
What is Snake Plant
Think again if you think that the only kind of plant you can keep alive is plastic. Snake plants (Sansevieria) are very tolerant plants. They are hard to kill. It can survive low light levels, droughts, and being ignored in general. If you neglect them, they will even help to clean the air in your home.
A native to China, Africa, Japan and Brazil, Sansevierias have long been valued. Chinese people kept them near the entrances of their homes since it was believed the eight virtues could pass through them. Africans used the plant to manufacture fiber, value its medicinal qualities, and use it as a protective charm against bewitchment.
A passionate supporter of horticulture in Italy during the 18th century, Raimondo di Sangro was the name of the genus. The leaves of this plant bear a wavy stripe pattern, which gives it its common name. In addition to its historical significance, this plant is also popular as a decor element.
Snake Plant Overview
What is snake plant? Sansevierias grow from eight inches to twelve feet in height. The sword-like leaves are approximately two feet long. In a medium green color, the leaves are narrow, upright, and variegated with white and yellow stripes. Despite unsuitable growing conditions, they are famous for thriving.
Additionally, they are known for their ability to purify the air we breathe. Snake plants make great bedroom companions because they produce oxygen mostly during the night.
Types of Snake Plant
In Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia, snake plants have about 70 different species. It was originally prized for its fibers, which were used to make ropes and baskets.
Take a look at a few of the most interesting species and cultivars:
Sansevieria trifasciata (Mother-in-law’s tongue) The most commonly used species for gardening, Sansevieria trifasciata also known as mother-in-law’s tongue due to its sharply pointed leaves. There is a possibility that one morning you’ll see a long flower stalk covered in buds, though it is rare for these plants to bloom. This tends to happen when the plant is mildly stressed, but it won’t hurt your plant. Their white or cream colored flowers resemble lilies when fully open. Like some lilies, they boast a pleasing fragrance that can fill a room. Unfortunately, pests may also find the scent attractive.
Twisted leaves are characteristic of this Sansevieria cultivar. Known for its variegated green and yellow foliage, Sansevieria twist is a relatively low growing tree. After flowering, the plant stops producing new leaves. It reaches a height of about one foot and a width of about the same.
An idyllic and unique cultivar of Sansevieria ‘robusta,’ Sansevieria robusta is Native to India. As a result of its robust nature and immunity to neglect, it is often called a “bulletproof plant.” Its leaves are more narrow and shorter than the others in the species, with essentially the same color and pattern of horizontal leaf cross-banding.
Snake Plant Care Tips
Although the snake plant can be easily cared for, you should become familiar with its basic needs and preferences. Take a look at the tips below for a few tips on taking care of a snake plant.
The snake plant is a very hardy and easy-care option, as we mentioned earlier. Snake plants can handle full sun and low light, but indirect sunlight is ideal for them.
The soil should be well-drained and you shouldn’t overwater the plant (especially in winter). Snake plants can easily rot if they are overwatered. Water the soil only when the soil has dried. They grow well in sandier soils since they are native to deserts.
Sansevieria likes temperatures between 55°F and 85°F, but they prefer warmer temperatures. They can be harmed by temperatures below 50°F.
Although the toxicity levels are low, it’s best to keep pets away from your plant. You may experience pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. You can enjoy your greenery while avoiding any accidents when you’re aware of poisonous plants.
There are a few pests and problems to watch out for when it comes to growing this plant. Overwatering and exposure to cold are the main causes. THardy plants such as this one have few insect problems, but they can become infested with mealybugs and spider mites.They cause small wounds and leaf shedding when they eat the sap from the leaves. A control method that you can use on mealybugs is to dab them with alcohol. The leaves of the plant can be washed, and the humidity around it can be increased, to remove spider mites.