When you learn these seven snake plant benefits that have been proven by research and studies of leading organizations, you might want this plant in your home immediately!
Many people plant snake plants because of its beauty and ease of care. Snake plants have many beneficial properties, which is why so many people prefer them in their homes.
Recent research has demonstrated that indoor air pollution can be as toxic as outdoor air pollution. There are many ways to reduce indoor air pollution, these two articles provide an explanation of the sources and how to control them from the University of Kentucky Extension and NASD.
Producing Oxygen
A Harvard University Extension abstract cited in the study concluded snake plants produce more oxygen than most other houseplants. Ficus and pothos are other plants included in the study.
Looks Lovely
In addition to being one of the best air purifying plants, it is also beautiful and unique. Moreover, the lack of stems and unsloped, thick and tall foliage makes it look artificial, and most importantly, the shades of green, yellow, or grey with horizontal stripes make it an attractive indoor plant.
Removes Air Pollutants
One positive snake plant health benefit is the fact that it contributes to the removal of harmful air pollutants. It has the ability to absorb benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene besides carbon dioxide. The fact that these factors can cause cancer is well known and proven.
The NASA experiment showed that indoor plants with large leaves – which snake plants have – are more efficient in removing pollutants from the air.
Carbon Dioxide
According to a study published in 2015, low levels of carbon dioxide caused difficulties in performance and learning on the part of humans exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide. A rising CO2 level directly affects our brain’s cognitive skills and productivity; nausea and dizziness are other effects.
Researchers at Naresuan University, Thailand conducted a study with 60-80 cm snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) that proved that CO2 levels in offices would drop with 2-4 snake plants. Check it out here!
Benzene
There is a very high probability that you will be exposed to benzene indoors. From heaters and air conditioners to solvents, paints, cigarettes, etc. Read this informative article from WHO. Being exposed to benzene can cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The presence of benzene in the body leads to cancers related to blood cells, as researched by plenty of medical professionals.
In addition to removing benzene from your home, you can grow a snake plant in it. Snake plants absorb benzene. When you check out NASA study, you will see that snake plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) removed 52.6 percent in a sealed chamber. The initial p/m was 0.156, which became 0.074 in the final reading after 24 hours.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde emissions occur most frequently from cooking, smoking, cosmetics, paints, fuel combustion from vehicles, etc. Newly-made homes, flooring, furniture, and new products must be considered as well. The ATSDR provides valuable information on formaldehyde in their article “Formaldehyde: Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for WHO”. High levels of formaldehyde can cause breathing difficulties and irritation in the nose, throat, and eyes. It’s been linked to rare nose and throat cancers, and can cause long-term exposure to it.
In NASA’s experiment, scientists found that a single snake plant can remove 31,294 micrograms of formaldehyde within 24 hours.
Xylene
People have been exposed to Xylene through paint, varnish, rust preventives, paint thinners, removers, and pesticides but you can get it from paint, varnish, rust preventives, paint thinners, and removers. If there is a small concentration of xylene in the surroundings, it will irritate the nose and throat.
You can also make use of snake plants and have mums and arecas as your friends, when you need to deal with xylene.
Trichloroethylene and Toluene
The chemical known as Trichloroethylene (TCE) is found in printing inks, lacquers, paint remover, varnishes and adhesives. These are a few TCE products. Besides cancer, short-term exposure to TCE can irritate the upper respiratory tract and cause nausea, fatigue, and headache.
Long-term exposure to toluene can also cause necrosis. Toluene can affect mental health and cause dysfunction in the nervous system. It is also known to affect the reproductive system of women and to cause developmental problems in children. Major sources include gasoline, solvents in paints, plastic and soda bottles, paint cosmetics, and solvents used in the production of paint.
Plant some snake plants indoors to reduce your exposure to Trichloroethylene and Toluene. As much as 13 percent of TCE was removed in the experiment after 24-hour exposure.
Absorbs CO2 in the Night
The fact that snake plants or any other plants continuously release oxygen during the night is a source of confusion and disbelief. However, snake plant does reduce the CO2 during the night, although no substantial evidence has been found to prove this. There is a particular photosynthesis that is performed as a result of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). CAM plants are drought tolerant plants adapted to dry conditions, such as succulents. Their stomata open from evening to minimize the loss of water in hot conditions.
Effective Vs Allergies
The odds of airborne allergies can definitely be decreased with plants that release oxygen, reduce CO2 and absorb harmful VOCs. Snake plants are perfect for your home. Even if you’re using air filters and purifiers, growing indoor plants will help. Check out this informative article available at University of Hawaii Extension.
Protective Energy and Good Feng Shui
There are some individuals who believe snake plants are bad feng shui plants. This is not true at all. Spiky plants are excellent against negative Chi in feng shui. If placed in an ideal position, they bring protective and purifying energy to the home or office. It’s recommended to place them in areas that are less trafficked since they are so aggressive. Some good spots include the Southeastern, Southern, and Eastern corners.
Mother-in-law plants were also referred to as a good luck plant because they are believed to be able to absorb toxins and poisonous gases from the air and keep us healthy.
Low Maintainance
In addition to all the other Snake Plant Benefits and Facts enumerated above, it’s also one of the most low maintenance houseplants in the world. Basically, it thrives whenever it’s neglected. It’s the greenest of crops.
Snake Plants thrive in full sun, full shade, and a lack of water and fertilizer. They have become one of the lowest maintenance plants in the plant kingdom.
You can neglect it for several weeks or months, and if needed, you can add organic fertilizer once a month.
You need to fertilize it rarely, but do use cow urine, compost tea, or other organic fertilizers you would normally use for succulent plants such as compost and cow dung manure.
Conclusion
With learning about the beneficial properties of Snake Plant that were proven in numerous studies and research, I hope you will want to give this plant space in your home, and you will not regret it for a second.
Please treat this plant with care and place it in a pot with a good drainage hole and a good potting mix for cacti and succulents, which includes sand, coco peat, compost, cow’s dung, and wood ash (optional).
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