Snake Plant - 101 Facts You Want to Know to Grow a Beautiful Plant 🐍
If you've ever wondered about the ins and outs of Snake Plant, you are in the right place.
Within this article, you'll uncover 101 fascinating facts 🤯 about Snake Plant watering, lightning, fertilization and more that will help you to grow a healthy and pretty Snake Plant.
It gets even better.
You will also learn about the surprising connection between Snake Plant and Aloe and why you want to have a Snake Plant in your bedroom.
So keep reading!
Where Does Snake Plant Come From? 🤔
#1 West African Roots: Bet you didn't know the Snake Plant calls West Africa its home. Yep, countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo started the trend.
#2 Globe-Trotter: From its African roots, this plant took a global tour! Now, it's making a statement in places like Costa Rica, Mexico, US, India, Fiji, and the Dominican Republic. Quite the traveler, isn't it?
#3 Climate Lover: Peek at those countries, and you'll spot a trend: tropical and dry vibes. A hint? If you want your Snake Plant happy, replicate those conditions.
#4 Historical Intro: Here's a nugget from FSHS: The Snake Plant made its grand entrance to Florida between 1765 and 1820. Spanish colonization? They get the credit!
#5 Historical Classification: Did you know? Way back in 1768, the renowned scientist Carl Linnaeus initially classified the Snake Plant as an Aloe species. Oh, how times have changed!
So Many Snake Plant Varieties - The Choice is Yours 😛
#6 You'd be amazed to learn that there are over 70 varieties of Snake Plants.
#7 You might have heard of its other common names: 'Mother-in-law's tongue' or ‘Sanseveria'.
#8 If you're into botanical history, you'll find it interesting that the Sansevieria was named in honor of Raimondo di Sangro in 1787, a prince from San Severo in Italy.
#9 Diving into recent scientific updates, you'll note that in 2017, Sanseverias were reclassified to the Dracaena family after advances in DNA research.
#10 Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii': You'll recognize this variety by its tall, green leaves marked with golden-yellow edges, a standout in any plant collection.
#11 Dracaena cylindrica: This variant captures attention with its cylindrical, upright leaves, which are sometimes braided together for decorative appeal.
#12 Dracaena trifasciata 'Moonshine': You'll love the silvery-green leaves of this plant that give it a surreal, moonlit glow.
#13 Dracaena kirkii 'Silver Blue': For those who appreciate unique foliage, this plant offers stiff, mottled leaves with a silver-blue hue.
#14 Dracaena trifasciata 'Black Gold': A must-have for enthusiasts, this variety boasts dark green, almost black leaves contrasted by striking gold edges.
#15 Dracaena masoniana: Often referred to as the "Whale Fin", you can't miss its wide, singular leaf with mottled patterns.
#16 Dracaena trifasciata 'Hahnii': This Snake Plant variety has a twist! It grows in a rosette shape, looking like a bird's nest. Its leaves are short and curve into the center. Want something unique? Try 'Hahnii'!
#17 Dracaena ehrenbergii: Its remarkable sword-shaped blue-green leaves might remind you of a samurai's blade, adding a touch of drama to your collection.
Did You Know That…🕵
#18 Cuticle Presence: The Snake Plant has a protective cuticle. You'll notice it contributes to its shiny, waxy appearance.
#19 Ease of Care: Whether you're a beginner or expert, you'll love how uncomplicated caring for this plant is. It asks for little but gives back so much.
#20 Drought Resistance: Its unique ability to store water in leaves means you don't have to stress about watering. Perfect for the forgetful gardener!
#21 Pest Resistance: Say goodbye to pests! While Snake Plants can get occasionally mealybugs or spidermites, when healthy, its thick cuticle naturally wards them off, making your plant care routine even simpler.
#22 Flowers: Ever seen it bloom? While it's a rarity indoors, when it does, it's a sight! However, be cautious, as the flowers emit sticky honeydew that can cling to nearby furniture or curtains.
#23 Safety Alert: While captivating, it's mildly poisonous. Ensure you keep it out of reach from curious pets and children.
#24 Name Game: Ever wondered why it's called the "Snake Plant"? Its patterned, upright leaves resemble the scales of a snake. It's not just about looks, though. The name also hints at its resilient nature, much like a snake's ability to adapt and survive in various conditions. A name truly fitting for such a hardy plant!
#25 CAM Photosynthesis: Your Snake Plant has a unique photosynthetic trick up its sleeve known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). This means it takes in carbon dioxide at night and converts it during the day, conserving water and thriving even in conditions where other plants might struggle. It's a nifty adaptation for survival!
#26 Air-Purifying Champ: According to NASA, the Snake Plant is among the best at purifying the air. It's like having a natural air filter at home.
#27 Feng Shui: Believe in energy flow? According to feng shui principles, placing it in the right spot can bring beneficial vibes.
#28 Cultural Importance: In many African cultures, the Snake Plant is more than ornamental. It's valued for fiber production used in bowstrings, fishnets, and baskets. Additionally, its medicinal purposes in these cultures underline its diverse utility.
#29 Size Range: The Snake Plant is diverse in its stature. Some varieties can be as petite as 6 inches, perfect for a desk or shelf, while others can grow impressively tall, reaching heights of up to 7 feet.
#30 Historical Healer: Did you know that in Malasia, the Snake Plant was traditionally used to treat ear pain, swellings, boils, and fever. It's more than just a pretty face!
Tips to Choose The Best Plant When Purchasing 🕵
#31 Leaf Inspection: When picking your Snake Plant, ensure the leaves look healthy – free from burnt brown edges and black spots.
#32 Cuticle Check: Feel the leaves. A thick cuticle indicates a healthy plant, and you'd want that!
#33 New Shoots: Always hunt for plants showcasing multiple new shoots. More shoots means the plant is healthy and has more growth potential!
#34 Beware of Blooms: Tempted by a flowering Snake Plant? Think twice! Flowering can sap a lot of nutrients. You might want a non-flowering one for long-term vigor.
#35 Leaf Vibrancy: Come across faded leaves? It suggests excessive light exposure and possible cuticle wear. Always opt for the brightest leaf color for a robust plant.
#36 Cold Weather Purchasing: If you're buying on a day when temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C), ensure to wrap it up. The Snake Plant, like many of us, prefers not to be chilly!
Snake Plant Light 💡
#37 Avoid Direct Sunlight: In the Northern Hemisphere, be wary of south-facing windows, as they often receive intense sunlight. The Snake Plant doesn't enjoy basking in direct sunlight all day and can get sunburnt.
#38 Low Light Placement: Have a space away from windows or in a room with north-facing windows? The Snake Plant can be comfortably placed there, growing at a slower pace but remaining steadfast.
#39 Light Meter Use: Prefer using light meter for your indoor plants? Your Snake Plant can hold its own even in low light as low as 50 foot-candles or 500 luxes.
#40 Indirect Bright Light: West or east-facing windows are ideal as the Snake Plant truly thrives in indirect, bright sunlight.
#41 Obstructions Matter: Got trees or buildings nearby? They can reduce light exposure even for bright windows. Always consider such obstructions when evaluating light conditions.
#42 Sheer Solutions: If a window is offering too much light, simply drape it with a sheer curtain or move your Snake Plant further into the room to achieve that perfect filtered light of the right light exposure.
#43 Variegated Varieties Alert: Own a variegated Snake Plant? Such varieties desire more light to maintain their unique colors, especially compared to non-variegated counterparts.
#44 Artificial Light: Spaces without natural light? Fret not. Snake Plants can flourish under LED light—an office favorite.
#45 Light Level Adaptation: When you move your Snake Plant to a location with lower light levels, its leaves can become darker. This change in hue is due to an increase in chlorophyll to absorb more light. So, if you notice a slight loss in brightness, it's just your plant adapting to its environment.
Snake Plant Watering 💦
#46 Water-Smart Plant: The Snake Plant's rhizome roots and thick leaves store water. You'll water less often, making it perfect if you sometimes forget!
#47 Dryness First: Always let your soil dry out completely between waterings. You don't want to over-soak your Snake Plant.
#48 Feel the Weight: Sense the pot weight by lifting it. A light pot means your Snake Plant needs water.
#49 Adjust with Seasons: Remember, you need to water more during the summer (every 2-4 weeks). Cut back the watering schedule in the winter (every 4-6 weeks)
#50 Avoid Root Rot: Be cautious! You don't want to water too frequently. Overly damp soil can lead to root rot, harming your plant.
#51 Bottom Watering Method: You can water your Snake Plant from the bottom! Place it in a tray with water. The roots soak up what they need. Remove the tray after 20-30 minutes.
Potting and Repotting Snake Plants 🪴
#52 Patience in Repotting: Got a new Snake Plant? Wait before you repot. Give it a few months to adjust.
#53 Spring Repotting: The best time to give your Snake Plant a new home? Spring! It's their active growing season, making it ideal for repotting.
#54 Right Pot Size: Ready to repot? Pick a pot that's only 1-2 inches larger. A bigger pot risks root rot due to excessive water absorption by soil.
#55 Root Comfort: Snake Plants love a snug feel. Ensure their roots are tightly contained. They thrive that way.
#56 Pot Material: Think terracotta or ceramic. These materials breathe better and help evaporate excess water. Though plastic materials will do the job as well.
#57 Drainage: Your pot needs a hole at the bottom. Drainage prevents overwatering and reduce the risk of the root rot.
#58 Saucer Caution: After watering your Snake Plantand letting the excess water out, always empty the saucer. Stagnant water can lead to root rot. Keep those roots happy and dry!
#59 Self-Watering Pots: Fancy a self-watering pot? Great choice, but pair it with high drainage soil. This way, you reduce the risk of root rot.
#60 Soil Mix: Get the right blend for thriving roots. Aim for 35% perlite, 35% sand, and 40% soil. This mixture ensures ideal drainage, preventing your Snake Plant from sitting in water.
#61 Soil pH: Snake Plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, from 5.5 to 7.5. Adjust your soil if needed.
#62 Ready-Made Soil: Not into DIY soil mixing? No worries. Several store-bought cactus or succulent mixes work well for Snake Plants.
#63 Drainage Alert: Notice water draining out super quick? That's your the soil quality has worsen and it cannot retain water anymore. Time to repot!
#64 Water Standstill: If water's lounging around without draining, those roots are probably too snug and need more space. It’s time to repot!
#65 Pot Cracks: Spotting cracks on that plastic pot? That's your plant's way of saying it's outgrowing its home.
#66 Tipsy Plant: If your Snake Plant starts leaning or toppling over, it's nudging you for a pot upgrade.
#67 Rising Roots: Observe any roots surfacing or sneaking out of the drainage hole? They're exploring, signaling it's time for a more spacious abode.
Snake Plant Placement in Your Home 🏡
#68 Temperature Matters: Keep your Snake Plant cozy. Ensure the temperature doesn't dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It's sensitive to cold!
#69 Ideal Temperature Range: For optimal growth and health, maintain an ambient temperature between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) for your Snake Plant. It thrives best in these warm conditions.
#70 Night Owl of the Plant World: Believe it or not, your Snake Plant is active at night, emitting oxygen. This makes the bedroom an excellent place for it.
#71 Battling VOCs: Your Snake Plant is a silent warrior against harmful VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Keep one in your living space for that added layer of detox!
#72 Humidity? No Sweat: Your plant isn't picky about humidity. But here's a tip: It thrives and grows faster in higher humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%.
#73 Dodge the Draft: Cold drafts from windows or AC units? Not a fan. Shift your Snake Plant away from direct drafts to keep it happy.
#74 Outdoor Growing? Check the Zone: In the US, check the hardiness zones before planting it outside. It's suited for zones 9 through 11.
Common Snake Plant Problems 🤒
#75 Dark Intruders: Spotting black spots on your Snake Plant? That's usually a sign of fungal or bacterial issues. Act quickly! Snip away those affected leaves entirely and dispose of them. Then, let your plant soil dry out completely. Apply a fungicide as needed.
#76 Mushy Mayhem: Soft, wet, and mushy leaves? Root rot alert, typically due to overwatering. Gently pull out the affected leaves, ensuring the roots come with them. Let the soil dry out completely. Repot if needed.
#77 Sad Droops: Drooping leaves on the horizon? Could be a light or watering issue. Most likely it’s overwatering. Let the sopil dry out completely before the next watering.
#78 Brown Edges or Tips: Brown edges or tips catching your eye? Low humidity, over-fertilizing, direct sun burn or high temperature might be to blame. Refer this guide and adjust the care!
#79 Mellow Yellows: Yellow leaves making an appearance? Causes can range from overwatering to too much light. Same as 78, time to dive deep and adjust!
#80 Curl Power: Leaves curling up or wrinkled? It could be underwatering. Inspect the soil - if it’s coming off the walls of the container, if the container is light, it’s time to give your Snake Plant some water!
#81 Root Trouble: Mushy roots in the pot? Classic sign of root rot. Remove affected parts and consider repotting in fresh soil.
#82 Leafy Woes: Leaf deformations getting you down? This might signal pests or nutrient imbalances. Time for some plant detective work!
#83 Growth Pause: Plant not growing as expected? Even though Snake Plants are slow-growers, a prolonged pause might mean it needs more light or nutrients.
#84 Mealybug Alert: While not common, your Snake Plant can get mealybugs! These little pests appear as tiny white cotton-like clusters. If you spot them, quarantine the plant immediately, remove thim with a rubbing alcohol and use an insecticide following the manufacturer instructions afterward. Repeat as needed.
#85 Spider Mite Watch: Spider mites can be another sneaky foes for your Snake Plant. They're tiny and often leave fine webbing on the plant. Regularly inspect your plant and if you see signs, take the measures immediately by quarantining the plant and applying insecticide as instructed by the manufacturer.
Snake Plant Propagation ➗
#86 Rhizome Root System: Snake Plants have an intricate network of rhizomes beneath the soil. These horizontal stems allow them to store extra nutrients and moisture. It's part of their survivalist nature, letting them thrive even when times are tough!
#87 Water Propagation Journey: Start with a healthy leaf cut (2-4 inch). Immerse its base in water, keep in indirect bright light. Change water daily for fresh oxygen. In about 4-6 weeks, roots appear. Transition to soil once they're robust.
#88 Soil Propagation Simplicity: Cut a leaf segment (2-4 inch). Allow it to callous (2-3 days). Plant a leaf segment upright in well-draining soil. Keep slightly moist, not soaked. In 3-4 months, you'll see the new growth.
#89 Division Propagation: Take the plant out of the pot. Separate the plant's roots by cutting rhizome. Ensure that each division has a leaf or 2 growing out of it. Replant in fresh soil. They'll establish and thrive within 6-8 weeks.
#90 Instrument Precision: Before diving into propagation, arm yourself with the right tools. A sharp, sterilized knife or shears ensures clean cuts, reducing the risk of damaging the plant or introducing disease. A must-have for any plant parent!
#91 Seeds to Snake Plant: Did you know you can grow a Snake Plant from a seed? Just remember, it takes patience as this method is slower than others. Ensure a warm environment and consistent moisture for the seeds to germinate.
Snake Plant Fertilization 🧪
#92 Timely Nourishment: Your Snake Plant isn't a heavy feeder. Fertilize it no often than once a month during the growing season (Spring and Summer).
#93 All-Purpose Nourishment: Want a simple feed for your Snake Plant? You can use an all-purpose fertilizer. Just ensure you follow the dosage instructions.
#94 Active Growth Feeding: Hold off on that fertilizer unless your plant shows signs of active growth. Timing matters! Don’t fertilzie if it’s not feeling well!
#95 Manufacturer's Guidance: Stick to the script! Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when feeding your green friend.
#96 Less is More: Overfertilizing can be harmful. Never use more than recommended on the package.
#97 Dilution Decision: If in doubt, diluting the fertilizer a tad can offer a safer route, ensuring you don't overwhelm your plant.
Snake Plant Pro Care Tips 🎓
#98 Pruning Pro-Tip: Regularly prune your Snake Plant by cutting off any yellow or damaged leaves at the base. This keeps it looking fresh and promotes healthier growth.
#99 Leafy Shine: Dust can accumulate on your Snake Plant's leaves. Give them a gentle wipe with a damp cloth every month. Not only does this keep them shiny, but it also helps with photosynthesis.
#100 Height Hack: If your Snake Plant gets too tall for your liking, you can trim the top. This won’t harm the plant but gives you control over its size.
#101 Rotate for Balance: Your Snake Plant might lean towards light. Rotate it regularly. Ensure even growth. Keep your plant standing tall!
Final thoughts
You've dived deep into 101 Snake Plant facts!
I hope that you liked this post and found it helpful.
Did I missed something?
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Happy Planting! 🌿