You are a forgetful or busy person. It has always been your wish to grow some plants of your own in your house or in your little garden. You try to grow plants but at every attempt the plants seem to die on you because of negligence or poor planting skills. At the end of the day you end up having to opt for plastics plants instead. It has gone to the extent that you have vowed not to grow plants anymore. Well not so fast, I have some good news for you. You can grow snake plants. Yes! Snake plants will suit you perfectly well as they grow in the most unsuitable conditions. They actually thrive when there are neglected. There are not nicknamed die hard for nothing, because of their toughness there can put up with anything and can last for a long time. Basically there are easy to grow and care for.
What really is a snake plant?
The snake plant is also known as the sansevieria plant. It is called a snake plant because of the wavy stripe on its leaves. The leaves are shaped like swords and there are firm, wide and upright. The leaves are multi-colored with dark green, light green, yellow, silver and white. Variegated snake plant are evergreen perennial. They can be grown anywhere even in the most unfit growing conditions, they will survive.
Types of snake plant
There are many different types of snake plants. There are about 70 different types of sansevieria plants. The leaves also come in different sizes and color too. The sansevieria trifasciata, sansevieria robusta and the rhino grass are some of the most common types of snake plants that are usually grown.
- Sansevieria trifasciata – it is also comically referred to as the ‘mother-in-law tongue’. This is because of its sharply pointed leaves. They look like lilies when their cream and white flowers fully open. They rarely bloom but ironically in a good way when there are mildly stressed that is when the buds start to bloom. These plants flowers produce a good fragrance which make them ideal as indoor plants.
- Sansevieria robusta – this is one of kind plant that is most sought after. It is called the bulletproof plant because of its strong nature and it has high tolerance levels. It thrives well when it is neglected.
Why you should grow snake plants?
You should grow snake plants because they do not require much attention and there are the most tolerant plant there is. With snake plants you won’t have to wreck your brain just trying to figure out how best you can care for them. There are considerably the most easiest straightforward plants that you could grow even if it was your first time. You should grow snake plants because they adapt to any environment and there are drought resistant. Hence, snake plants will not die if you neglect and forget to water them for weeks. Surprisingly, they still will be looking healthy and fresh as if you had been watering them all along.
Snake plants have the capability to remove toxins like benzene and nitrogen oxide inside your house. Snake plant indoor is perfect, as it produces oxygen, helps to fight sick building syndrome and it also purifies the air. There are a great choice for bedroom flowers. At night they filter out all the toxics and clean the air around you. Additionally it has a beautiful fragrance that will make your house smell good at all times.
How to care for snake plants
A sansevieria snake plant is easy to take care of. However, simply because there are tolerant plants that does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t try and provide them with their basic needs. Light, water, plant food are some of the basic requirements of the snake plant.
- Soil- they do well in soil that is loose and well drained. They prefer sandier soil that is fast draining. Moreover, snake plants prefer balanced soil pH levels that are slightly acidic and slightly alkaline.
- Water – snake plants are originally from the arid desert which makes them drought resistant. They don’t require a lot water nor should you have to water them regularly. In winter, the plants should be watered at least once a month. Over watering especially in winter causes the plants to rot. It is recommended that you water only when the soil is almost dry. At most they should be watered every 2-6 weeks
- Light – snake plants do well in indirect sunlight. However, there are strong plants they can also tolerate high light and low levels of light. However, you should keep them away from direct sunlight because it burns the plant.
- Temperature- snake plants like warm temperature conditions. The ideal temperature ranges from 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to the cold and temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit affects the plants growth.
- Fertilizer- snake plants do not necessarily require fertilizer. Instead of fertilizer, you can use compost. Plants have to be fertilized at least twice in summer and spring during the growing season, Applying plant food on snake plants is significant as it help to increase their nutrients. You can use an organic All-purpose plant food or Mild cactus fertilizer. It is advisable that you don’t fertilize in winter.
- Potting and repotting- the potting material should be tough enough as snake plants have strong roots that can easily break the pot. Snake plants have to be divided and repotted annually because they grow fast. Spring is the best time to repot and fresh soil mixed with plant food should be used when repotting.
- Pests- even though snake plants are strong they however, get attacked by pests like spider mites and mealybugs in poor conditions. These pests cause damage to the plant which in turn inhibit the plants growth or even kill the plant. For example, mealybugs and spider mites suck sap from the leaves which causes the leaves to have small wounds and ultimately will cause the leaves to shed off. These pests can easily be controlled, for mealybugs you can dab alcohol to remove them and you can easily wash the spider mites using water.
Facts about snake plants
Historically, the African, Brazilian and Chinese culture have always treasured this stylish plant. In Africa the snake plant was famous for its fibers. It was used to produce fiber which was in turn used to make baskets and ropes. This plant was also used for medicinal purposes. Additionally, the snake plant was believed to be a protective charm that you could use against bewitchment.
In china, it was believed that those who grew snake plants would be bestowed with 8 virtues which were prosperity, beauty, health, long life, strength, art, poetry and intelligence by the gods.
Sanseveira are mildly toxic plants that can cause short-term symptoms if the plant is ingested. Their toxicity causes pain, vomiting and excessive salivation. There is a possibility that the plant can also cause allergy reactions. Therefore, it is important that you keep these plants away from the reach of children and pets.
Conclusion
Snake plants demand so little yet they reward you handsomely for your little effort. These stylish plants are not just ordinary plants. They serve as décor plants and also clean and purify the air from toxins. It is ideal for beginners and enthusiasts as it easily adapts and requires little maintenance. Basically this is one of the simplest plants to take care of.
