Indoor garden plant selection – Snake plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

byFlora Greenfield Indoor Garden

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata):

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata):

Key Characteristics:

  1. Upright, sword-shaped leaves
  2. Pointed tips and vertical stripes (yellow or white)
  3. Grow up to 4 feet tall
  4. Native to West Africa

Care Tips:

  1. Lighting: Tolerates low to bright indirect light
  2. Watering: Infrequent, allow soil to dry between waterings
  3. Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  4. Humidity: Average humidity levels
  5. Fertilization: Optional, feed during growing season
  6. Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves

Benefits:

  1. Air purification: Removes toxins (formaldehyde, benzene)
  2. Low maintenance
  3. Improves indoor air quality and aesthetics
  4. Natural air freshener

Common Issues:

  1. Overwatering (root rot)
  2. Underwatering (leaf drop)
  3. Pests (rarely): spider mites, mealybugs

Propagation:

  1. Leaf cuttings: Cut leaves, allow to dry, and plant
  2. Division: Separate rhizomes during repotting

Toxicity:

  1. Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
  2. Causes oral and gastrointestinal irritation

Varieties:

  1. Sansevieria Trifasciata (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
  2. Sansevieria Laurentii (Goldband)
  3. Sansevieria Moonlight (Silver)

Fun Facts:

  1. Known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” due to sharp leaves
  2. Released oxygen at night, promoting better sleep
  3. Used in traditional medicine for wound healing

The Snake Plant is a stylish, resilient, and beneficial addition to any indoor space.