Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

The Allure of the Snake Plant

Almost everyone is familiar with the upright, thick, uniquely coloured leaves of the Sansevieria plant, also referred to as the Snake plant or Mother-in-Law’s tongue. This is a hardy plant suitable for lower light areas of the office or home. It is available in a number of varieties exhibiting a wide range of colourful markings on the leaves. ‘Zeylanica’ has many shades of dark green. ‘Laurentii’ displays bold yellow stripes on the leaf margins, and ‘Moonshine’ has pale green, almost solid colour leaves. Cylindrica is a very unique variety with cylindrical, striated leaves. It is a favourite of designers. A very new cultivar is the bizarre Shark’s Fin. It is usually sold as a single fat leaf in the pot. The vertical growth habit of the plant makes it a great addition to any room, whether placed on the floor or a table. Its bold, upright foliage adds structure and elegance to spaces, and its modern, sleek design makes it perfect for minimalist or contemporary interiors.

Sansevieria as a single specimen in a tall, graceful pot gives a very architectural appearance. The small dwarf varieties work well as understory plantings, ground cover, or border plants in large planters. Mass plantings of Sansevieria can be very striking. We often use Snake plants in large rectangular planters as living space dividers. Most of our office plantscapes include several varieties this this plant as it is a favourite with designers and is a popular plant for the office.

Why Choose a Snake Plant?

1. Low Maintenance
   One of the most attractive features of the Snake Plant is how easy it is to care for. It thrives on neglect, requiring very little attention to grow well. Snake Plants are tolerant of a range of conditions, including low light, dry air, and infrequent watering. In fact, overwatering is a more significant threat than underwatering, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

2. Air Purifying Qualities
   Another compelling reason to have a Snake Plant in your home is its air-purifying ability. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, Snake Plants are one of the most effective plants at filtering toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from the air. They also produce oxygen at night, unlike most plants, which only do so during the day. This makes them an ideal bedroom plant, helping to improve air quality while you sleep.

3. Tolerant of Low Light Conditions
   While many plants require bright, indirect light to thrive, the Snake Plant can tolerate low light conditions. It’s an excellent choice for spaces that don’t receive much natural sunlight, such as a north-facing room or an office with limited windows. However, it does prefer indirect light, so if you place it in a brighter location, it will grow even faster.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While the Snake Plant is generally very resilient, it’s not completely immune to problems. Here are a few common issues to watch out for:

• Yellowing Leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering. If the leaves turn yellow, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

• Brown Tips: Dry, brown tips can occur if the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods or if the air is too dry. Move it to a spot with more indirect light, and make sure it’s not placed near a heater or air conditioner.

• Root Rot: Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and never let the plant sit in water for extended periods.