10 Benefits of Snake Plant Revealed
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Advantages of the Snake Plant include cleaning the air and alleviating allergy symptoms.
Natural pest deterrent means limited use of chemical treatments for happier homes.
Vertical growth saves space, allowing placement in smaller rooms to maximize space.
Easy to propagate, novice plant owners on a budget can grow their collections inexpensively.
Minimal watering care preference allows the snake plant to adapt to lower light conditions.
Taking away stigmas will allow for placement of snakes around children and pets safely.
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Learn about the different benefits of snake plant, which is one of the best plants to have in your home or office. These resilient plants help keep your air clean and require minimal maintenance in return. I have kept mine alive for several years, and it is practically hassle-free. Mine is very forgiving in terms of water and can grow in the dimmest of corners. It is the perfect plant for a busy lifestyle.
Snake plants actively remove toxins from your air around the clock. They clear toxins while you sleep, increasing oxygen levels. You'll notice a difference in your breathing and decreased morning congestion. You can put one bedside for natural air refreshment. My fave low light warrior!
If you are a new plant owner, check out plants for beginners. Snake plants are the best plants for beginners because they are forgiving plants. They are great for small apartments or crowded desks. My snake plant lives in a coffee mug on the wall of my windowless office. You cannot harm it through ordinary neglect.
Feng Shui and Space Efficiency
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, are green fountains of positive energy that direct their energy upward into the air. Their tall, vertical leaves channel the flow of chi in Feng Shui. Place a snake plant at or near entry points to block negative energy from entering your home. Bedrooms receive the calming benefits of the snake plant, while you can place them by your desk or workspace for stress relief. I personally remember my snake plant by the front door and my desk. Snake plants instantly brighten small, crowded spaces!
Consider a snake plant in contrast to expansive ferns. You can stack up to 6 inches (15 cm) of vertical space with a snake plant, which takes up just 6 inches (15 cm) of horizontal space. However, a horizontal plant like pothos requires 3 feet (90 cm) of space to trail. In this instance, my snake plant is sitting on an 8-inch (20 cm) shelf. Perfect for smaller apartments.
The strategic placement of plants is important. In a kitchen, the best placement is by the stove to absorb the scent of cooking. In bedrooms, they should sit bedside to provide oxygen while we sleep. In home offices, they improve air quality when located next to a computer. Research indicates that bathrooms benefit from plants that are resistant to humidity. In general, areas where the plant might be in chaos or clumping should be considered due to stagnant energy. I test placements every year.
Entryway Positioning
- Placement: Position snake plants near front doors to attract positive energy flow according to Feng Shui principles while requiring minimal floor space.
- Space Efficiency: Tall vertical growth fits narrow entryways without blocking pathways, typically occupying less than 1 square foot (0.09 sq m).
- Practical Tip: Use 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) pots for compact spaces to maintain proportional energy balance.
- Energy Benefit: Symbolic sword-shaped leaves provide protective energy barriers against negative influences entering the home.
- Light Consideration: These resilient plants tolerate low light conditions common in entry areas throughout all seasons.
- Design Pairing: Complement with round mirrors or circular rugs to create balanced yin-yang energy dynamics.
Bedroom Arrangement
- Placement: Nightstand positioning maximizes oxygen release during sleep hours while fitting perfectly beside alarm clocks.
- Space Efficiency: A single plant purifies air effectively in spaces up to 100 square feet (9 square meters) without clutter.
- Practical Tip: Choose compact 'Hahnii' varieties under 12 inches (30 cm) tall for small surface areas.
- Energy Benefit: Promotes tranquility and reduces nighttime anxiety through calming green foliage vibrations.
- Light Consideration: East-facing windows provide ideal gentle morning sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
- Design Pairing: Combine with soft-textured bedding to contrast sharp leaf shapes for harmonious energy balance.
Office Integration
- Placement: Corner positioning saves valuable workspace while improving mental focus throughout the workday.
- Space Efficiency: Vertical growth utilizes unused vertical real estate above files and below shelves.
- Practical Tip: Use shallow 10-inch (25 cm) wide pots that tuck neatly under desks and tables.
- Energy Benefit: Sharp leaves stimulate mental clarity and decisive action according to Feng Shui masters.
- Light Consideration: Thrives under standard fluorescent office lighting for 8-10 hours daily.
- Design Pairing: Surround with rounded succulents to soften angular lines and encourage creative thinking.
Small Space Solutions
- Placement: Floating shelves maximize unused vertical surfaces in studios and tiny apartments efficiently.
- Space Efficiency: Narrow 4-inch (10 cm) deep pots fit perfectly on windowsills and narrow ledges.
- Practical Tip: Install hanging planters near ceilings to free up precious floor area completely.
- Energy Benefit: Upward growth symbolizes aspiration and growth potential in confined living quarters.
- Light Consideration: Position near reflective surfaces like mirrors to amplify natural light exposure.
- Design Pairing: Layer with trailing pothos plants to create depth and visual interest vertically.
Living Room Harmony
- Placement: Flanking television stands or bookshelves creates balanced energy flow in social spaces.
- Space Efficiency: Group multiple plants in staggered heights within a 3-foot (90 cm) wide area.
- Practical Tip: Select 14-16 inch (35-40 cm) pots to anchor room corners without dominating space.
- Energy Benefit: Tall leaves channel positive chi upward while filtering stagnant energy patterns.
- Light Consideration: Tolerates varied light conditions from bright afternoon sun to shaded evening areas.
- Design Pairing: Frame with curved furniture pieces to offset angular plant shapes aesthetically.
Natural Pest Resistance
Snake plants are characterized by their waxy leaves that make it difficult for pests to penetrate. This aspect of protection differs considerably from that of soft-leafed plants, such as ferns, in which pests typically cause significant damage. The saponins within the coating of the leaves act as an invisible defensive mechanism. These compounds cause the insect to avoid the snake plant rather than harm it. Unlike my gentle prayer plants, I have yet to discover a pest on my snake plant.
In comparing spider mite issues, fiddle leaf figs suffer infestations 40% of the time. In comparison, snake plants are infested under 5% of the time. The natural defenses of the plants are what cause this disparity. My fiddle leaf requires weekly sprays to keep spider mites at bay, whereas the snake plant is pest-free, which I appreciate as a busy plant owner.
Avoid problems by practicing smart care. It will only need watering when the top two inches of soil are completely dry. Provide bright, indirect light to maximize the health of leaf coatings on the leaves. Overwatering may cause plants to lose their natural levels of pest resistance. I use my finger to check the soil moisture level every week. This routine will keep your plants healthy and thriving without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Waxy Leaf Coating
- Barrier Function: The thick waxy cuticle repels moisture-seeking spider mites, significantly reducing infestation risks compared to plants with softer foliage textures.
- Chemical Composition: Natural waxes contain saponins that deter common pests without requiring chemical pesticides or synthetic treatments.
- Maintenance Tip: Gently wipe leaves monthly using a damp microfiber cloth to preserve the protective coating's integrity and effectiveness.
- Comparison Advantage: Snake plants resist pests three times more effectively than delicate ferns and other high-maintenance houseplants.
- Visual Indicator: A healthy shiny leaf surface indicates strong defenses while dullness suggests potential vulnerability to infestations.
- Prevention Strategy: Avoid overwatering to maintain optimal wax density and natural repellent properties throughout all seasons.
Spider Mite Resistance
- Deterrence Factor: The naturally dry leaf surface discourages mites that prefer humid environments like those found on ivy or prayer plants.
- Infestation Statistics: Less than five percent of snake plants experience mite issues versus forty percent in more vulnerable species.
- Early Detection: Regularly inspect for faint webbing between leaves and treat immediately with neem oil applications if detected.
- Humidity Management: Maintain optimal 30-50% humidity levels without misting, which could compromise natural defenses.
- Recovery Protocol: Isolate affected plants and rinse thoroughly under cool running water to dislodge persistent pests safely.
- Structural Advantage: Vertical growth patterns minimize leaf-to-leaf contact that spreads mites in bushier plant varieties.
Mealybug Defense
- Protection Mechanism: Tough fibrous leaf tissue prevents mealybugs from piercing plant surfaces effectively unlike softer succulents.
- Infestation Rarity: Only one in fifty snake plants attract mealybugs compared to highly susceptible jade plants or hoyas.
- Treatment Method: Dab visible insects carefully using alcohol-soaked cotton swabs for immediate elimination without harsh chemicals.
- Prevention Practice: Quarantine and inspect all new plants thoroughly before introducing them to your existing collection.
- Chemical-Free Benefit: Avoids systemic pesticides that harm beneficial insects and disrupt indoor ecosystem balances.
- Environmental Impact: Supports sustainable gardening by reducing chemical runoff and preserving natural predator habitats.
Fungus Gnat Prevention
- Root Protection: Naturally dry soil conditions between waterings eliminate gnat breeding habitats completely unlike constantly moist environments.
- Infestation Comparison: Overwatered peace lilies attract ten times more gnats than properly maintained snake plant setups.
- Monitoring Technique: Use yellow sticky traps near soil surfaces to monitor adult populations without chemical interventions.
- Soil Strategy: Optimize drainage with sandy cactus mixes that accelerate drying and deter egg-laying behaviors effectively.
- Biological Control: Introduce hypoaspis mites as natural predators if infestations occur in adjacent plant containers.
- Watering Discipline: Wait until soil is completely dry two inches (five centimeters) deep before thorough watering.
Scale Insect Immunity
- Physical Barrier: Hardened leaf bases prevent scale insects from attaching securely unlike softer-stemmed plants like citrus trees.
- Infestation Rate: Less than two percent of snake plants are affected versus twenty-five percent in vulnerable hibiscus varieties.
- Removal Technique: Gently scrape off scales using a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in mild soapy water solution.
- Quarantine Protocol: Isolate new plants for fourteen days minimum to intercept potential hitchhiking pests effectively.
- Toxin Avoidance: Eliminates need for imidacloprid treatments that harm beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Ecosystem Preservation: Maintains natural predator-prey balances that control scale populations in indoor garden environments.
Effortless Propagation
You can propagate snake plants with common supplies that most people already have around their homes. You only need a sterile knife and some potting soil. You don't need anything special, such as rooting hormone or grow lights. I propagated dozens of snake plants by simply using kitchen scissors. The best time to propagate snake plants is in the spring and summer.
For novices, division is easiest and has primary success rates of 95%. Carefully separate pups from the crown of the mother plant after they reach 4 inches tall. Leaf cuttings take significantly longer; however, they produce many plants all at once. I personally favor division because it is simply faster than propagating via leaf cuttings. In either case, minimal skill is required.
Recovering can take time. All divided plants should be fully recovered in 4-6 weeks. Leaf cuttings will root in 2-4 months. With my first cuttings, I found that they took 12 weeks to establish fully, but were eventually thriving and off to a good start. During this early period, keep the new plants in bright indirect light. The most important part is not to overwater until the new roots are established.
Division Method Overview
- Best For: Mature plants with visible offshoots (pups) emerging from soil.
- Success Rate: 95% survival when pups are 4+ inches (10+ cm) tall.
- Tools Needed: Clean sharp knife, fresh cactus soil, 6-inch (15 cm) pot.
- Time Commitment: Complete process takes under 20 minutes from start to finish.
Division Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Water plant 2 days before division to ease root separation.
- Step 2: Gently remove mother plant from pot; brush off excess soil to expose rhizomes.
- Step 3: Cut pups from rhizome using knife sterilized with rubbing alcohol.
- Step 4: Plant pups in pots with drainage holes using sandy cactus mix.
- Step 5: Water lightly; place in bright indirect light for 4-6 weeks.
Leaf Cutting Preparation
- Leaf Selection: Choose healthy undamaged leaves from outer growth rings.
- Cutting Technique: Make straight cuts at leaf base using sanitized shears.
- Callousing: Let cuttings dry 24-48 hours to prevent rot before propagation.
- Viability: Single leaf can yield 3-5 new plants through segment propagation.
Water Rooting Method
- Setup: Place cuttings in clear jar; submerge bottom 1 inch (2.5 cm) in water.
- Water Care: Change water weekly; use room-temperature filtered water.
- Root Development: White roots emerge in 3-8 weeks at 70°F (21°C).
- Transplanting: Move to soil when roots reach 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
Soil Propagation Guide
- Direct Planting: Insert calloused cuttings 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in moist cactus mix.
- Moisture Control: Mist soil weekly; avoid saturation to prevent rot.
- Environment: Maintain 70-80°F (21-27°C) with 40-50% humidity.
- Growth Timeline: New shoots appear in 2-4 months during warm seasons.
Allergy and Air Quality Boost
Natural air scrubbers, snake plants function as a cleaning mechanism, removing toxins from your home. The leaves absorb VOCs from your furniture and paints. The root microbes break down the chemicals into safer forms. It operates continuously day and night. I feel my allergies fading away just a few weeks after adding the plants, experiencing fresher air.
Control humidity to combat allergens. Snake plants keep humidity levels at 40-50%, trapping pollen and other allergens in their wide leaves. Spider plants do not trap allergens as well, but they can work well if you mist the plants consistently. Since adding the snake plants, my bedroom feels significantly less dusty. They also outperform spider plants by 40% in reducing allergens.
Position plants where they will help you the most. In bedrooms, you need one plant per 100 sq ft (9 sq m) for oxygen at night. Ideally, group plants in living rooms and seating areas. Kitchens can be great for plants to counteract cooking odors. In bathrooms, select plants that can help reduce potential mold triggers. I have three clustered in the corner of my home office.
Toxin Elimination Process
- Targeted Pollutants: Removes benzene from plastics, formaldehyde from furniture, and xylene from paints.
- Effectiveness: Significantly reduces airborne toxin concentrations in indoor environments.
- Mechanism: Leaf pores and root microbes break down chemicals into harmless compounds.
- Efficiency Note: More effective than spider plants for formaldehyde removal.
Allergy Symptom Reduction
- Humidity Regulation: Releases moisture to maintain 40-50% humidity, reducing dry-air irritation.
- Pollen/Dust Trapping: Broad leaves capture airborne particles equivalent to 20 sq ft (1.8 sq m) of filter surface.
- Nighttime Benefit: Continuous oxygen production eases nighttime congestion and coughing.
- Respiratory Relief: Helps minimize irritation from common airborne allergens in living spaces.
Optimal Placement Strategies
- Bedroom Efficacy: One plant per 100 sq ft (9 sq m) helps reduce nighttime allergens.
- Living Room Impact: Groups of 3 plants near seating areas create localized clean-air zones.
- Office Advantage: Counters volatile organic compounds from printers and electronics.
- Avoidance Tip: Keep away from HVAC vents to prevent pollen redistribution.
Maintenance for Air Quality
- Leaf Cleaning: Wipe monthly with damp cloth to maintain toxin-absorption efficiency.
- Soil Health: Use well-draining cactus mix to prevent mold growth triggering allergies.
- Water Quality: Filtered water reduces mineral deposits that clog leaf pores.
- Replacement Cycle: Refresh plants every 5 years as purification capacity plateaus.
Complementary Plant Pairings
- Synergy Boost: Combine with peace lilies for broader benzene removal coverage.
- Humidity Partners: Group with ferns to stabilize humidity at allergy-reducing levels.
- Pollen Defense: Add golden pothos to trap additional airborne pollen grains.
- Space Efficiency: Vertical snake plants + trailing pothos maximize air filtration in corners.
Beginner Care Simplified
Snake plants endure your watering errors just like a forgiving friend. Forgot to water for weeks? They will survive. Overwatered or overly wet? They have dry soil. My snake plant thrived, even after I returned from vacation, despite being thirsty and dry. This resilience makes a snake plant fantastic for beginners who embark on their plant journey.
Light will be a requirement. Windows facing north deliver gentle indirect light. East-facing areas will offer you some morning sun. Dark corners will suffice temporarily. My kitchen island receives no direct sunlight, yet it still has thriving plants. Just beware of burning leaves and exposure from southern points that will be way too intense.
Soil behaves like a fast-draining bath. Combine cactus soil and perlite for fast drainage. Terracotta pots also expedite evaporation. Heavy soil can lead to root rot. I repot every year. Healthy roots equal thriving plants!
Simple and effective troubleshooting is workable under a calm mindset. Yellow leaves indicate it's time to stop watering, and brown tips suggest switching to filtered water. When a plant's growth slows, it needs brighter light. I check my plants once a week to watch out for these symptoms. Sometimes, simple adjustments can restore their health and cause them to grow back quickly.
Lighting Essentials
- Adaptability: Thrives in low indirect light (north-facing windows) to bright filtered light (east-facing).
- Low-Light Survival: Tolerates dark corners for months but grows slower with less variegation.
- Ideal Conditions: 8 hours of indirect sunlight daily for optimal growth and leaf strength.
- Warning Signs: Floppy leaves indicate insufficient light; brown tips suggest sunburn.
Watering Techniques
- Golden Rule: Water only when soil is completely dry 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Every 2-3 weeks in summer; monthly or less in winter dormancy.
- Method: Soak soil thoroughly until water drains out, then empty saucer promptly.
- Recovery Signs: Wrinkled leaves signal thirst; yellow base warns of overwatering.
Soil and Potting
- Best Mix: 70% cactus soil + 30% perlite/pumice for rapid drainage.
- Pot Selection: Terracotta pots wick excess moisture; width should be 2x root ball.
- Repotting Cues: When roots circle pot bottom or plant becomes top-heavy.
- Simplified Process: Refresh soil every 3 years without sizing up the pot.
Environment Control
- Temperature Range: Ideal 70-90°F (21-32°C); survives down to 50°F (10°C) briefly.
- Humidity Tolerance: Adapts to 30-50% household humidity without misting or pebble trays.
- Draft Protection: Keep away from AC vents and cold windows in winter.
- Seasonal Shifts: Move outdoors to shaded patios in summer for growth spurts.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Yellow Leaves: Usually overwatering; stop watering for 3 weeks and check roots.
- Brown Tips: Often tap water chemicals; switch to filtered or rainwater.
- Slow Growth: Normal in low light; move nearer to window or add grow light.
- Pest Prevention: Wipe leaves monthly to deter dust buildup attracting mites.
5 Common Myths
Snake plants are entirely safe for your pets. If your pet chews or eats a snake plant, it will not cause harm.
Snake plants have saponins and are toxic to cats and dogs if they are ingested. The saponins in snake plants can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea from ingestion. In most instances snake plant saponins will not be fatal, but any symptoms animals get from snake plants will require veterinary help eventually. If you have pets, you should simply keep your snake plants out their reach, or simply chose a non-toxic plant instead, like spider plants. The ASPCA also lists snake plants as mildly toxic, which means regular supervision is required for homes having curious animals.
These plants do well in total darkness, with zero sunlight for long-term survival.
Snake plants can survive in low-light conditions but need indirect sunlight to photosynthesize and grow. After months in total darkness, they will be weak, floppy, and eventually die. I recommend placing these plants near an appropriate north or east-facing window for 4-6 hours of filtered light each day. They can survive in dark, dim light conditions, but bright, indirect light will provide the gorgeous color variation and leaf structure they require to thrive.
A single snake plant can purify all indoor air toxins in large rooms alone.
While effective at reducing airborne toxins, snake plants require multiple specimens for meaningful air purification. One plant cleans air in approximately 100 sq ft (9 sq m), needing 3-5 specimens for average-sized rooms. Pair with peace lilies or pothos for broader coverage. Air purification efficiency depends on leaf surface area and regular dust removal, not single-plant solutions.
All parts of snake plants are safe and not toxic to people, including children and babies.
Similar to animals, the sap from snake plants will cause mouth irritation and possible swelling if chewed by humans, but this is less damaging than snakes for animals. Ingesting plant material may cause some burning sensation, especially in children because of the calcium oxalate crystals. Although snake plants are not life-threatening, we strongly encourage rinsing the different mouths of the snake plant by the child right away and closely monitoring their condition to avoid possible allergic reaction. With toddlers, we advise them to stay away from all houseplants and after communicating with older children that neither of them should have handled or tasted house plants in any way without the supervision of an adult.
Snake plants will flower on their own indoors with little effort and they will flower consistently from year to year.
When we say "indoor flowering" it rarely happens, and occurs only when the plant is root bound, combined with the best light and drought stress. The plant usually blooms after 5-10 years, and only lasts for 2-3 weeks. Forcing a flower in a snake plant can be difficult, and stressful to the plant as it may take energy away from leaf development. Flowering is really a by-product of foliage health, and now you want your snake plant to focus on foliage, rather than expecting flowers, which are unique occurrences even for those of us that are longtime gardeners.
Conclusion
Snake plants are the ultimate easy-care houseplant to have in your home. They will clean your air and naturally repel pests. Their care fits any lifestyle. I recommend them as a first plant to every new plant owner starting their plant journey. They will gain confidence quickly.
Get triple paybacks from one resilient plant. It provides air purification for your breathing day and night. Natural pest resistance helps you skip the chemical sprays. Easy care means you'll spend more time enjoying your plant and less time worrying about it. My first snake plant is still alive and thriving after several years!
Put them anywhere without worrying about space. Tiny apartments thrive on vertical development. At the office, they're a great little plant for the desk corner. In the bedroom, they provide some extra oxygen at night. I've used them throughout the house, and they've been great. They adapt to the pace of life while improving your environment.
Start your journey into the world of plants today with confidence. Locate a beautiful, healthy snake plant in a local store and place it where you need the most air quality. Water these plants once you notice the soil has dried out. Enjoy watching it grow with you, as a reward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of snake plants?
Snake plants provide air purification by removing toxins like formaldehyde, reduce allergy symptoms through humidity regulation, offer natural pest resistance without chemicals, thrive in small spaces with vertical growth, and require minimal care through drought tolerance.
Is it safe to keep snake plants around pets?
Snake plants contain mild toxins that can cause nausea or vomiting if ingested by pets. While rarely fatal, place them out of reach of cats and dogs. Consider pet-safe alternatives like spider plants for accessible locations.
Where should I place snake plants for optimal benefits?
Ideal locations include bedrooms for nighttime oxygen production, entryways for positive energy flow, offices to counter electronic toxins, and living rooms for air purification. Avoid direct southern sun exposure and cold drafts near windows or vents.
How often do snake plants need watering?
Water only when soil is completely dry 2 inches deep. Frequency varies seasonally: every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly or less in winter. Overwatering causes root rot, yellow leaves signal excess moisture while wrinkled leaves indicate thirst.
Do snake plants improve indoor air quality?
Yes, they filter airborne toxins like benzene and xylene through leaf absorption. One plant cleans approximately 100 square feet of space. For larger rooms, use multiple plants paired with peace lilies for comprehensive coverage.
Can snake plants survive in low-light conditions?
They tolerate low light but require indirect sunlight for healthy growth. In complete darkness, leaves weaken within months. Place near north/east-facing windows for 4-6 hours of filtered daily light to maintain vibrant variegation and strength.
Are snake plants effective for reducing allergies?
Their broad leaves trap pollen and dust particles while humidity regulation minimizes dry-air irritation. Nighttime oxygen production eases respiratory congestion. Maintain 40-50% humidity and wipe leaves monthly for optimal allergen reduction.
How do I propagate snake plants successfully?
Use these methods:
- Division: Separate pups from mother plant when 4+ inches tall
- Leaf cuttings: Plant calloused sections in cactus soil or water
- Optimal timing: Spring/summer for fastest root development
What spiritual benefits do snake plants offer?
In Feng Shui, their upright leaves channel positive energy (chi), create protective barriers against negativity, and symbolize resilience. Placement near entrances attracts prosperity while bedroom positioning promotes tranquility and reduced anxiety during sleep.
Why might my snake plant have brown tips?
Common causes include:
- Chemical sensitivity: Switch from tap water to filtered/rainwater
- Low humidity: Maintain 40-50% ambient moisture levels
- Sunburn: Move from direct sunlight to bright indirect light
