Description About Snake Plant Characteristics

Snake plant or Sansevieria or also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue can be mentioned as one of the easiest houseplants to take care of. This plant is very perfect for starters who doubt their growing abilities. Aside from that, the snake plant is also a versatile element to add color to any area of a room at home.

Considering the snake plant is a gorgeous plant to grow both indoors or outdoors, you may wonder about the characteristics of this plant. Although the snake plant does not need extra care, knowing all about the snake plant including the characteristics, the growing tips and care tips is really necessary.

So, let’s see the characteristics of the snake plant that we’ll explain below!

Characteristics of Snake Plant

Sansevieria is native to tropical Africa, known as a genus of about 70 species of flowering plants in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The Sansevieria trifasciata is the most commonly used species for gardening as its specialist for low-maintenance.

This type of snake plant is a stemless evergreen perennial that will last for many years with proper care. In its native habitat, the snake plant’s foliage will rise to as much as 4’tall, however, it’s often small tro 2’ tall on indoor plants.

The most characteristics of this snake plant are sharply-pointed, fleshy, erect and sword-shaped leaves which are deep green with light gray-green horizontal stripes. Its leaves will grow stiffly in a rosette from a thick rhizome.

On mature plants in spring, the snake plant will grow fragrant, small and greenish-white flowers bloom followed by orange berries. In this case, the fruit and flowers rarely appear on indoor plants.

Here’s a list of Sansevieria trifasciata’s characteristics:

• Genus Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
• Plant Type: houseplant
• Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Light Requirement: Low, Medium, High
• Native Range: Nigeria
• Zone: 10 to 12
• Height: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
• Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
• Maintenance: Low
• Watering: Low
• Habit: Upright
• Foliage Color(s): Green & White Variegated
• Flower Color: White
• Bloom Period: Rare & Erratic
• Common Name: Snake Plant
• Special Features: low maintenance
• Propagation: Division Leaf Cuttings Seed
• Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors
• Bloom Description: Greenish-white
• Sun: Part shade
• Water: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Flower: Showy
• Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
• Fruit: Showy
• Tolerate: Drought

How to Use the Snake Plant?

Since there are no branches, only tough, upright and thick leaves and a slender profile make it an ideal flooring plant for your small space. However, the snake plant is able to remove any toxins and some harmful chemicals. Aside from removing the toxins, your snake plant is also gorgeous for keeping it in the bedroom as they will produce oxygen at night.

Your snake plant can also be used as a natural air purifier which can really deliver strong protective energy to around your space. When the snake plant is placed in a new building, it will be able to help fight allergies for sick building syndrome.

What Does the Snake Plant Look Like?

The snake plant is resistant which only needs very low light to produce photosynthesis. This plant will grow upright with wide and blade-like foliage. The point is, the snake plant is a gorgeous option for a tall thriller in outdoor containers with succulents or other low-water plants, at least for summer.

The sword-like leaves will vary some in color and also pattern which depends on the variety you choose and their light exposure. After a bit of neglect, the snake plant will stand tall against a window or wall and also add plenty of texture and green. This plant is able to survive low light or heavier sun. It will also bloom with small and tubular-shaped fragrant flowers.

There are also dwarf varieties which form small rosettes of leaves. However, the most common foliage shows shades of green with silver-gray horizontal streaks. Additionally, some variegated varieties will have gold or cream colored edges.

In fact, a lot of varieties have water-resistant leaf fibres which are sometimes used in the manufacture of ropes and for bowstrings and also several are grown as decoration for their attractive foliage. The group varies, however, this plant typically has thick roots, long, and short with narrow basal leaves which stand erect.

How to Take Care of a Snake Plant?

Although known as an easy-to-care plant, it’s always necessary to understand the plant’s basic and preferences and needs. Here, we break down for snake plant caring tips:

Light

The snake plant will withstand full sun and handle indirect and low light. They can also grow well in shady corners with low-light areas of the home. You can also keep your plant in a warm spot with temperature above 50 °F (10 °C). Ensure to protect your snake plant from drafty windows in the winter.

Water

Your snake plant will easily rot, so ensure the soil is well-drained which does not water it too much, especially in the winter. You can also allow the soil to dry between waterings. However, this plant will do well in sandier soils, considering they’re native to arid deserts. While, growing the snake plant in the hotter zones will need a bit of extra water for the first few weeks.

Temperature

The best temperature for growing the snake plant is ranging from 55 – 85 ℉. In fact, they prefer warmer temperatures. However, the temperature below 50 ℉ will cause them harm. Then, the best zone for growing snake plants is in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Pests Issues

You should know that your snake plant is not resistant to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs infestation. Just like most plants, pests also deliver a massive threat to your snake plant by sucking sap from the plant which can weaken the plant and also cause small wounds and shedding of the leaves.

Toxicity

Although the toxicity levels are low, the safest way is to keep pets away from your plant. However, it will cause your pet getting pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and excessive salivation. In this case, Educating about poisonous plants can help you avoid any accidents while enjoying your greenery.