Snake Plant
Also referred to as Mother-In-Law tongue, Viper’s Bowstring hemp, St. George’s Sword, or Devil’s tongue. RECLASSIFICATION: Previously known as Sansevieria, the snake plant was reclassified as a dracaena in 2018 due to molecular discoveries!
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Light:
Low to bright light, preferring indirect, steady light.
Water Requirement:
Low water needs. Let soil dry completely between watering. Water every 2-6 weeks depending on your home’s temperature, light levels, and humidity. Err on the side of under watering, especially in the winter.
Fertilizer:
Use mild cactus/succulent fertilizer in the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter.
Growth Habit:
Stiff, upright leaves that grow 1-4’ tall, and spread 1-2’ depending on the variety. Some varieties are more branching than others, some are squattier, and some still are thick, short and spikey. Likes to be pot bound.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
First cultivated in China, it was kept as a treasured houseplant because the Eight Gods were thought to bestow their eight virtues on those who grew them. These virtues include long life, prosperity, intelligence, beauty, art, poetry, health, and strength. The plants were kept near the entrances inside the home so that the eight virtues could circulate through the home. They were places in fine restaurants, herbalists, acupuncturists, doctor’s and accountant’s offices, banks, shrines, monasteries, and even in rice paddies. Sansevieria plants were grown and cherished for their ability to bestow good fortune!
Sansevieria are among the best plants for removing formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide from the air and for combating “sick building syndrome” according to NASA. This occurs at night making them great plants for the bedroom!
