The statuesque, low-maintenance snake plant is an excellent addition to any home. Hailing from Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia, this unique plant can add color and interest to nearly any space.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of reasons that every home should have at least one snake plant in it.
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Why Snake Plants Are Good for Homes
Snake plants come in a wide variety of forms and colors, providing more choice when it comes to decorating your home. Snake plants are traditionally found in harsh climates, which means they can be neglected (to a point) and still flourish.
They are excellent beginner plants for indoor gardeners who may be a bit forgetful about plant care. They also release oxygen and purify the air, making them a welcome addition to any home.
Snake plants also aren’t picky about light and can thrive in just about any light environment. Keep in mind, though, if you place a snake plant in a low-light situation, the plant will stay relatively the same size. If you have bright light, the snake plant will grow more.
You also don’t have to worry about repotting snake plants often, as the plants actually prefer to be somewhat rootbound.
A Snake Plant Can Be Good for Your Feng Shui Flow
Even though snake plants are pointed and spiky, that doesn’t mean you should avoid them when it comes to feng shui. In feng shui practices, there is a yang wood element, which symbolizes growth.
This direction of growth is symbolized through upward movement, and the snake plant is a beautiful example of this movement. The sharp leaves are also symbolic of a sword that cuts through negative energy, so if you have a stale space in your home, prepare for the snake plant to revitalize your space.
True feng shui is all about balance and the positive feelings that are created when you’re in a calming, cheerful room. The snake plant is often considered a symbol of well-being and good luck and can bring positive feelings to any living space.
If keeping plants alive isn’t your talent, don’t worry. Using an artificial snake plant can also be beneficial for your feng shui flow. For more on using artificial plants in feng shui, check out this post.
Snake Plants Are Easy to Grow and Maintain Any Time of the Year
As mentioned earlier, the snake plant is a very forgiving plant. With the right conditions, snake plants flourish indoors.
Snake plants benefit from pots with drainage, especially terra cotta pots. Try to find a soil that is suitable for cacti and succulents, as this type of soil helps water drain quickly.
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light but can grow in shady corners as well. Make sure your home temperature is above 50℉ (10℃) for your plant to thrive.
How Do Snake Plants Grow?
Snake plants don’t normally grow from seed. However, author Aaditya Bhatta decided to order some snake plant seeds off of Amazon to test their viability.
Bhatta kept the seeds on a moist paper towel in a warm Ziploc bag, and he also used a 9-watt LED light to stimulate growth. If you want to replicate the results, it’s best to get the seeds from the fresh fruit of a snake plant since dry seeds don’t really work.
Never eat the fruit or leaves of a snake plant, as they are poisonous to both humans and pets. The unripened fruit is green, while the ripened fruit is orange. Both are suitable for planting.
Take the seed from the fruit and rinse thoroughly. Transfer the seeds to a Ziploc bag with a moist paper towel inside. Maintain a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. To increase humidity, use a dome.
After two days or so, you will see tiny roots. Transfer the seed to moist soil as soon as you see roots because the seed can’t be left to dry out. Coco peat is recommended for the soil, as it has antifungal properties, and it holds plenty of moisture.
After four weeks, you will have sprouts. Do not water the sprouts every single day, as overwatering will kill them.
For more information on growing snake plants from seed, visit https://plantscraze.com/how-to-plant-snake-plant-seeds/.
What Kind of Soil Does a Snake Plant Need?
As mentioned above, snake plants don’t need soggy, heavy soil that retains too much water. One great option for snake plant soil is composted bark.
The composted bark allows lots of air circulation for the roots. Coconut coir, the husk from a coconut, is another great option, as its light and airy properties allow for proper aeration of the roots. Adding a layer of clean gravel at the bottom provides the soil with proper drainage.
How Much Water Does a Snake Plant Need?
Watering your snake plant every two to eight weeks is ideal, as they do not do well with overwatering. Your watering schedule will depend on the size and type of snake plant. Water your snake plants less in the winter.
Snake Plants Are Relatively Inexpensive
Snake plants can be inexpensively purchased at most garden centers. You can also grow them as starter plants, and snake plants can also be bought online. Check out some of our favorites.
Snake Plant Decorating Ideas Are Nearly Endless
With their funky shape and ability to thrive virtually anywhere, there are tons of great ideas for decorating with snake plants.
Keep it classy by planting your snake plant in a sleek white pot, or contrast the beautiful green of the leaves with the deep brown of a wood or wicker planter.
If you want more fun ideas for decorating with snake plants, check out this great list over at Balcony Garden Web.
Artificial Snake Plants Often Look Just Like the Real Thing
Snake plants have tough, hardened leaves, which is great if you want to use an artificial plant instead of a live one. The leaf structure makes it difficult to tell the difference because the plastic leaves of an artificial snake plant greatly resemble the natural, hardened leaf of a real plant.
An artificial snake plant is a great choice for those who travel often or don’t have the time to tend to live plants. Check out some of our favorite fake snake plants.
Snake plants are the perfect piece of home decor, whether artificial or real. Do you use snake plants in your decorating? Let us know your favorite tips for incorporating snake plants into your home décor in the comments!
