Snake-plant
Snake-plant

 

Snake-plant is a must-have flower among so many house flowers, as they have many benefits. Apart from its maintenance and good looks, there are many benefits. They have several common names which are viper’s bowstring hemp and mother-in-law’s tongue.

And its botanical name is Sansevieria trifasciata. Several Snake plant benefits are claimed by a recently published study that states that they can reduce indoor air pollution. This pollution can be as dangerous as outdoor air pollution.

More than that, when we hear the term snake plant, in our mind, they’re more than just one type, or maybe there are lots of questions we want to know what the answer is. To describe its type, it is often used as the moniker.

Knowing Snake Plant benefits

1. CO2 Absorber in the Night

It is disbelief and confusion that any plants like this in the night releases oxygen continuously. To prove that, we do not find any evidence such as a certain substance. But, the fact is that snake plant benefits can reduce CO2.

The CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) has the capability that can process a certain type of photosynthesis. CAM plants are dry climate and drug-tolerant like succulents. In hot conditions, they minimize water loss by opening their stomata.

2. Decrease the Chances of Allergies in the Air With Snake Plant

A plant that reduces CO2 absorbs harmful volatile organic, and releases oxygen surely becomes an effective way to reduce air pollution. The great help is by surrounding yourself with it to get snake plant benefits.

It can absorb formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene, these pollutants are dangerous for our body’s health. It was proved in 1989 by NASA’s experiment that plants that have more leaf surface area can do air purification.

Snake Plant Types

1. Sansevieria Trifasciata

Snake-plant types Sansevieria Trifasciata
Snake-plant types Sansevieria Trifasciata

 

This is one of the most varieties that are very common and popular, some of them have curly or variegated leaves while others have deep green leaves. The typical length is about three feet and the width is 2.5 inches in maturity.

For indoor decor or landscaping in west Africa, this type is commonly used. If you are an experienced gardener alike, this type can be a choice since it is easier to care for. It requires bright light at a moderate level able to survive at a low light level.

2. Sansevieria Masoniana

Snake-plant types Sansevieria Masoniana
Snake-plant types Sansevieria Masoniana

 

This type is native to central Africa. It has green, mottled, and broad leaves. Its length can reach up to 4 feet, depending on the cultivar, the shaped-leaves can be variegated. This type grows in bright light and can be tolerant with a cool temperature.

3. Sansevieria Gracilis

Snake-plant types Sansevieria Gracilis
Snake-plant types Sansevieria Gracilis

 

The leaves of this type are typically about 18 inches in height. The white and green banded are pointed and long. For its growth, partial sun or bright filtered light is ideal or this type is also possible to thrive in low-light or full shade conditions.

4. Sansevieria Angolensis

Snake-plant types Sansevieria Angolensis
Snake-plant types Sansevieria Angolensis

 

This kind is often called African Spear. Its shape is larger than other types. The tall of its smooth rounded leaves can be six feet. While they are young, it is common to practice braid the leaves. This can make a pleasing arrangement and control the growth. And there are still several types.

Knowing About Snake Plant Care

When watering it during winter, be cautious of water. Just water them for about 3 weeks. Some of them must be kept wet while suffering a lack of moisture is not a problem for others.

Keep the leaves free and clean from grease and dust. Also, pay attention to the light, it can cope with dim light and direct-sun conditions, although bright light conditions with shades and little sun are preferred.

With its easy-growing and interesting foliage, they are one of the most popular air-purifying. It can bring a natural humid atmosphere. By knowing snake plant benefits, to have it in the office or house is lucky.

Methods of Snake Plant Propagation

You may now start to wonder, how do I start growing snake plants? Well, just like other flower plants, there are many methods to choose from when it comes to growing snake plants. Let’s check out the pros and cons of each method and see which method is the best for you.

1. Putting Cut Leaves In Soil

This method is the most common and effective method for growing a healthy snake plant. It will require you to provide a cactus pot mix as the medium to grow.

Firstly, you want to choose the most healthy leaf that is not damaged at all. Though a damaged leaf can still grow into a fine snake plant, it is most recommended to use healthier leaves so that the plant will grow healthily without any issue. Then cut the leaf about an inch above the soil.

Then carefully cut the leaf into segments 2-3 inches wide and mark the part closest to the bottom part of the original leaf to make sure which way to plant. Let the cut segments dry for some days, before planting them into a cactus mix that is damp enough.

Keep the new plant under bright and indirect sunlight, and make sure to water the plant whenever the soil is dry to the touch. But make sure there is no excess water under the pot of the snake plant.

The drawback of this method is that the new plant will lose some of the parent’s unique characteristics and return to the original cultivar (a variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding).

2. Leaf Cutting In Water

Do the same as the previous method, except this time divide the leaf into 4-5 inches segments and let it dry for a couple of days before planting it. Then place it in a jar or glass with water-filled just about an inch tall, and make sure it does not fall out. Make sure to change the water twice a day and put it under indirect sunlight. Once you see roots growing from the edge where you cut it, transfer it into a moist potting mix.

The downside to this method is that the cutting is easier to rot as it is exposed to a lot of water, so it is better to keep just a little bit of the leaf that touches the water.

3. Divide The Snake Plant

Using this method you can keep the unique cultivar as you are only separating the plant by dividing it and repotting it into another soil mix.

Firstly, remove the existing snake plant from the soil. Examine the root and pull away from the root you wish to separate from the main clump of roots. Do not rip the roots, but just separate them away from each other. Then you can plant them into different pots of soil mix and then water them regularly making sure the soil is moist all the time.

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