Snake plants, also called mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria, are hardy houseplants that are loved for their sword-shaped leaves that stand upright. There are many health and wellness benefits to snake plants that make them more than just a pretty plant. Their striking looks make them a great addition to any home decor. We’ll talk about all the different ways these hardy plants can make your home and your health better in this detailed guide.
Purifying Indoor Air
One of the best things about the snake plant is that it can clean the air inside better than any other plant. NASA research shows that snake plants are one of the best natural ways to clean the air because they get rid of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.
Snake plants are different from most other plants because they do nocturnal photosynthesis, which means they keep making oxygen and cleaning the air even at night. This makes them especially useful in bedrooms for improving sleep. Overall, snake plants can help with breathing problems and allergy symptoms by lowering the amount of toxins and allergens in the air.
Removing Toxic Pollutants
Snake plants are great at cleaning the air, but they are also great at getting rid of toxic pollutants. Their beautiful, sword-shaped leaves take in toxins like carbon dioxide during the day and release oxygen at night.
At night, they still release oxygen, thanks to their rare ability to perform nocturnal photosynthesis. This round-the-clock toxin removal makes snake plants powerful additions to any indoor space.
Boosting Mental Health
Though more research is still needed, many believe that having indoor plants can lift mood, reduce stress, and provide other mental health benefits. Since snake plants are such efficient air filters, they may be especially adept at promoting a calming environment.
Consider placing these plants in high-stress areas like office cubicles or classrooms to potentially improve focus and emotional well-being.
Requiring Minimal Care
One of the top reasons snake plants are so popular is that they are extremely hardy and adaptable requiring very little maintenance to thrive. They can tolerate low light infrequent watering, temperature fluctuations, and even some neglect without failing to grow.
This makes snake plants ideal for beginners or busy plant parents who tend to forget trivial tasks like watering. Simply place them in bright, indirect light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for an effortless houseplant.
Managing Allergies
By moisturizing the air and removing allergens, snake plants can minimize allergy symptoms and relieve respiratory issues like asthma.snake plants help purify the air, leading to relief from respiratory problems and reduction of allergy symptoms. This in turn improves our emotional and physical well-being.
Improving Productivity
Research shows that having plants in offices and workplaces improves employee satisfaction, creativity, and productivity. Snake plants filter the air without needing much care, making them perfect low-maintenance additions to any office or workspace.
Consider placing these easy-care plants in waiting rooms, common areas, or on employee desks to potentially lift morale and focus.
Promoting Better Sleep
One fascinating feature of snake plants is that they release oxygen at night, which may promote more restful sleep and balanced circadian rhythms. This makes them ideal plants for bedrooms, as they create the optimal environment for deep, healthy sleep.
Supporting Health and Healing
Historically, herbalists used snake plants to treat minor wounds and other ailments. Some also claim the sap can relieve headaches, skin irritations, and inflammation when applied topically.
While more research is needed, the air-purifying and stress-reducing abilities of snake plants undoubtedly contribute to overall health and wellness. Consider using them as part of a meditation or relaxation routine.
Adding Unique Decor
With their striking upright leaves, snake plants make a bold statement in any indoor space. Their sharp, architectural shapes create an alluring contrast against their bright green leaves.
Whether placed singly or grouped, snake plants integrate seamlessly into modern, minimalist decor styles. Their hardy nature also makes them ideal plants for high-traffic areas.
Repelling Negative Energy
In feng shui and other spiritual practices, snake plants are believed to repel negative energy and attract positives forces like fortune, abundance, and prosperity.
Some say their sharp, sword-like leaves defend against evil influences. While not scientifically proven, surrounding yourself with snake plants promotes a hopeful, optimistic outlook.
Improving Chi Flow
As a feng shui plant, the snake plant is thought to facilitate the flow of positive chi or energy. The upright, linear leaves represent growth and vitality, which in turn bring prosperity and luck.
Consider placing these plants in entryways, corners, or anywhere chi tends to stagnate to get this energetic environment flowing freely.
Protecting Against Evil Spirits
Culturally, snake plants are associated with guarding against evil spirits and misfortune. In fact, they are often gifted as a symbolic wish for luck and prosperity.
Though not empirically verified, keeping snake plants symbolically wards off negativity and harm, promoting a positive, hopeful atmosphere.
Filtering Radiation
Some sources claim snake plants can absorb radiation from electronics like computers, cell phones, and WiFi routers. While not conclusively proven, it’s worth placing these plants near electronics to potentially minimize exposure.
Improving Feng Shui
Incorporating snake plants into a space is believed to vastly improve feng shui and cultivate positive qi energy. As resilient plants that purify the air, they create an auspicious environment filled with vitality and fortune.
Wishing Good Luck
Gifting a snake plant represents a thoughtful gesture wishing the recipient luck, protection, and prosperity. Displaying these plants shares hope for good fortune and abundant blessings.
With their air-purifying capabilities, hardiness, and striking appearance, snake plants provide a multitude of health and environmental benefits that make them a versatile addition to any home or workspace. They require minimal care while contributing maximal improvements to air quality and overall wellness. Beyond just visual appeal, snake plants uplift spaces energetically and spiritually with their symbolic meanings of luck and positive energy. For plant-lovers seeking an easy-care houseplant, snake plants check all the boxes both functionally and aesthetically.
Remove toxic pollutants
Snake plants are also known for their ability to help remove toxic air pollutants. In small contributions, snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including:
Because they can take in and get rid of harmful toxins, snake plants may be a good way to protect against airborne allergies.
Filter indoor air, even at night
Similar to other household succulents, snake plants help to filter indoor air. It’s one of the few plants that can change carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen at night, which makes it stand out.
This quality makes it an ideal plant for bedroom decor, since it can help regulate healthy airflow.
7 Benefits of Keeping Snake Plants In Your Home | Health benefits of Snake Plant | Leaf town
FAQ
What are the benefits of snake plants?
It effectively removes toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, improving overall air quality. Unlike many other plants, the snake plant is one of the few capable of producing oxygen at night, making it a perfect choice for bedrooms to enhance sleep quality.
What are the disadvantages of a snake plant?
Snake plants are highly sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot—a common issue for beginners or those who tend to overwater their plants. The roots of the plant are designed to do well in dry conditions; too much water can quickly kill them.
Is it good to put a snake plant in the bedroom?
Snake Plant At night, these plants emit oxygen to help you sleep better. They also remove harmful toxins from the air such as xylene, trichloroethylene, benzene, toluene and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is often found in hair sprays which makes snake plants ideal for the bedroom.
What are snake plants used for?
Snake plants have strong fibers that were used to make bowstrings. They are native to West Africa where they grow as evergreen perennial plants. The leaves can grow up to 6 feet tall in the best conditions because their strong fibers help them do so.
Are snake plants good for indoor plants?
Snake plants are good for indoor use as houseplants. There are many types of snake plant, and most of them share this quality. They have wide, often sharp-edged leaves with unique brown or cream patterns. One of their common names, viper’s bowstring hemp, comes from their fibers that were used to make bowstrings.
Are snake plants good for home decor?
Snake plants are a popular choice for home decor because they look stylish and modern. Their tall, upright leaves and sleek shape make them a great addition to any room. They fit well with different decorating styles, making living rooms, bedrooms, and offices look better.
Are snake plants good for your skin?
Used across various cultures for protection and spiritual enhancement. By enhancing the quality of the air inside the home, snake plants provide indirect benefits to the skin. Additionally, cleaner air keeps skin moist because it contains more humidity. It also lowers the chance of skin irritation from pollutants.
What is a snake plant?
A common houseplant, the Sansevieria trifasciata is native to Asia and Africa. It can be recognized by its evergreen sword-shaped leaves that grow upright and almost resemble artificial foliage. Snake plants are often used as home decor since they’re pleasing to the eye, are easy to care for, and require little water to survive.