What Are Snake Plants Good For? 15 Amazing Benefits

Some other names for snake plants are mother-in-law’s tongue and Sansevieria. They are very popular and can survive in cold places. These succulents are native to tropical West Africa. They don’t need much care and can survive in most indoor conditions. Snake plants are not only a simple way to add some greenery to your home, but they also have many other benefits that make them worth having.

Air Purifying Abilities

One of the top reasons to keep a snake plant in your home is that they are excellent air purifiers. Studies by NASA have found that snake plants are effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, helping improve air quality. Their large, stiff leaves also trap airborne allergens and dust. This makes snake plants a great choice if you want to breathe a little easier in your home.

Stress Reduction and Improved Focus

Having plants in your home or office has been linked to less stress and more work getting done. The sight of living plants is calming to many people. Caring for plants can also be therapeutic. Because they are so easy to care for, snake plants are great for these uses. Put a snake plant on your desk, and it will help you concentrate and feel better.

Toxin Removal

Benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene were some of the harmful chemicals that snake plants took in from the air during lab tests. They work 24/7 to filter toxins from indoor air. They can’t get rid of all the toxins, but every little bit helps make the house healthier.

Oxygen Production

Snake plants don’t take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day like most plants do. Their stomata are closed during the day and open at night, which lets them make oxygen all the time. Having a few snake plants in your bedroom can help you sleep better by increasing the amount of oxygen in the air.

Allergy and Asthma Relief

By removing dust and airborne allergens from the air snake plants can help relieve allergy and asthma symptoms. They are especially useful for filtering out mold spores and chemicals like formaldehyde that can aggravate respiratory issues.

Low Maintenance

Snake plants are practically indestructible. They tolerate a wide range of light, temperature, and water conditions. Their shallow root systems adapt well to being root-bound. You can neglect a snake plant for weeks and it will be perfectly fine. These plants are ideal for beginners or anyone who wants an ultra low-maintenance houseplant.

Hardy and Resilient

Once established snake plants are very hardy succulents. Their thick, waxy leaves enable the plants to withstand drought. The leaves also guard against rot from overwatering. Snake plants easily bounce back even if you forget to water them for a while or give them too much water. Such a forgiving plant makes a great gift.

Pet Friendly

Snake plants are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested but the toxicity is low. Their stiff, sharp leaves are unpleasant to bite into, so pets tend to leave snake plants alone. Their resilience to damage also makes them ideal for homes with pets. Snake plants are less prone to being knocked over or chewed on than many other houseplants.

Versatile

Snake plants thrive in almost any spot in your home. They tolerate low to bright light conditions. Dry air doesn’t bother them. You can place snake plants in just about any room, from dark corners to sunrooms. Their vertical spear-shaped leaves look sharp in any setting.

Airflow Improver

The stiff, upright leaves of snake plants don’t impede airflow around them. This makes them a great option for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where you want air to circulate freely. Snake plants help purify and oxygenate the air without disrupting proper ventilation.

Feng Shui

In feng shui, snake plants are believed to absorb negative energies and improve energy flow through a space. Their vertical shape is thought to direct chi (energy) upward. Snake plants are recommended for entryways, corners, hallways, and anywhere stagnant energy tends to collect.

Natural Medicine

Traditional medicine uses snake plants to treat a variety of minor ailments. Applying sap from the leaves to wounds and burns may aid healing. Snake plant extracts are used in some natural remedies for inflammation, headaches, and parasites. However, ingesting any part of a snake plant is not advised.

Pest Repellent

Snake plants suffer few problems with pests thanks to their tough leaves and defenses. Mealybugs and spider mites may attack stressed or damaged plants. Overall, though, snake plants help repel nuisance bugs rather than attract them. This makes them ideal plants for clean, pest-free indoor spaces.

Low Light Capable

Snake plants tolerate very low light conditions. They grow slower in shade but readily adapt to any spot. Light as low as 50 foot-candles allows snake plants to do well. For reference, most houseplants need at least 100 to 500 foot-candles. The ability to grow in darker corners makes snake plants very versatile.

Easy Propagation

Once a snake plant is established, you can easily propagate new plants from the mother plant. Just divide the rootball or take leaf cuttings. Place the divisions or cuttings in water or potting mix and new plants will root rapidly. Sharing cuttings is a great way to spread snake plants among friends and family.