Snake Plant: Meaning, care and propagation
Snake Plant also known as Mother-in-law’s tongue (Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata), is native to tropical West Africa and a widely grown houseplant.
The snake plant is a common indoor plant with sharp stiff, upright leaves which looks like a standing snake. Most snake plants are a combination of green, yellow, and white. Snake Plants have narrow, upright, and evergreen leaves with short and thick roots. They are also known as Viper’s bowstring hemp because of the strong fibers in them which were once used to make bowstrings. It is one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality that absorbs harmful pollutants from the atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for home and office decoration. It is also the best bedroom plant because it releases oxygen at night.
Spiritual Symbol of Snake Plant
It represents peace, serenity and calmness. It also symbolizes tranquility and bliss. These plants positively impacts the ambience and brings good luck and happiness. It also protects against negative energy. The color green in Snake Plant represents nature and symbolizes freshness, a clean environment and good fortune. It is also a symbol of determination and mental peace.
Care for Snake Plant
Snake Plants are easy to care and can withstand harsh conditions. It can stay healthy for days without light and water.
Water
Allow its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Do not overwater and take extra care in winter. Try to avoid making its leaves wet while watering.
Light
Snake plant loves indirect bright sunlight but they can live in low light as well.
Temperature
It can survive in any particular temperature above 50o C but will suffer below 10o C.
Fertilizer and soil
Fertilizers helps to flower and grow them faster. So, fertilize them once a month during summer and spring months. It is good to plant them in soil that drains well.
Propagation of Snake Plant
It is very easy to propagate as it propagates with its leaves.
Step 1: Cut off a healthy leaf near the base of a snake plant. Make a notched upside down V cut at the bottom. Let the cut surface dry and heal for 2-5 days.
In Soil
Step 2: Plant each cuttings into well draining potting soil. Keep out of direct sunlight, water well and let it drain. Do not let the soil get too dry or too wet as cuttings can die from root rot.
Step 3: After few weeks, leaf cuttings will root and grow pups which becomes a new plant.
In Water
Step 2: Place the leaf in a clean jar of water. The water level should be slightly above the V cut end. After 3-5 weeks, root will grow from the bottom of the leaf cuttings. Tiny pups will start to grow in another 2-3 weeks .
Step3: Transfer the new pups in soil or just let them grow in water.
Some Common Problems With Snake Plant
1. Leaves curling and folding
Leaves curl when a plant goes through stress. This might be because of too much sun exposure, under or overwatering.
2. Leaves turning Yellow and falling off
This is because of over watering, low light or harsh sun exposure.
3. Leaves with brown tips
It is because of the use of hard water, too much fertilizer and sudden changes in climate.
4. Leaves slitting
Snake plant’s leaves starts to split when there is physical damage and low humidity levels.
Health Benefits of Snake Plant
It is a natural air purifier and filters toxins such as toluene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene and xylene from the air by absorbing them.
It boosts oxygen by converting a great amount of carbon dioxide to oxygen at night.
It is highly effective against allergies as it releases moisture in the air and reduces airborne allergies like sneezing, coughing, and itching and watering eyes.
It absorbs harmful radiation emitted by electronic devices and helps to maintain a healthy and protective environment.
It helps to improve the quality of sleep and also helps to attract positive energy.
Conclusion
Snake Plant is one of the most tolerant, low maintenance and easy to grow plant that can survive for weeks without care. It can be placed anywhere in bedroom, living area which not only enhances the beauty of the surroundings but also reduces the several health risks.
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