“A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IS A GREAT THING TO TAKE AND EVEN                 BETTER THING TO BE”

It is must to have clean air around you. There are many indoor plants that purify the air and one of the best among them is the Snake Plant. It is also called as mother in law’s tongue.

                       Sansevieria trifasciata is commonly called as snake plant because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves. Snake plant is classic yet versatile houseplant with sword like foliage design. It is excellent for the garden and it is considered as top air purify plant for indoor development.

It is an evergreen perennial plant forming dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping rhizome, which is sometimes above ground, sometimes underground. Its stiff leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette.

 Mature leaves are dark green with light gray green cross banding. It is now used predominantly as an ornamental plant, outdoors in warmer climates, and indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates.

 It is popular as a houseplant because it is tolerant of low light levels and irregular watering but roots will rot when over watered.

How to Grow Snake Plants:

It is easy to grow and is nearly indestructible; they will thrive in either very bright light or almost dark corners of the house. An ideal container plant, it is excellent in a grouping and will grow equally well on the floor or on tabletop displays. These plants are also drought resistant. There are two low-growing varieties, but these are rarely seen in garden centers.

Light:

Although they are very forgiving, snake plants prefer indirect but steady light with some direct sun. They can adapt to full sun conditions and will also survive quite dim situations

Soil:

They prefer a loose,well-drained potting mix. This plant will do well in sandier soils. Pick a potting media low in cocopeat, which eventually packs and refuses to re-hydrate or drain properly. An all-purpose potting soil is a good choice.

Propagation:

It can be propagated by cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. The first method has the disadvantage that the variegation will be lost.

Water:

During winter, reduce watering to monthly once, or whenever the soil is dry and too much watering can kill the plant.

Potting and Repotting:

It has potential indoor air filtration qualities, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins which cause sick building syndrome.

                     While most plants take away oxygen at night, this one gives off oxygen at night. The Snake Plant cleans air better than most other indoor plants as it has the ability to absorb excessive amounts of carbon monoxide.

Additionally, it emits oxygen and filters other toxins from the air such as benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde .Once you grow snake plants, along with purifying, you’ll know how low maintenance they really are…

Keywords :

Rhizome, cuttings, indoor plants, airpurifier, variegation, garden,foliage, elongated leaves, perennial plant, propagation, toxins, filtration, slow growers, air cleaner,potting soil, sunlight .repotting.

Writeup by

Kavita B M (Junior Reasearch Associate)