The snake plant (sansevieria trifasciata laurentii) is in the succulent family and is a great choice as a houseplant. Not only does it add color and vibrancy it purifies the air. The snake plant gets its name because the long thin leaves look similar to the scales of a snake. Another common name is “Mother In Law’s Tongue” because of its sharp points at the end of each leaf.

If you are looking for a houseplant and are plant challenged, the Snake Plant is the one for you. It is a low maintenance non-fussy plant. In addition to being a low maintenance plant is also acts as an air purifier for your home. NASA research has proven that snake plants clean the air of toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
The snake plant has sword shaped waxy leaves and grows tall and thick making it a great addition to any décor.

Snake plants thrive in most conditions in your house including indirect sunlight allowing you to grow it in almost any room in your home.  It requires sparse watering, in fact it likes to dry out in between watering.  When the soil is very dry, water the plant. Use a water meter to measure the moisture towards the bottom of the pot. Even though it may look dry on the surface, the soil could still be moist down below. Remember, overwatering is the number one killer of the Snake Plant.  Insect and diseases are also uncommon with the snake plant as well. Apply a houseplant fertilizer like Miracle-Gro All-Purpose Plant Food or Schultz All purpose Liquid Plant Food every 2 weeks to insure a healthy plant.

A great way to have a happy lifestyle is to keep a snake plant in your house and to have a great relationship with your mother-in-law. The last thing you need is unhealthy air in your house or the sharp tongue of your mother-in-law. We have a beautiful selection here at The Dees’ and as always, we welcome your questions to help with your problems (plant problems that is). Stop by and see Bob in our Greenhouse – He can help with both.

Joe Dee
joe@deesnursery.com