Health Benefits of having a Snake Plant in your home

What is a Snake Plant?

Dracaena trifasciata or Sansevieria, commonly known as the Snake plant, is a species of flowering plant that is native to West Africa. It is a hardy, low-maintenance house plant that has long, pointed leaves that grow upright and can reach up to several feet tall. The leaves are typically green with yellow stripes, but there are also varieties with different colours and patterns.

The Ideal House Plant

Snake plants are popular indoor plants due to their hardiness, ease of care, and air-purifying qualities. They can thrive in low-light conditions and don't require frequent watering, making them an ideal choice for busy people or those who are new to plant care. Additionally, their attractive appearance and air-purifying qualities make them a great choice for improving indoor air quality and adding a touch of greenery to any room.

Health Benefits of Snake Plants

Snake plants have experienced a growth in popularity in recent years due to their benefits. Here are some of the main health benefits of having a snake plant in your home:

Improves air quality

Snake plants are effective at removing toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. These pollutants are commonly found indoors from things such as cleaning products, central heating, new furniture and open fires which can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. A study by NASA found that low-light-requiring house plants demonstrated the ability to improve indoor air quality.

Reduces allergies

Indoor pollutants have been linked to asthma and other respiratory conditions. Snake plants can be particularly beneficial at reducing pollutants in the air, and thus ease respiratory conditions like asthma.

Promotes better sleep

Snake plants release oxygen at night, which can help improve the air quality in your bedroom and promote better sleep. This is because higher oxygen levels can lead to better breathing and a more restful sleep. A study measured the impact of air quality on sleep and found that sleep quality improved significantly when air contains less CO2 levels.

Boosts mood and productivity

Studies have shown that having plants indoors can help boost mood, productivity, and cognition, and snake plants are no exception. Their green foliage can help create a calming and relaxing environment, which can be particularly beneficial for those who work from home or spend a lot of time indoors and suffer from stress or low mood.

The best type of Snake Plant for your Home

While all snake plants have air-purifying qualities to some degree, some varieties may be more effective at removing specific toxins from the air than others. For example, a study by NASA found that Sansevieria trifasciata was particularly effective at removing pollutants from the air compared to others.

However, all snake plants have the ability to release oxygen at night and create a calming indoor environment, which can provide a range of health benefits.

FAQ’s

Can snake plants help with condensation?

While snake plants do not specifically known to help with condensation, their air-purifying qualities can indirectly help reduce excess moisture in the air, which can contribute to condensation in some cases.

Do snake plants need direct sunlight?

No, snake plants do not need direct sunlight and can actually be harmed by too much sun exposure. Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions, making them a great choice for areas with indirect light.

Can I keep a snake plant near the radiator?

It is generally not recommended to keep a snake plant near a radiator or other sources of direct heat, as this can cause the soil to dry out too quickly and may lead to damage to the plant.

Are snake plants harmful to cats and dogs?

Yes, snake plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms in pets. If you have a cat or dog, it is important to keep your snake plant out of reach or in a location where your pet cannot access it.

How often should I water my snake plant?

Snake plants are known for their ability to tolerate drought and can go for extended periods without water. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common problems with snake plants and can lead to root rot and other issues. As a general rule, snake plants should be watered about once every 2-4 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity levels in your home. It is important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and avoid watering the plant if the soil is still moist.

Summary

• It is a popular indoor plant due to its hardiness, ease of care, and air-purifying qualities.
• Snake plants can remove toxins from the air, reduce allergies, promote better sleep, and boost mood and productivity.
• Sansevieria trifasciata was found to be particularly effective at removing pollutants from the air.
• Snake plants do not need direct sunlight and can tolerate low light conditions, but should be kept away from direct sources of heat.

Keywords: Snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue, Dracaena trifasciata, Good Luck Plant,  Sansevieria