Snake Plant

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Sansevieria trifasciata is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae—a relative of garden asparagus. Native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo. It is most commonly known as the snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, and viper’s bowstring hemp, among other names.

It is an evergreen perennial plant forming dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping rhizome. The NASA Clean Air Study found S. trifasciata has potential indoor air filtration qualities, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins involved in the effects of “sick building syndrome” and has a demonstrated the ability to remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It can be propagated by cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. The first method has the disadvantage that the variegation will be lost.

First cultivated in China and kept as a treasured houseplant because it was believed the eight gods bestowed their virtues (long life, prosperity, intelligence, beauty, art, poetry, health, and strength) upon those who grew the snake plant.

• Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
• Common Name: Snake Plant, Mother-in-law’s tongue, and Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, Devil’s Tongue, Good Luck Plant, Lucky Plant
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Mature Size: 30cm to 90cm
• Sun Exposure: Light Shade to Full Sun
• Soil Type: Rich to moderate well draining soil