The snake plant goes by many names – and they’re all quirky.
Beyond its scientific name and “bedroom” nickname, the snake plant has also been known to respond to Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Devil’s Tongue, Bowstring Hemp, and variations of the Good Luck or Lucky Plant.
As you might guess, the leaves’ long, pointed appearance lends itself well to a comparison to a tongue, and we’ll be the first to say we can see a snake’s long body and triangular head if we squint. Either way, this range of colorful names suggests a wealth of symbolism relating to everything from protection and prosperity to something a little more sinister. (We’re hoping the mother-in-law moniker belongs in the first camp, but the jury’s still out…)
It may help purify the air in your home.
Snake plants are one of the famous dozen houseplants named by NASA as potentially providing air-purifying effects in the home, as shown in a 1989 study intended to find ways to detoxify space stations. Not only have they been shown to remove harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde under certain conditions, they are also said to boost levels of oxygen in your space overnight.
Though there are some doubts about the plant’s ability to replicate this feat outside a lab – some sources suggest you’d need around six to eight air-purifying plants per person to optimize its detoxifying and oxygen-producing effects – this succulent’s air-cleaning reputation has become one of the most cited facts about snake plants.
The snake plant is super low-maintenance.
Though it doesn’t look much like the chubby little Echeveria or cacti you might be used to, the snake plant is in fact a succulent – which means it’s ridiculously easy to take care of. Like other succulents, Sansevieria grows best in cactus soil, can tolerate a little neglect, and likes its soil to dry out completely between waterings. Just make sure it gets plenty of sun to mimic its bright, hot native environment of tropical Africa.
It’s associated with good feng shui – but not for your pets.
As we mentioned in earlier snake plant facts, this succulent’s various names spring from a host of different – mostly positive – cultural associations, from luck and prosperity to protection. For these reasons, the plant is often named by feng shui experts as a lucky plant to place in your home. As long as you keep it healthy and happy by giving it plenty of light and watching for droopy leaves, this plant will be sending good vibes your way for as long as you want.
But beware – ingesting the plant can be a real medical bummer, causing nausea and vomiting. We trust you to refrain from snacking on your own snake plant, but you’ll want to make sure to keep it away from cats and dogs.