Consider adding a low maintenance snake plant to your indoor decor.
Now that the holidays are past and temperatures continue to drop our gardening efforts are focused indoors. Don’t let busy schedules or past challenges stop you from gardening indoors. Consider starting with or adding a snake plant also known as Mother-in-law’s or devil’s tongue and botanically as Sansevieria to your indoor décor.
This tough plant tolerates a wide range of growing conditions and neglect. Although it prefers bright light it tolerates low light as long as it is not overwatered. This makes it a perfect choice for the office, new and young gardeners, and any indoor garden setting. Plus NASA research found snake plants help improve our indoor air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene found in many manufactured items.
Tall varieties grow 2 to 3 feet tall indoors. They can be a bit floppy when overwatered or grown in too little light. Just adjust your care to promote sturdier growth or provide support with a colorful stake.
Or try one of the more compact varieties that grow 6 to 14 inches tall. These can be tucked into smaller spaces, dish gardens or displayed on a tabletop or in front of other taller indoor plants.
There are many varieties, tall and short, to choose from. Most have some variation of horizontal dark green lines on lighter green sword shaped leaves. This striping resembles a snakeskin resulting in one of its common names. Variations include plants with narrow or wide golden leaf edges, silver green leaves and twisted or cylindrical shaped leaves. Check out Pasquesi’s collection and select one, two or maybe a few more for your indoor garden.
Consider growing the taller varieties in a wide clay pot for added stability. Or double pot those growing in plastic containers. Select a pretty terra cotta or glazed container and set the plastic pot inside. Place pebbles on the bottom of the decorative pot if it lacks drainage holes.
These plants will occasionally flower. This usually happens when they are potbound and grown in bright light. Enjoy the fragrant greenish-white flowers and remove the flower stalk when flowering is complete.
At a Glance
Name: Snake Plant, Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)
Size: 6 to 36” depending on variety
Light: Bright to low light
Water: Thoroughly when top few inches of soil is dry
Soil: Well-drained potting mix
Going on now...all indoor plants are 25% off thru February 1. Also on sale, all indoor containers are 20% off now thru February 1.
Written by, gardening expert, Melinda Myers. Each month Melinda will feature a low maintenance plant perfect for beginning and experienced gardeners looking for attractive easy care plants. Melinda Myers is a nationally recognized gardening expert with more than 30 years of horticulture experience. She is a wealth of knowledge and we are pleased to share Melinda’s Low Maintenance Plant of the Month with you!
