In addition to being incredibly easy to grow, snake plants have a number of health benefits, including filtering indoor air, removing toxic pollutants, and boosting mental health.
Many household plants are strategically placed for decoration and to maintain feng shui. But did you know that some of these same plants also have health benefits?
The snake plant is one of those plants known for both looking good and improving air quality.
Keep reading to learn more about the snake plant, its health benefits, and how to care for one.
A common houseplant, the Sansevieria trifasciata is native to Asia and Africa. It can be recognized by its evergreen sword-shaped leaves that grow upright and almost resemble artificial foliage.
Snake plants are often used as home decor since they’re pleasing to the eye, are easy to care for, and require little water to survive.
The snake plant, commonly referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a resilient succulent that can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several feet.
In addition to providing a bit of ambiance, snake plants have a number of health benefits, including:
The African spear plant, also known as Sansevieria cylindrica or cylindrical snake plant, is gaining popularity as an easy care houseplant. This striking plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and has stiff, cylindrical leaves that can grow up to 4 feet tall. Its ability to filter toxins from the air makes it great for purifying indoor spaces. With proper care, the African spear plant can provide many benefits for your home or garden.
Aesthetic Beauty
One of the main reasons people grow African spear plants is for their unique, eye-catching appearance. The leaves are a vibrant green color with faint grayish-green vertical stripes. They emerge straight and tall from the base in a spear-like shape. This gives the plant a very structured, architectural look quite different from the drooping leaves of many houseplants.
The leaves can grow anywhere from a few inches to four feet tall, so African spear plants make great floor plants. Their vertical shapes contrast nicely with trailing plants or plants with wide, horizontal leaves. Their height also allows them to stand out as focal points in the garden.
Low Maintenance
For busy homeowners, the African spear plant is the perfect choice because it is so easy to care for Here are some of its low maintenance benefits
-
Thrives in a wide range of light conditions from low to bright indirect light Even does well in offices or darker corners of a room.
-
Only needs occasional watering, preferring soil to dry out between waterings. It stores water in its succulent leaves.
-
Can tolerate dry indoor air and low humidity environments common in many homes.
-
Not bothered by pests and rarely damaged by disease when cared for properly.
-
Requires little fertilization, only occasionally during the growing season.
-
Can be easily propagated by dividing rhizomes or rooting leaf cuttings.
The African spear plant is the perfect choice for beginner gardeners or anyone who wants a low maintenance, yet visually striking plant.
Air Purifying Properties
One of the biggest benefits of the African spear plant is its ability to filter toxins and pollutants from indoor air. Studies have shown it to be particularly effective at removing volatile organic compounds like:
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Trichloroethylene
- Xylene
These compounds are found in many common household products, building materials, and furniture. Over time, exposure can cause health issues ranging from headaches to nausea and lung irritation.
The African spear plant absorbs these compounds through its leaves and roots. Its stiff, upright leaves allow more air circulation close to the soil and multiply the surface area for absorbing toxins. Just one plant per 100 square feet can make a noticeable improvement in indoor air quality.
Natural Pest Control
Believe it or not, the African spear plant contains natural compounds called saponins that help deter insect pests. Growing these plants around your garden can reduce pest damage without the need for chemical pesticides.
They have been shown to repel:
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
Saponins break down the exoskeleton of insects. They also disrupt reproductive cycles and deter feeding. Using African spear plants as border plants or scattering them throughout garden beds provides natural pest control.
Easy Propagation
Once you have an African spear plant, it’s easy to make more plants from leaf cuttings. Here’s how to propagate new plants:
-
Cut a mature leaf near the base of the mother plant.
-
Allow the cut leaf to dry out for 1-2 days.
-
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
-
Place the leaf in a container of moist potting mix, sand, or vermiculite.
-
Keep the soil moist but not saturated while new roots and shoots form.
Rooting African spear plant leaves has around an 80% success rate. Within 4-6 weeks, you’ll have new baby plants to pot up or give as gifts. You can also divide mature plants at the rhizome roots to make new plants.
Pet Safety
While the African spear plant offers many benefits, it does contain saponins and other compounds that make it toxic to pets if ingested. Keep this plant out of reach of cats, dogs, and other household pets. Safer alternatives include spider plants, Boston ferns, or parlor palms.
If you suspect your pet has chewed or eaten leaves, contact your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation.
Growing African Spear Plants
If you’d like to add African spear plants to your indoor or outdoor spaces, here are some tips for growing:
Lighting
African spear plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place in an east or west facing window where they’ll get 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. Rotate occasionally for even growth.
Soil
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Add perlite or gravel to improve drainage.
Watering
Water deeply only when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow pots to drain fully after watering.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are 60-85°F. Avoid cold drafts.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Pruning
Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed.
The Perfect Natural Solution
With its vibrant colors, vertical shape, air cleaning properties, and low maintenance nature, the African spear plant is the perfect natural solution to add beauty and better air quality to any indoor space. Its easy propagation means you can make new plants to fill your home with these living air filters. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and give it the minimal care it requires. The African spear plant will reward you with lush, exotic appeal for years to come.
Remove toxic pollutants
Snake plants are also known for their ability to help remove toxic air pollutants. In small contributions, snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including:
With the ability to absorb and remove harmful toxins, snake plants may act as an effective defense against airborne allergies.
Mental health booster
While the benefits of indoor plants on mental health still warrant further scientific research, the concept that plants play a positive role is well established, according to 2018 research.
Horticultural therapy is even used in mental health treatment, due to its therapeutic effects.
Indoor plants can be added to workplaces, schools, and medical facilities as a low cost and low risk way to improve these environments.
African Spear Plant Care & Growing Guide
FAQ
What does a snake plant do spiritually?
How often should I water an African spear plant?
Do snake plants actually purify air?
Is the African spear plant poisonous?
Is African spear a good plant for new gardeners?
It is an easy plant for new gardeners because it is tough, adaptable to most household conditions, and seems to thrive on neglect. The African Spear comes from a hot, dry environment in Angola, a country in Central Africa. Its striped leaves are 1 inch in diameter, and mature plants can grow to 6 feet high.
Do African spear plants have problems?
African spear plants don’t have a lot of issues, save when they’re put in improper conditions. Let’s discuss issues you might face in the process of Sansevieria cylindrica care. While, the African spear is a tough plant and can thrive on neglect, there’s one exception to the rule – their containers should be well-draining.
Can African spears grow in sunlight?
The plant thrives well in full sun or bright indirect sunlight. Although it can tolerate a place with low light, it will not achieve maximum growth in the dark. However, very intense light will affect the plant’s wellness, causing the leaves to discolor. Are African Spears Toxic To Cats And Dogs?
How do you propagate African spear plants?
Propagation is the first stage of African spear plant growth. This stage involves planting cuttings from mature plants to grow new plants. Cuttings can be taken from the rhizomes or the leaves of the plant. The cuttings should be left to dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.