Snake Plants aka Good-Luck Plants, Mother-in-law’s Tongues
Plants that Detoxify the Air
The Snake Plant (Sanseveria sp. /: Agavaceaeis) is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant that is often used as an air filtering plant because it has a tendency to absorb certain poisonous substances. It is now used predominantly as an ornamental plant, outdoors in warmer climates, and indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Care:
- It is popular as a houseplant as it is tolerant of low light levels and irregular watering; during winter it needs only one watering every couple of months. It will rot easily if overwatered.
- It can be propagated by cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. The first method has the disadvantage that the variegation is likely to be lost.
Safety Around Pets:
Toxic Principle: Entire plant, Leaves, Organic acids, Flowers, Hemolytic saponins
Clinical Signs: Nausea, Vomiting, Destruction of red blood cells, Dermatitis, Irritation to mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract(Ref.: OSU Center for Veternary Health Sciences)
Description:
The snake plants forms dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping rhizome, which is sometimes above ground, sometimes underground. Its stiff leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette. Mature leaves are dark green with light gray-green cross-banding.
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