The snake plant as an air purifier This top house plant is a natural air purifier that emits oxygen at night, meaning you can sleep better (and for longer). 'They're also great at removing harmful chemicals from the air such as xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde,' Steve explains.
At night, on the other hand, these plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, a process called respiration. However, the Snake Plant is one of the lucky few that continues to produce oxygen at night, making it the ideal plant to place in your bedroom for better sleep.
Snake plants thrive without direct sunlight and prefer partial shade, so setting them about 6 to 10 feet from a bright window is ideal. Too much sunlight may burn their leaves, but they can benefit from the warmth of the sun as long as it stays between 70 and 90 degrees near the window.
All parts of snake plants (also called mother-in-law's tongue or Saint George's sword) are toxic, due to the presence of chemicals called saponins. Saponins can cause gastrointestinal discomfort as well as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans and pets, although the symptoms are much milder for humans.
Unlike other plants, the Snake Plant produces oxygen at night. It does this by converting carbon dioxide with its wide long leaves into fresh breathable air. In fact, it is best known for producing the highest amount of oxygen among all houseplants. This makes the Snake Plant very friendly for your bedroom.
According to NASA's Clean Air Study, the Snake Plant is so effective in producing oxygen that if you were locked in a sealed room with no airflow (yikes!), you would be able to survive with just 6-8 plants in it. NASA recommends 15 to 18 medium-to-large size plants for a 1,800 square-foot home for optimum air quality.
Snake Plants are harmful to kids, children, toddlers, and babies if ingested. The sap inside the leaves can cause a rash if touched.
In humans, symptoms of snake plant toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, exposure to the plant can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Although it is safe to touch the snake plant as the toxins affect you only when ingested, the liquid from the leaves can cause skin irritation. It's advised to use gloves when repotting or handling the plant.
Choose the Right Plants for Feng Shui
Leung recommends snake plants as a perfect all-purpose feng shui plant, which helps protect your home from negative energy. But other fan-favorite plants bring unique attributes to your life. Monstera represents love, happiness, and relationships.
Mother-in-law's tongue: The Mother-in-law's tongue, also known as the snake plant, is a great choice for the bathroom. Loving steamy, humid conditions, and able to thrive in low light, it is also a great air purifier, known for filtering out formaldehyde, commonly found in bathroom products.
Snake plants (Sansevieria) excel in low to high light levels. Keep them near east or north-facing windows, or 10 feet from west or south windows for filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Rotate occasionally for even exposure and balanced growth.
“Air-purifying plants can help absorb and trap toxins while releasing oxygen to generate cleaner air, making for a more healthy and fresh sleeping environment throughout the bedroom,” says Andres Montoya, an indoor and outdoor landscaping expert who works on hospitality projects.
These hardy, easy-to-care for houseplants absorb over 100 pollutants and at least 4 major toxins through their leaves making sansevierias one of the most effective air purifying, toxin-fighting plant you can buy. This is a proven fact from a 1989 extensive study in space stations published by NASA folks!
Growing snake plants in your bathroom or shower can be easy. They are low-maintenance and can survive days of neglect. They also keep the air purified and don't require much sunlight to thrive.
Snake Plant
laurentii and as “mother-in-law's tongue”) has tall green leaves, like swords, that are graceful and elegant. And keeping a snake plant in your home can also help you breathe a little easier: It was included among the plants in the NASA study that removed toxins from the air.
Altogether the majority of plants can provide mental benefits, certain plants serve specific purposes. For example, according to Affinity Health, the common snake plant can positively impact how you sleep and relieve stress.
Snake plants (also known as sansevieria—their botanical name is Sansevieria trifasciata) can purify the air inside your home as its leaves absorb a variety of toxins, according to one study by NASA. They are also, according to Feng Shui teachings, the perfect plants to attract money, prosperity, and good energy.
Snake plants are popular indoor plants that are known for their ability to purify the air and release oxygen at night.
If you're experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes, you may be suffering from a snake plant allergy. Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are a popular houseplant that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Areca Palm plant is a popular ornamental houseplant in every Indian household. But not many are aware that it provides oxygen 24*7. This way, it not only adds to the good looks of your space but also turns the surrounding air breathable by working as a natural air purifier.
Your Snake Plant only needs to be watered fortnightly, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to only water your snake plant once a month if the soil is still moist after 2 weeks.