Some people dont bother buying houseplants because they cant seem to keep them alive.
Mother-in-Laws Tongue is the perfect choice for beginners.
If treated right, this hardy houseplant can last for years.
It goes by many interesting names.
Related:Types of snake plants
2.
It is a good detoxifier.
It is harmful for pets.
When ingested, the leaves of the snake plant can cause vomiting and nausea among your pets.
Yellow edges occur when the plant is grown from a root division.
Since these plants grow in clumps, they are easy to divide at the root.
Planting
1.
Given these cases, you oughta also be strategic as to when you plant the snake plant.
How to Plant
Planting the snake plant does not really vary from how other succulents are planted.
The process starts by choosing your method of propagation either through leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
You will need to change the water every two days until you see roots sprouting.
If yours is ready to propagate, first remove it from the pot and wash the roots.
Either break it apart at the roots, or use a knife to divide the plant.
Re-pot the divisions right away and water the new plants.
These plants tolerate low light and they seem to grow anywhere.
The easiest way to destroy Mother-in-laws Tongue is to over-water it, or never water it at all.
Over-watering causes the plant to rot.
Let the soil dry out completely before re-watering.
Mother-in-Laws Tongue shrivels in high humidity, but likes moderate to warm temperatures.
Keep it in the same pot for as long as possible.
If the sword-shaped leaves lean over, bend or crack, the plant is thirsty.
Water it about every 10 days to keep it healthy.
Mother-in-laws Tongue requires less water during the winter months.
Care
1.
For this matter, the snake plant will specifically require you to buy a soilless potting mix.
Light and Temperature
The snake plant needs a lot of light to begin with.
Inadequate light will make the snake plant become very weak leaving the leaves stretched and shriveled making them wilt.
Fertilizer
The truth is, snake plants do not need commercial fertilizers.
All you have to do is to top them with compost using any organic compost.
The best time to put compost is twice a year during spring and summer.
By that time, you will now have to replant the cuttings with the root in sandy pot mix.
Pruning
It all boils down to the leaves.
Using a knife or scissors, you will need to remove the leaves that have grown too tall.
you should probably maintain the regular length of the leaves for you to maintain the character of the plant.
Also, with this, you will have ample leaf cuttings to grow new snake plants.
Problems
1.
Growing Problems and Disease
The most common growing problem of snake plants would be overwatering.
This would come out in the form of spots, shrivels and fungal diseases.
Pests
As for pests, the snake plant is also the favorite of mealybugs andspider mites.
FAQs
Does the snake plant filter specific chemicals in the air?
Does the snake plant attract, well, snakes?
This is also the reason why the snake plant is said to be harmful for pets.
It survives in low to bright light, and require very little water to stay healthy.
Overall, Mother-in-laws Tongue is a sure bet for beginner growers.
