An Old Standby Plant With a New Name

An Old Standby Plant With a New Name

Posted by Alan Hirt on Mar 14th 2021

Many people laugh at the Snake Plant ( Sansevieria) because it is just so darn easy to grow, even in low light. Just look at all the common names; Mother-In-Laws Tongue, Wife's Tongue, Barbershop Plant, Saint George's Tongue, Viper's Bowstring Hemp, Cow's Tongue and many more. The truth is that this easy to grow succulent plant, native to tropical West Africa, deserves a spot in any home. Besides the common Snake Plants that everyone is familiar with there are 100's of other species, some highly sought after by plant collectors. The Snake Plant you are probably familiar with grows 3-4 feet tall. However; there are lots of dwarf varieties and lots of colors, too. One of my favorites is the Golden Hahni Bird's Nest Snake Plant that is a vibrant green and yellow. I also have an unusual hanging Snake Plant that I really like.

What I favor most about the Snake Plant is that is loves to go "bone dry" before another watering. I water mine anywhere from once a month to once every two weeks. Never allow them to stand in water. They hate "wet feet". If given lots of sun they will even bloom! Make sure you put several Snake Plants into your bedroom. They give off oxygen at night. It is like a living CPAC machine.

Now to the name Sansevieria. Back in 2017 the "plant powers to be" decided this common plant was actually a Dracaena and moved it into the Dracaena genus of plants. Now you can proudly say you own a Dracaena Plant not a lowly Snake Plant.