Are Snake Plants Good for Air?

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law's tongue, are popular houseplants known for their striking appearance and easy care requirements. But, in addition to being an eye-catching addition to your décor, snake plants are believed to offer various benefits to indoor air quality. In this article, we'll explore whether snake plants are good for air, and what makes them so beneficial.

The Benefits of Snake Plants for Air Quality

One of the primary benefits of snake plants is their ability to filter toxins from the air. While many houseplants are known for their air-purifying properties, snake plants are one of the few that have been shown to remove certain harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

In fact, a study conducted by NASA in the 1980s found that snake plants were effective at removing indoor air pollutants and could be used to improve air quality in space stations. Since then, several other studies have backed up these findings, making snake plants a popular choice for improving indoor air quality in homes and offices.

How Snake Plants Purify the Air

So, how do snake plants actually purify the air? It all comes down to their unique ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. This makes them particularly effective at removing toxins from the air while you sleep, which is when many people are exposed to the highest levels of indoor air pollution.

In addition to their ability to remove toxins and produce oxygen, snake plants also release moisture into the air as part of the process of photosynthesis. This can help improve humidity levels in your home, which can be especially beneficial during the dry winter months.

The Best Places to Keep Your Snake Plant

While snake plants can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, they tend to do best in bright, indirect light. They are also known for their ability to tolerate low light, making them a great option for rooms that don't receive a lot of natural sunlight.

When it comes to placement, snake plants can be kept in any room of your home. However, they are particularly effective at purifying the air in bedrooms, where they can help reduce levels of indoor air pollution that can interfere with sleep quality.

Caring for Your Snake Plant

One of the reasons why snake plants are so popular is that they are incredibly easy to care for. They are drought-tolerant, which means they don't require a lot of water, and can even thrive in low-light conditions.

When it comes to watering, snake plants should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. This can usually be done every two to three weeks, depending on the humidity of your home. When in doubt, it's better to underwater than overwater your snake plant, as too much water can cause the roots to rot.

Snake plants also prefer well-draining soil and should be kept in a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. They can be propagated by dividing the plant at the roots and re-potting each section in fresh soil.

The Bottom Line

So, are snake plants good for air? The answer is a resounding yes. They are one of the few houseplants that have been scientifically proven to remove toxins from the air and can help improve indoor air quality in your home. Additionally, they are easy to care for and can be a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.