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Snake plant
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A species of Snake plants, Also known as Mother-in-law's tongue, Viper's bowstring hemp, Saint George's sword

Botanical name : Sansevieria trifasciata Genus : Snake plants

Snake plant, A species of Snake plants

Also known as:

Mother-in-law's tongue, Viper's bowstring hemp, Saint George's sword

Botanical name: Sansevieria trifasciata

Genus: Snake plants

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Content

Description People often ask General Info Care Guide for Snake plant Toxic Plants

Description

Snake plant can be considered part house plant and part architectural display, as its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns are distinctive and eye-catching. Use caution with this plant, however, because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.

Plant Type

Herb

Bloom Time

Spring

Flower Color

Green

White

Leaf Color

Green

* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.

People often ask

Does snake plant clean the air?

How do you take care of a snake plant?

Is snake plant dangerous?

What is snake plant good for?

How fast do snake plant grow?

General Info

Name story

Mother-in-law's tongue||Snake plant

this plant is commonly called "mother-in-law's tongue" or "snake plant", because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves. It is also known as the "viper's bowstring hemp", because it is one of the sources for plant fibers used to make bowstrings.

Symbolism

Long life, protection, luck, prosperity

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

It can purify air and release negative ions.

Garden Use

Snake plant is an evergreen perennial commonly found in arid gardens of warm climates. It is prized for its attractive vertical variegated foliage that is easy to maintain. Its vertical growth and height mean that it is suitable for borders. Snake plant is used for Mediterranean gardens and rockeries. Plant with Blue Fescue or Jade plant for color contrast.

Care Guide for Snake plant

Is snake plant considered a weed?

Snake plant is a common leafy ornamental plant, which is moderately toxic to pets. It is considered an invasive species in some parts of North America.

Is snake plant poisonous to both dogs and cats?

Though the toxicity of snake plant is mild, it can be rather dangerous to cats, dogs and horses, especially those who have small body mass. Keep snake plant out of reach of your pets.

Is it a Weed?

Snake plant is a weed of roadsides, waste areas, open woodlands, disturbed sites, coastal areas and edges of closed forests in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. It spreads by seeds, rhizomes and rhizome parts. Snake plant is considered an environmental weed in Australia, and an invasive species in Florida.

Toxicity

Snake plant contains saponins, compounds that are mildly toxic to pets, and slightly toxic to humans. Cases of poisoning are extremely rare, due to the low toxicity of the plant and the fact that it doesn't look edible. However, if large amounts of snake plant are ingested, it can cause the following symptoms: swelling on the lips, tongue, and mouth, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Toxicity in Animals

Snake plant has a more severe effect on pets due to their curiosity and small body mass. Saponins can cause serious gastrointestinal problems in dogs, cats, and horses. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, dilated pupils (cats), lethargy, and decreased appetite. Symptom intensity will differ depending on the size of the animal; small animals with low body mass are most at risk.

Environmental Threats

Snake plant is native to tropical areas of West Africa. It is widely naturalized in Australia, Florida, Costa Rica and several Pacific islands. This plant can reproduce vigorously in favorable conditions and thus become a threat to native plants outside its own native range. It is listed as an invasive species in Florida.

Potential Risks

Due to its saponin content, snake plant should be kept out of reach of small children and pets, as all parts of the plant contain these toxic compounds.

If you want to remove snake plant from your house or garden, properly dry all plant parts (especially rhizomes) before disposal to prevent its spread into new areas. This is an extremely important prevention method if you live in a climate that is very favorable for its growth.

How to Control it

The most effective way to prevent the spread of the snake plant is manual removal. Removing these plants is the easiest while they are still young and have smaller rhizomes. All underground parts should be removed, considering that the snake plant can successfully regrow from the remaining rhizomes next season and continue its spread.

How to identify?

Leaf Flower Fruit

Scientific Classification

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Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

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Snake plant Add to My Garden

A species of Snake plants, Also known as Mother-in-law's tongue, Viper's bowstring hemp, Saint George's sword Botanical name : Sansevieria trifasciata Genus : Snake plants