One of the other plants I recently picked up was a snake plant for its air purifying qualities. I don’t feel like air quality is necessarily a problem in my home, but I do burn a lot of incense! I figure that it couldn’t hurt!
Gender: Female
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Planet: Sun
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Meaning: Health
Type: evergreen
Grows in Zone: 9b-11
Plant for bees?: No
Natural pesticide?: No
Poisonous/ Toxic: Low- may be mildly irritating especially if ingested
Also known as Mother in Law’s Tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp, or St. George’s sword, if you are looking for an easy care houseplant, you can’t do much better than a snake plant. Because of their adaptability and tolerance, they’re often used as houseplants or in office buildings. The plant is relatively simple to care for, requiring minimal lighting and can tolerate irregular watering. They can grow up to about 2 feet tall and enjoy low light and bright indirect light.
The snake plant (Sansevieria) genus is composed of about 70 species, all native to Africa, India, and Arabia. They have antiseptic properties and are used by some cultures as bandages. They can be used in spells for long life, prosperity, beauty, health, strength, intelligence, and it cuts through negativity.
They are amazing nocturnal air purifiers as well. Their broad leaves soak up toxins and produce oxygen to help purify the air in the room. Snake plants release oxygen at night and absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants such as Benzene, Formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene. It is also effective at removing nitrogen oxide from the air.
Benzene is found in plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. It is also found in tobacco smoke, vehicle exhausts, and glue. Formaldehyde can be found in paper bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, paper towels, table napkins, particle board, plywood paneling, carpets, upholstery, glues, paint, and synthetic fabrics.
Trichloroethylene can be found in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives, paint removers, and rug cleaning solutions. And finally, xylene can be found in printing, rubber, leather and paint industries, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhausts.
This plant is ideal for those who are exposed to gasoline, smog, car fumes, or heavy cleaners. It is ideal for asthmatics and those with lung conditions like emphysema.
Snake plants have a low level of toxicity, but they can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if they’re ingested. Pets and small babies are at particular risk of accidentally eating some of the leaves. My cats ignore them so it isn’t really an issue for me.
Use level: Easy
Nothing on this website should be taken as medical or legal advice. Please use herbs responsibly. Always consult your doctor before using any kind of supplements.
From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,
