Sansevieria originate in tropical Africa, although there are some species growing in Asia as well. The Sansevieria is commonly called the snake plant because of the shape of its leaves – or even mother-in-law’s tongue because of the leaves’ sharpness. The name Sansevieria, however, comes from the Prince of Sanseviero, Raimondo de Sango (1710–1771), a particularly tough and strong scientist and plant lover from Naples.

Sansevieria are tough: their roots are strong and can easily break a plant pot that is too small. Try to avoid this by repotting if the plant becomes root-bound, which you will see if the plant rises in the pot or roots appear on the surface.

We distinguish between two kinds of Sansevieria: the tall, lance-shaped plants, which are most common, and the smaller dwarf plants, which grow in rosettes. Most Sansevieria have beautifully speckled leaves in deep shades of green, and some species, like the Sansevieria trifasciata “Laurentii”, have distinctive yellow or silvery-white stripes on the edges of the leaves.

Thanks to its versatility when it comes to light, a snake plant can either be placed on a sunny windowsill or in a semi-shaded corner of your home .

DID YOU KNOW

that the snake plant is ideal for the bedroom? It absorbs carbon dioxide and converts it into fresh oxygen, which is released at night. Thus, the snake plant supports better and healthier sleep .

The Sansevieria has an elegant look, thanks to its long, straight leaves. It creates a linear clarity in any styling .

Try to not touch the spiky top of the leaves: if this breaks off, the leaf will stop growing. Also, although snake plants can cope with almost any lightning situation, they don’t like to be moved from darker to brighter places at once. If you want to move your plant to a place with a different light intensity, do this gradually so that the plant can adjust to it and avoid leaf burn from sunlight.

Sanseviera is a popular houseplant in houses, apartments, businesses and offices. In parts of Africa though, the plant has a greater, mystical meaning: it is used as a protective charm against evil or bewitchment and the leaves are used for fibre production. The leaves also have antiseptic qualities that are used for bandages in traditional first aid.

The lush green hues of the plants accentuate the airy and inviting look of this room in Arizona. The plants have been aptly placed in three corners and set equal visual accents across the room .