10+ Valuable Benefits of Snake Plant You Need to Know!

Written by Ar. Ruchika Deshpande | Updated January 2026.

So once upon a time, I was a lazy gardener. I literally didn’t fertilize my plants; I forgot to water them and what not. Eventually, I stopped keeping plants altogether. Then, Covid hit and I really longed for a green buddy to soothe my eyes. That’s when I came to know about the Sansevieria family aka mother-in-law’s tongue. And then, a fellow botanist even told me the many benefits of snake plant and it all made sense!

So basically, it was really easy to grow, easier to propagate and even more easier to maintain in hectic schedules. Over time, I noticed it helped make my space feel calmer, cleaner, and more breathable. It didn’t demand care, yet it gave a lot back.

Hi, I am Ruchika, a regular 9-6 individual like all of you! But you know what, this work is literally stripping us of our lives. We all need mental peace, a small break from screens and yeah, some connection with nature. But then I know that we all don’t even have time to raise kids, let alone high-maintenance plants! So that is why I am here to help you with a plant that literally needs no care! In this blog, I’ll walk you through all the real, practical benefits of snake plant, based on experience, research, and honest observation. And yes, I’ll also share trusted buying links toward the end.

Top Insights

• Snake plants support indoor comfort passively by releasing oxygen, adding mild moisture through transpiration, and trapping dust. Plus, they don’t release heavy pollen or fragrance too!
• Snake plants reward restraint: minimal watering, stable placement, infrequent repotting, and limited fertilizer consistently produce healthier plants than “routine care.”
• In short, snake plants purify indoor air, need minimal maintenance, add grounding energy, support better sleep, and suit allergy-prone homes. And these are some of the benefits of snake plants you truly can’t miss out on.

What is a Snake Plant & Where Does It Come From?

So snake plants aka Sansevieria trifasciata come from West Africa. There’s no water, no fertile soil. So basically, survival depends on efficiency or what we call xerophytic plants today. Hence, they have eventually developed a few survival traits that we now call as clear ‘indoor’ benefits. Some of them are: 

• Thick fleshy leaves that store water despite dry spells
• Slow, controlled growth that doesn’t need much fertilization
• Roots that function well even in shallow, low-nutrient soil
• A natural tolerance for heat, drought and inconsistent care

And, this evolutionary background is basically why snake plants perform so well in modern Indian homes. 

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7 Benefits of Snake Plant at Home for Busy Homeowners & Beginners

You know, I’ve honestly avoided getting plants for a long time. Not because I don’t like them. I love greenery; trust me! But I also know my routine. I almost work 20 x 7. And when I’m not working on Archwhispers, I’m working on Resha, our in-house decor brand. So, some weeks are calm, while some are chaotic. Thus, I am really inconsistent in plant care. I don’t follow a watering schedule, I don’t fertilize them rightly, and I don’t even change the potting mix! 

That’s precisely why the snake plant worked for me when nothing else did. In fact, here are some benefits of the snake plant I loved the most:

1. It Doesn’t Mind Inconsistent Watering (Which Is Honestly the Biggest Win)

One of the biggest benefits of snake plant, and honestly the main reason it survives so well in my home, is its drought tolerance. You see, snake plants are naturally built for dry conditions. Their thick, fleshy leaves store water and release it slowly over time. So even if you skip a watering or so, the plant simply waits. 

Now yes, most experts usually recommend watering them: 

• Every 10-14 days during warmer months
• Every 2-3 weeks during cooler months

But honestly, I’ve never followed a strict calendar like that. Instead, I water the plant only when the top 2–3 inches of soil feels completely dry to the touch. Not slightly moist. Properly dry. That’s my only rule.

And in fact, even some experts from “Just Agriculture” suggest that snake plants are far more likely to suffer from overwatering than under-watering. Yellow leaves, mushy bases, root rot… almost all of it comes from too much water. So, being a little forgetful actually works in your favor here. Your inconsistency eventually becomes the plant’s comfort zone.

Quick Tip: Use a fast-draining soil mix (about 40–50% potting soil, 30% coarse sand or perlite, and a little gravel or brick chips) and plant it in a terracotta or clay pot. This helps excess water escape quickly, protects the roots from rot, and makes your snake plant even more drought-tolerant.

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2. Benefits of Snake Plant for Corporate Schedules

This, my friends, is one of the biggest benefits of snake plant that genuinely fits my work routine, especially during long meetings and frequent travel. In fact, I’ll be honest here! I do forget watering and fertilizing my plants sometimes. But the snake plant never reacts dramatically to that. It handles dry periods beautifully as long as the roots stay healthy and the soil isn’t constantly wet. And honestly, that’s the only condition it really asks for.

And over time, I’ve figured out a few simple setup choices that make this plant even more compatible with less watering. Some of them are: 

• Fast-draining soil mixes, especially those with perlite & succulent mixes for effective drainage. 
• I always choose a pot with drainage holes and a cork base layer
• I add a light gravel or pumice layer at the bottom to prevent water stagnation
• Placing the plant in steady, indirect light, which keeps growth slow and controlled
• Staying extra cautious with watering in humid homes, since snake plants already store moisture efficiently

Once set up this way, the plant doesn’t fall into a water-stress loop at all. It dries evenly, manages moisture on its own terms, and stays stable.

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3. It Has Shallow Roots for Better Adaptability! 

You know how space is already a luxury in our homes? Like, half the time, I’m still figuring out storage and seating. So the idea of creating a dedicated “plant corner” honestly feels a bit ambitious. And that’s undoubtedly where the snake plant comes in!

See, the snake plant has really shallow roots. So, it doesn’t need any oversized or expensive planters. Nor a superior potting mix. In fact, you can place them on the windowsill, on your balcony stand, anywhere. It just needs a well-draining home! 

And you know what? The roots don’t even spread aggressively. So you won’t have cracked pots, leaning plants, cramped stems, or anything! Trust me, it’s one of the most underrated benefits of snake plant others won’t tell you about! 

Quick Tip: Always choose compact, well-draining pots, preferably the terracotta or ceramic ones, to avoid stunted growth & overcrowding. 

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4. Low-Maintenance Benefits of Snake Plant 

This is honestly one of the benefits of snake plant that made me keep it in the first place. It’s tremendously resilient! Like, it survives on low light, irregular watering, low plant care, low fertilization, and what not! And that’s basically because it uses a slow growth strategy, prioritizes survival, and stores nutrients in its leaves. 

You know, I’ve also observed that the snake plant doesn’t exhaust the soil that easily. In fact, it doesn’t even pull nutrients & water. So you don’t need heavy fertilizer with them. You don’t need a fixed routine either. Just keep the soil dry and let the plant grow freely! 

Quick Tip: Try to keep your setup simple with this one. Like just use fast-draining soil, water sparingly, and try to give it a lot of indirect light. Trust me, your snake plant will surely grow well this way! 

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5. They Have an Excellent Lifespan

Do you know that snake plants live for over 50 years in ideal environments (cit. Growhub.ae)? And even if not ideal, they do last for 10 – 25 years in most modern Indian homes. 

In fact, I’ve noticed that they don’t even need frequent repotting. You can literally use the same soil and pot for 3-5 years; the plant won’t die. And actually, they prefer staying slightly root bound only. This way, they stay upright, firm, balanced, and don’t droop. So yeah! They are a pretty long companion.

Quick Tip: Avoid rotating or shifting your snake plant too often. Like, try to stabilize it in one pot & one spot for healthy leaves and roots. 

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6.  It’s One of the Easiest Plants to Propagate 

Remember how I mentioned placing around 3–4 snake plants for better indoor air support? Well, you don’t need to keep buying new plants every time for that. Even I don’t. I simply propagate the ones I already have. And honestly, the whole process, either via division or through leaf cuttings, is super easy. 

Division is basically like: you choose a healthy shoot,  plant it in fresh, well-draining soil, and let it grow on its own. That’s it! The leaf cutting method, however, is a bit tricky. Like yes, you just need to cut a leaf & then plant it in soil or water. But rooting takes time this way, and you won’t see any new growth before 3-4 months. 

Also, you won’t be able to use this method for variegated snake plants. Like if you have Laurentii, the one with yellow edged leaves, you’ll still get the striped ones only. Hence, I prefer the division method if I want the leaves & markings to continue. 

Quick tip: Always try to dry the cuttings before planting; they root faster this way!

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7. Benefits of Snake Plant w.r.t Adaptability

Now, one of the biggest benefits of the snake plant is how easily it fits in everyday Indian homes. Like, I’ve placed my snake plants in floor pots, tabletop planters, balcony corners, window sills, and even hanging baskets. I’ve moved them between indoor rooms and outdoor balconies, from bright spaces to slightly dull ones. And each time, the plant adjusted effortlessly. 

In fact, I’ve even observed how predictable it is to change. Like it slows growth with reduced light. It flares up with increased light. Then, it cramps with less water. It grows taller when root-bound, etc. So, you can really use them as visual anchors for any modernist interior style. 

Quick Tip: Always transition your snake plant gradually. Like, introduce it to partial shade first, let it settle, and then bring it to full sun or shade as per the decor. 

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7 Main Health Benefits of Snake Plant for Health

So apart from the ease of gardening & propagation, the snake plant has numerous health benefits for sleep & general well-being too. Some of them are: 

8. It’s a Magic Air Purifier

Now, I know that the snake plant is not an air purifying machine. And yes, I am not even telling you to replace your exhaust fan or air purifier with it. But yes, it does support a cleaner indoor environment. And that really matters a lot!  

In fact, I think all of us know the famous NASA study by now. And while that research did happen in controlled lab conditions, the scientists found that a single snake plant absorbed over 28,710 mcg of benzene (cit. Nasa. gov). Now, that’s a lot, right? And not only benzene, snake plants even reduce formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene; basically all the chemicals from furniture, paints, cleaning products, and everyday VOCs. What more do you even want?

I’ve personally also observed that snake plants don’t release too much pollen & fragrances. So they’re quite gentle, especially in bedrooms, workspaces, and compact apartments. And they even release oxygen at night, which is literally so rare in houseplants. 

Quick Tip: Always add 3-4 snake plants instead of relying on one. And if possible, place them near the windows, balconies, or ventilation paths for maximum filtration.

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9. It Supports Better & Calmer Sleep

So, one of the most meaningful benefits of snake plant is how easily it promotes good sleep in a world filled with anxiety and depression. And not even by secreting pollen & fragrances.

You see, snake plants follow CAM photosynthesis. That basically means they continue gas exchange and carbon absorption during the night too. Thus, it oxygenates the room a bit better. Now, yes, one snake plant will not randomly ‘oxygenate’ any room, but studies show that they increase it by over 8 – 10%. So, they really comfort us down.

Plus, I also love that they don’t shed pollen. They don’t release fragrance. They don’t shed VOCs, nothing! So, all of this helps better melatonin secretion and promotes deep sleep. 

Quick Tip: Place over 2-3 medium-sized snake plants a short distance away from the bed. Also, use fast-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent excess humidity and heat buildup in sleeping areas.

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10. Benefits of Snake Plant for Better Productivity

I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again; I have a pretty busy schedule. And because of that, I really need spaces that feel calm. Not mentally heavy. Not overstimulating. 

I actually talked about this to Mr. Kotwal, our plant expert last month. And he suggested adding snake plants around my work desk. Like, he told me that since snake plants have a simple shape, they feel calm, focused & productive. And yes, I was a bit hesitant first.

But you know what? They do help concentrate on tasks. Like, they don’t distract you with flowers, nor fragrance. They don’t change forms. And honestly, they just add some buffers in screen-heavy spaces. Trust me, they are one of the best & cheapest visual anchors you can find out there! 

Quick tip: Place your snake plant within the natural line of sight always; say on the floor, beside a desk or near a window. They’ll add a really nice screen buffer that way!

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11. It’s a Wonder Humidifier

Do you know that as per a study published in the International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, snake plants can help increase indoor humidity by up to around 7%? And well, that’s a lot! Especially in India with dry spells. When you are dealing with dry skin. And when, your eyes get devoid of moisture. Basically, when everything itches! 

So, snake plants work with a natural process known as transpiration. Basically, it’s like plants absorb moisture during the day and release it at night. So, they literally offer a gentle, steady moisture support that cleans air, softens your skin and makes breathing easier!  Trust me, it’s one of the main benefits of snake plant you can’t miss out on! 

Quick Tip: Try to group in 2-3 medium sized snake plants to balance the moisture & transpiration required in any medium-sized home.

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12. Benefits of Snake Plant Inside the House for Stress Reduction

So, we all know by now how green indoor plants promote serotonin and endorphins, which regulate stress levels and your mood. And at the same time, they lower cortisol which is responsible for anxiety, burnout, restlessness, etc. And yes, snake plants are no different!

In fact, one of the biggest benefits of snake plant is their simplicity. The shape is clean. Upright. Easy to process. And it doesn’t overwhelm anyone, even people with special needs and sensory sensitiveness. Plus, snake plants don’t even droop or wilt with climate changes. And that visual consistency actually supports steadier hormone responses over time. Isn’t that simply amazing? 

I’ve also personally noticed that snake plants eventually promote better sleep and relaxation in bedrooms too. I’m not saying it directly changes melatonin levels; but it absolutely helps the body slow down, disconnect, and ease into rest.

Caution: Avoid placing your snake plants directly under the AC vents since they stress & deform the plant like anything! 

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13. Its Gentle on Allergies

Now, remember that snake plants are your true saviours if you react to dust, strong smells, or heavy pollen. See, snake plants don’t flower. They don’t release fragrances, nothing! In fact, I’ve noticed that they actually soften the air and reduce the dry, dusty feeling that develops cough, asthma, eye irritation, allergies, everything! 

Their structure helps too. Those broad, upright leaves naturally trap dust on the surface instead of letting it circulate through the room. And since the plant doesn’t shed leaves or pollen, it keeps irritation levels drastically low.

For me, this is one of the quieter benefits of snake plant. You don’t notice it instantly. But over time, the space feels easier to breathe in; and that’s something I genuinely value in everyday living.

Quick Tip: Wipe your snake plant’s leaves once a week with damp cloth to clean the trapped dust, bacteria & mold effectively.

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14. Vastu Benefits of Snake Plant

Do you know that Vastu-shastra (and even some feng shui principles) consider snake plants as one of the best tools to ward off negative energy? One, they have a straight and upright form that denotes stability & resilience. And two, they have a nice vertical growth that indicates grounded energy & calmness. 

Personally, I suggest placing snake plants in the east, south or south west corners to support energy flow & financial stability. But then, if you don’t have a window there, you can also place it in the south-west or Niruti stana to stabilize the Earth element. Either direction works perfectly!

Caution: Avoid placing the snake plant in the north east or the Ishan Sthana as it may feel a bit heavy for the lighter spiritual energies there.

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5 Beginner Care Tips to Take Care of the Snake Plant

• Always keep the plant slightly root bound; snug pots actually help it stay strong and upright.
• Avoid misting the leaves; snake plants prefer dry foliage & might catch fungus in wet ones.
• Avoid frequent relocation; snake plants settle better and grow stronger when left in one stable spot.
• Skip decorative pebble top layers if airflow is poor; compacted soil surfaces trap moisture unnecessarily.
• Trim damaged or mushy leaves from the base immediately to stop rot from spreading to healthy roots.

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Snake Plant Varieties & Price Chart in India 

Snake Plant Variety	Common Name	Typical Pot Size	Price Range (₹)	Notes
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’	Yellow-Edge Snake Plant	4–6 inch	₹199 – ₹499	Most common & affordable
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Zeylanica’	Green Snake Plant	4–6 inch	₹179 – ₹449	Often cheaper than Laurentii
Sansevieria cylindrica	Cylindrical Snake Plant	4–6 inch	₹249 – ₹699	Braided versions cost more
Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’	Silver Snake Plant	4–6 inch	₹399 – ₹899	Higher due to colour rarity
Sansevieria ‘Golden Hahnii’	Bird’s Nest Snake Plant	4–5 inch	₹249 – ₹599	Compact but popular
Sansevieria ‘Black Gold’	Dark Variegated Snake Plant	4–6 inch	₹299 – ₹699	Mid-range pricing
Sansevieria ‘Whitney’	Compact Snake Plant	4–5 inch	₹299 – ₹649	Slightly premium compact type
Sansevieria ‘Futura Superba’	Broad-Leaf Snake Plant	5–6 inch	₹299 – ₹799	Beginner-friendly
Sansevieria masoniana	Whale Fin Snake Plant	Single leaf / small pot	₹699 – ₹1,999	Size-dependent, widely varies
Sansevieria kirkii	Star Snake Plant	4–6 inch	₹499 – ₹1,499	Less common, collector interest

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FAQs

Conclusion

So now that you know more than 10 benefits of snake plant, I hope choosing one feels less confusing & more intentional. It’s just that water the plant when the top layer feels dry, let it stay in bright light once a while and wipe it regularly. 

Then, you can place it in east, south, or south-east zones if you follow Vastu-shastra. And it’s actually okay even if you don’t. You can still keep them in floor planters, bedroom corners, workspaces, or balconies too. 

But if you still don’t want a natural plant, here are some artificial ones you can buy. But if you do, here are some of our recommendations as promised: 

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Citations

• Sansevieria: The Unique Indoor Plant 
• https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19930073077/downloads/19930073077.pdf 
• https://growhub.ae/blogs/blog/the-lifespan-of-a-snake-plant-how-long-do-they-live?srsltid=AfmBOopMugUV6-uGwbh8cArvNwXQyHSfXgnRtlwaxBlXA0SyEIkP06dw 
• https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.17790 
• Sarker, M. M. R., Sammy, H., Khan, M., & Akhtar, N. (2022). Modeling to Reduce the Indoor Air Pollution in Dhaka: An Evidence from Randomized Experiment of NASA Recommended Plants. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 12(2), 84–92. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2022/v12i230631 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4419447/ 
• https://phytopharmajournal.com/assets/pdf_files/Vol13_Issue3_07.pdf 
• https://snu.edu.in/site/assets/files/3875/xerophytes_shivnadaruniversitycampus.pdf?v=2