Does A Snake Plant Purify The Air? Benefits & Drawbacks

The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is a popular houseplant known for purifying the air. Snake plants are particularly effective at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and nitrogen oxides from the air.

Additionally, snake plants release oxygen at night, which can help to improve air quality in bedrooms and other enclosed spaces. As a result of these benefits, snake plants make an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies or other respiratory conditions.

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Does A Snake Plant Purify The Air

Does A Snake Plant Purify The Air?

Snake plants are tough plants that can withstand a wide range of conditions and do not require much water or maintenance. Different varieties of snake plants have different purifying abilities, but all snake plants help to remove harmful toxins from the air.

So if you’re looking for a plant that is easy to care for and effective at purifying your air, a snake plant is a good choice.

10 Benefits Of Snake Plants

Now we will talk about “are snake plants good for the air” and many other benefits.

Clean The Air Day & Night

Snake plants are one of the best indoor plants for filtering the air. They convert carbon dioxide into oxygen day and night, making them ideal for bedrooms.

Snake plants also help to clean the air by absorbing a variety of toxins, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. Not only do these pollutants cause health problems, but they can also contribute to a stuffy indoor atmosphere.

By removing these toxins from the air, snake plants can help to create a cleaner and more comfortable environment. 

Moreover, you can use the latest air purifiers to clean the air of harmful toxins.

Boost Mental Health 

Snake plants have been shown to boost mental health and positively affect mental health treatment. As a result, many workplaces and schools have added snake plants to their facilities. The presence of these plants has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase productivity.

Low Maintenance Cost

One of the many benefits of snake plants is their low maintenance. Easy to care for, they do not require much watering or attention.

According to botanist Halina Shamshur, “Being very undemanding, they’re often grown on windowsills in houses, apartments, and different public buildings.” 

Snake plants can tolerate shade and sunlight, as well as under watering. As a result, they are an ideal plant for those who do not have a green thumb. 

Decorate Your Home

Snake plants are a type of succulent that is often used as decoration in homes and offices. They are easy to care for and come in various sizes, making them ideal for small and large spaces.

Snake plants also have a tall, slender shape that makes them perfect for corners or areas with limited floor space.

Lessen The Impact of Allergies

Spring is a wonderful time of year, with warmer weather and all the flowers in bloom. However, for many people, it also brings a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing fits. Allergies are no fun, but there are ways to lessen their impact.

One method is to keep a snake plant in your home. Snake plants release oxygen at night, which can help to ease congestion. They also add moisture to the air, which can help to keep your respiratory system hydrated.

Additionally, snake plants are effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and naturally decreasing airborne toxins. So if you’re looking for a way to fight back against allergies, a snake plant may be just what you need.

Absorb Negative Energy

According to some, the benefit of snake plants is that they can Absorb Negative Energy. It is said that by eliminating bitterness, jealousy and other harmful emotions, Snake Plants can make a room more positive.

People argue about the best placement of snake plants. Still, it is generally agreed that near or close to people is most beneficial, as they can absorb negative energy emitted by the person.

It has also been said that Snake Plants can help to eliminate harmful radiation from electronics in the home. Whether or not these claims are true, there is no doubt that Snake Plants are pleasing to look at and require very little care, making them a popular choice for houseplants.

Heal Skin Wounds and Burns

The benefits of snake plants are numerous. For one, they can help to heal skin wounds and burns. The plant’s succulent leaves are packed with moisture, and when applied to a wound, they can help to soothe and speed up the healing process.

In addition, snake plants can help to improve the appearance of scars. The leaves contain antioxidants that can help fade scars and give them a more even appearance.

Snake plants can also be used to treat acne. The plant’s antibacterial properties can help kill the bacteria that cause acne breakouts, and the leaves moisturizing effect can help reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

As a result, snake plants can be a valuable addition to any skincare routine.

Relieve Headaches

For centuries, people have used snake plants to help relieve headaches. The snake plant is usually brewed into tea when used for headaches. The tea has a bitter taste, but it is said to be effective in relieving headaches.

Help Strengthen The Immune System

Snake plants help to strengthen the immune system. The tough leaves are covered in a sticky resin that traps dust and other particles. As the plant filters the air, it also helps to remove harmful bacteria and viruses from your home.

Reduce Inflammation

Recent studies have shown that snake plants can help to reduce inflammation. This is due to the presence of compounds like saponins and flavonoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition, snake plants contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These properties make snake plants an ideal natural remedy for conditions like arthritis and eczema.

Famous Types of Snake Plants

These plants come in a variety of species, each with their own unique characteristics and features. Here are some famous types of snake plants that you may want to consider for your home:

Sansevieria Trifasciata

Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular varieties of snake plants. It is known for its tall, green, sword-like leaves that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures and low light conditions, making it perfect for busy individuals who don’t have a lot of time to care for their plants.

Sansevieria Canaliculate

Sansevieria canaliculate, also known as the African spear plant, is a smaller variety of snake plant with narrow, pointed leaves. It has a unique appearance with its dark green leaves that have pale green stripes running down the center. It is a slow-growing plant that is perfect for small spaces or as an accent plant in a larger container.

Sansevieria Patens

Sansevieria patens, also known as the spreading snake plant, is a unique variety with wider, more rounded leaves that have a blue-green color. It is known for its ability to grow horizontally, making it a great option for hanging baskets or for filling in empty spaces on shelves or tables.

Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’

Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, also known as the golden snake plant, is a popular variety with green leaves that have golden yellow edges. It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and adds a pop of color to any room.

Sansevieria Cylindrica

Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as the cylindrical snake plant, is a tall, slender plant with cylindrical leaves that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is a slow-growing plant that is perfect for adding height and drama to a room.

Sansevieria Fischeri

Sansevieria fischeri, also known as the starfish snake plant, is a unique variety with star-shaped leaves that have a dark green color. It is a slow-growing plant that is perfect for small spaces or as an accent plant in a larger container.

Sansevieria Masoniana

Sansevieria masoniana, also known as the whale fin snake plant, is a tall, wide plant with large, dark green leaves that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It is a slow-growing plant that is perfect for adding height and drama to a room.

How Does Snake Plant Produce Oxygen at Night?

It is possible that snake plant produces oxygen at night because the plant is able to perform a process called Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM).

CAM is a type of photosynthesis that allows plants to open their stomata, the tiny openings on the surface of leaves through which they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, during the night instead of the day.

This is beneficial for the snake plant because it allows it to conserve water during the hot, dry conditions that it is often found in.

During the day, the snake plant takes in carbon dioxide through its stomata and uses it to perform photosynthesis, converting it into oxygen and glucose (a type of sugar).

However, unlike most plants, the snake plant does not release the oxygen it produces immediately. Instead, it stores it in specialized structures called vacuoles until nightfall.

Once the sun sets, the snake plant opens its stomata and releases the stored oxygen into the air. This process allows the plant to produce oxygen 24 hours a day, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms or other enclosed spaces where people spend a lot of time.

What Happens When You Sleep With A Snake Plant In Your Room?

While most people would not consider sleeping with a snake plant in their room, there are many benefits. For starters, snake plants are known for their ability to improve air quality.

They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which can help to purify the air in your bedroom and promote a restful night’s sleep.

Additionally, snake plants emit negative ions, which have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Finally, snake plants are very low-maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about watering them or taking care of them in other ways before you go to bed.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep quality, consider adding a snake plant to your bedroom.

How Many Snake Plants Per Room?

When it comes to decorating a room with snake plants, the question of how many to use can be a tricky one to answer. The answer will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the room, the overall style of the space, and the specific aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.

A general rule of thumb is to have one snake plant per 100 square feet of space. So, if you have a room that is 300 square feet, you would want to have three snake plants.

However, if you’re looking to create a more dramatic effect, you may want to consider having more snake plants in the room.

For example, if you have a large living room with high ceilings, you may want to have several snake plants placed throughout the space to create a sense of lush greenery. In this case, you could have five or six snake plants in the room.

Another thing to keep in mind is the overall style of the room. If you’re working with a minimalist aesthetic, you may want to stick with just one or two snake plants in the space.

However, if you’re going for a more bohemian or tropical vibe, you may want to have several snake plants throughout the room.

Ultimately, the number of snake plants you choose to have in a room will depend on your personal preference and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. It’s important to experiment with different arrangements and see what works best for your space.

How to Handle Yellowing Leaves on Your Snake Plant?

Yellowing leaves on a snake plant, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, can be a sign of several issues, including improper care or a disease. Here are some steps you can take to address yellowing leaves on your snake plant:

Check the soil moisture: Snake plants prefer well-draining soil and do not like to be consistently wet. Over watering can cause the leaves to yellow and rot. Make sure you are not watering too frequently and that the soil has had time to dry out between watering.

Check the lighting: Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light. If the plant is not getting enough light, the leaves may yellow and become limp. Move the plant to a location with more light, but be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to bleach or burn.

Check for pests: Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of pest infestation, such as mealybugs or scale insects. Check the underside of the leaves for small, cotton-like masses or hard, brown or black bumps. If you find pests, you can remove them by hand or use a natural pest control solution, such as neem oil or horticultural soap.

Check for disease: Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of a fungal or bacterial disease. If the yellowing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as brown or black spots on the leaves or a foul smell, the plant may have a disease. Remove any infected leaves and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the disease.

Fertilize: Snake plants do not require a lot of fertilization, but if the plant is not getting enough nutrients, the leaves may yellow. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilize at half the recommended strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

By following these steps, you can help your snake plant recover from yellowing leaves and maintain its healthy appearance. Remember to always check the plant’s specific care requirements and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal growth and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, snake plants do not bring negative energy. In fact, they have the opposite effect. Snake plants absorb harmful toxins from the air and can help purify your environment while promoting positive vibes.

Yes, snake plants are known to be quite efficient at releasing oxygen. During the day, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to purify the air around them. At night, they absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide, which can help you sleep better.

Therefore, having a snake plant in your bedroom can improve air quality.

Snake plants are usually quite happy in a bathroom, as the humidity levels are often higher than other rooms. Additionally, they can help to purify the air and absorb moisture from showers and baths.

However, place your snake plant in an area with plenty of indirect sunlight. The plant may look limp and discoloured if you do not provide enough light.

Snake plants have been known to improve mood and reduce stress levels. The negative ions emitted by the plant can help to reduce anxiety and depression while also providing a sense of calmness and peace.

Yes, snake plants can live in rooms with no windows. However, they may not thrive as well as they would if placed in an area with plenty of indirect sunlight. To keep your snake plant healthy, it is best to place it near a window or use artificial light sources such as LED grow lights.

Snake plants require very little maintenance and can go weeks without being watered. Generally, you should water your snake plant about once every two weeks during the growing season and less often in winter.

While snake plants have a lot of great benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks. For example, the plant is mildly toxic if ingested in large amounts, so it should be kept away from pets and small children.

Additionally, snake plants may be susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring additional care and attention.

Finally, snake plants can be difficult to propagate and may only be suitable for some people’s lifestyles.

However, if taken care of properly, snake plants can bring positive energy into your home.

The best place for a snake plant is somewhere it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight, such as near a window in your home. You should also make sure to keep the soil moist and that the air around the plant is circulating properly.

If taken care of correctly, snake plants can last for years and provide clean air and positive energy.

No, you should not shower your snake plant. While it can be beneficial to mist the leaves of your snake plant with water, using a shower or hose may damage the plant and cause it to become diseased.

Instead, use a spray bottle with lukewarm water to lightly mist the leaves of your snake plant every few weeks.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to sleep next to a snake plant. Some people even claim that the negative ions released by the plant help them get a better night’s rest. Additionally, these plants can help purify the air and reduce allergens in your bedroom.

Kristen Park - Specialised Content Writer for Caresh Fresh


My name is Kristen Park and I am a senior writer specialising in how-to guides and home cleaning information at Cares Fresh. As a researcher, I take pride in digging deep to find every small detail on a topic and explaining it in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.