Chapter 1: Introduction to Mother-In-Law's Tongue

The snake plant, commonly referred to as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, has emerged as a new favorite among houseplant aficionados, surpassing the once-popular philodendron!

Photo by author, Carol Labuzzetta, 2023.

Having been a certified master gardener for over fifteen years, I certainly don’t consider myself a novice in the gardening world. However, houseplants occasionally present challenges for me, primarily due to my tendency to neglect them!

As a child, I had a philodendron named Philly that hung in a macramé planter (crafted by me, of course, as a product of the 70s). Despite my lack of attention, it thrived for many years.

Now, I have transitioned away from philodendrons, as I find them to become long and rather spindly. My current favorite is the snake plant.

Recently (in 2017), this plant underwent a scientific reclassification, with the former Sansevieria trifasciata now known as Dracaena trifasciata. Honestly, I find the renaming of plants quite confusing, especially for us seasoned horticulture enthusiasts!

At present, I have three snake plants, all descendants of a single plant I acquired years ago. They can endure long periods without water—up to two months—and they thrive in low light conditions. Last summer, I placed one on my south-facing deck; while it was slightly sun-bleached, it also encouraged new growth.

Native to West Africa, snake plants have gained popularity as houseplants in the United States. Once you own one, you’ll discover just how easy they are to maintain. A word of caution: these plants are toxic to pets. However, my dog and cat have shown no interest in them.

The plant in the yellow pot has been divided several times, which is an excellent method for propagating new plants. As any gardener will tell you, sharing plants is always a joy! My eldest son now has a portion of this plant in his apartment, and it has even survived a move from Iowa to Wisconsin.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, snake plants also purify indoor air by absorbing toxins, a quality I greatly admire. Each level of my home hosts a snake plant, including one in the bedroom, which reportedly releases oxygen at night—a fantastic feature!

Second of my three snake plants. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2023.

There are numerous varieties of snake plants! An informative article from The Spruce.com details various types, care guidelines, propagation techniques, and more. If you’re keen to learn, it’s a valuable resource.

While cultivating native plants outdoors is beneficial, indoor gardening allows us to enjoy tropical varieties like the snake plant and exotic orchids. I aspire to expand my houseplant collection this year—how about you?

The snake plant, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners alike!

You can follow me if you find this article insightful, entertaining, or motivating. Here’s how: Consider joining Medium through my referral link, which provides me with a portion of your membership subscription. You'll gain access to countless Medium.com articles! Thank you for your support!

Would you prefer to receive my posts via email? You can subscribe to my page, ensuring that each new article lands directly in your inbox! I truly appreciate your interest!

Chapter 2: Caring for Your Snake Plant

How To Care For A Mother In Law's Tongue: In this video, you will learn essential tips for keeping your snake plant healthy and thriving.

Never Place the Mother-in-Law's Tongue Plant Here: Discover why certain locations can bring bad luck and affect the health of your snake plant.