You’ve probably seen it in a neighbour’s flat or at a friend’s office, tall, upright leaves with green patterns and yellow edges. It’s called the snake plant, and it’s become one of the most recommended indoor plants in modern Indian homes.
What makes it so popular isn’t just its sharp looks. It’s the rare mix of low effort, high resilience, and real utility. This plant doesn’t wilt easily, doesn’t ask for daily care, and fits even in small spaces. Plus, it brings modest air-cleansing and night-time oxygen release, which matters in today’s closed, air-conditioned living environments.
Let’s explore 11 reasons why a snake plant could be a smart addition to your space.
1. Doesn’t Need Daily Watering
Most indoor plants struggle without regular attention. The snake plant doesn’t. You only need to water it once every 10-15 days, and even less during winter. It stores moisture in its leaves and thrives on neglect.
If you’re busy, travel often, or tend to forget watering, this is one plant that won’t punish you for it.
2. Grows Well in Indian Summers
Whether you live in a hot city like Jaipur or a humid coastal place like Chennai, the snake plant handles it well. It tolerates both heat and dry air, ideal for Indian apartments without balcony space or natural airflow.
3. Works Even in Low Light Rooms
Many plants need direct sunlight or balcony placement. Snake plants grow fine in low indirect light, so you can place them in a hallway, bedroom corner, or near the main door. Just avoid full shade or darkness.
4. Adds a Small Boost to Air Quality
The snake plant was part of the NASA Clean Air Study in the 1980s, which tested how indoor plants remove airborne pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde in sealed rooms. It does help absorb small amounts of such toxins, though not enough to replace ventilation or purifiers.
Still, having it around helps keep your indoor air just a little fresher, especially near workstations or next to electronics.
5. Releases Oxygen at Night
Unlike most plants, snake plants can perform CAM photosynthesis. That means they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the night, making them a good choice for bedrooms.
If you keep a small one on your nightstand, you’ll get fresher air while you sleep, especially helpful in closed rooms.
6. Doesn’t Attract Insects
Snake plants don’t produce sweet sap, flowers, or sticky residue. That makes them less likely to attract ants, gnats, or flies, which is a big plus for indoor settings with children or food.
They’re also rarely attacked by pests, so you won’t need sprays or pest control.
7. Needs No Fertilizer or Special Soil
Regular garden soil works fine. You don’t need to feed it weekly or buy potting mixes. Just make sure the pot drains water well, too much moisture can damage the roots.
This simplicity makes it one of the easiest plants to care for.
8. Fits Anywhere in Indian Homes
It grows straight up, not sideways. Even a small 6-inch pot can sit on a desk, bathroom counter, or windowsill. Bigger snake plants work well near entrances or balcony corners without taking much floor space.
Its shape also adds a clean, minimal look to rooms.
9. Doesn’t Need Repotting Often
You can leave a snake plant in the same pot for years. It grows slowly, stays neat, and only needs repotting if the roots outgrow the container. That means less mess and less maintenance overall.
10. Often Suggested in Vastu or Feng Shui
Some Indian families place snake plants near windows or entrances based on vastu or feng shui suggestions. It’s said to block “negative energy” and protect the home. While there’s no scientific proof, it’s a common practice, and the plant’s upright growth and tidy look do match well with interior designs.
11. Safe Around Children, If You Take One Precaution
Snake plants are safe to touch and water, but their leaves contain compounds that may cause mild stomach irritation if chewed. So if you have a toddler or pet who chews on leaves, place it out of reach.
Otherwise, they’re completely safe in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and study corners.
Where Snake Plants Work Best Inside Homes
You can place snake plants in nearly any room, but some spots make the most of their strengths:
- Bedroom – releases oxygen at night; ideal for bedside
- Study room or work desk – adds green without much space
- Bathroom – survives with low light and humidity, if there’s ventilation
- Balcony or kitchen window – works well with morning or indirect light
- Entrance – used in vastu and makes a good visual impact
Avoid placing it in dark corners without light, some indirect sunlight is still needed.
What Snake Plants Can’t Do (And What to Expect Instead)
You may hear exaggerated claims like:
- “Removes 87% toxins from your home”
- “Cures insomnia”
- “Keeps away all mosquitoes”
These are not proven. The NASA study was done in sealed chambers, not in open Indian flats. The plant does clean small amounts of indoor pollutants, but it won’t replace a purifier or fix health conditions.
Still, it gives a real benefit when paired with airflow and other plants, and does it quietly without needing much from you.
Where to Buy Snake Plant in India, and What to Check First
You can find snake plants at:
- Local nurseries and roadside plant vendors
- Online platforms like Amazon, Ugaoo, NurseryLive, or TrustBasket
When buying, check for:
- Thick, upright leaves – soft or droopy leaves could mean overwatering
- No yellow or black spots – avoid plants with visible rot
- Drainage hole in pot – very important to prevent root damage
Varieties you’ll find in India include:
- Sansevieria Laurentii – tall with yellow-bordered leaves
- Sansevieria Zeylanica – deep green with horizontal streaks, more compact
- Sansevieria Cylindrica – rounder, pencil-shaped leaves (less common)
Summary – A Simple Choice That Fits Urban Homes in India
The snake plant is one of the most practical indoor additions for Indian homes. With its ability to survive on minimal water, tolerate heat, grow in low light, and release oxygen at night, it suits the realities of modern urban living. It helps improve indoor air slightly, needs almost no maintenance, and fits well into compact rooms without mess or fuss.
While it won’t replace an air purifier or solve health issues, it offers small, reliable benefits without demanding your time or space. For anyone looking to start with one plant, or add a reliable one to their collection, the snake plant is a sensible, long-lasting choice.
