The health benefits of plants are widely praised, but sometimes starting your own indoor garden can still be a daunting task. Follow our Plant Selection Series for the easiest & most resilient plants to get you grounded and arm you with the best indoor gardening supplies (aka knowledge and confidence) to keep on growing.
Plant Selection #1
Sansevieria trifasciata
Our first plant selection is the Sansevieria trifasciata, commonly known as the Snake Plant. You might recognize this plant for its long, stripy green and yellow leaves, which is the ‘Black Gold’ variety. But this powerful plant comes in several different types, including ‘Whale Fin,’ ‘Starfish’ and ‘Cylindrica,’ each named after their distinctive appearances.
There are several traits of this genus which make it perfect for those just starting out:
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Their leaves hold water. Don’t worry about leaving for a family vacation and coming home to withered, yellowing stems. This plant is especially forgiving, so even if you forget to water once in a while, it will keep going. A quick caveat is that all plants need water eventually, so if your trip is an extended one (1 month or longer), it’s a good idea to arrange for a plant-sitter or us indoor gardening supplies like self-watering devices.
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They can handle shade. Whether you are in a dark Manhattan apartment or have North-facing windows, snake plants can handle shade well enough to survive. Just remember that the less light the plant receives, the slower it will grow, which means it needs less water. A small snake plant in a darker spot (i.e. more than six feet away from a window) will need to be watered no more than once every 2 to 3 weeks. Also, the bigger the plant, the less frequently it needs water. So, a large snake plant in a 10” pot might only need water once every 3 to 4 weeks! That said, all plants need light to make food via photosynthesis, so if you have a truly dark corner, a live plant may not be the right fit.
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They are strong. This plant isn’t a delicate one. The leaves are tough to the touch and will not snap easily. In fact, new leaves that come from the base of the plant can even split open a plastic pot! Just know that if this happens to you, it’s time to re-pot this trooper.
But pet owners beware. Before you get this mighty plant, take note that it is mildly poisonous to cats and dogs. If this might be a problem for you, stay tuned for our next blog installment for another green, beginner-friendly addition plus other indoor gardening supplies to use in your home!
GardenStreets provides interior plantscapes, plant care and consultation services to commercial and residential clients. We also provide many virtual team building events, many of which are inspired by nature. Our mission is to bring nature closer to people through the philosophy of ‘Right Plant, Right Place’.
