Photo by Kara Reuter

Snake plants received their name from the shape of their leaves, and are also called Mother-in-Law Tongues due to their sharpness. They can be successfully grown by even those with the blackest of thumbs. The striking foliage shoots straight up for several feet if allowed to grow to maximum heights. Whether looking for a touch of green for your home or office, this plant brighten up the room and can help clean the air too!

Before You Plant

Choose the Right Type:

There are over 30 varieties of snake plants available. Though they each have the same general shape, the variegated foliage with silvery-white or yellow stripes on the leaf margins give them each a unique look.

Popular varieties to look for include:

• Goldiana
• Compacta
• Silbersee
• Hahnii
• Laurentii
• Silver Hahnii

Find a Suitable Place:

• Snake plants will grow just about anywhere. They can grow fine with very little light, as long as they are not in complete darkness, but they prefer low to moderate indirect light. Keep them away from direct sunlight as it will damage their leaves.
• Warmer temperatures are ideal during the daytime, between 68° and 85° Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures can be slightly lower, between 58° to 75° Fahrenheit.

Prepare the Soil: 

• Snake plants do not require special soil. Any well-draining potting mix that allows the soil to remain moist will work well for growing these plants indoors. 

Planting/Growing                               

What You Will Need:  

• Snake plants
• Potting Soil
• Small shovel
• Fertilizer
• Room temperature water 

Steps for Growing Snake Plants: 

1. Snake plants are a common houseplant that can be purchased from any home/garden center or nursery. They are available in smaller sizes (3 inches) all the way up to larger plants (14 inches). Most plants come in containers that allow for adequate growth and do not need to be transplanted. However, if your plant is purchased in a small, starter container and needs to be moved to a larger container, it’s easy to do.
2. Begin by removing the plant from the original container.
3. Slightly loosen any tightly-bound sections of the roots and place into a larger container filled with potting soil. Try to keep the plant at the same depth as it was in the original container.
4. Fill in with additional potting soil until the container is filled to one inch from the top and pat gently to firm.
5. Water thoroughly after the initial transplant and place in its permanent location.
6. Allow the soil become slightly dry between waterings. Typically, you will only need to water these plants every 7-10 days. Even the most neglected plants seem to hang on and grow just fine.
7. The foliage will show if it is receiving enough water. Too little water – the leaves will start to wrinkle or bend over. Too much water and the leaves will start to droop. Simply adjust the amount of water and it should return to normal. If leaves are too damaged, simply cut them off.
8. Very little fertilizer is necessary for these plants to grow. If you choose to fertilize, use a mild fertilizer that has been diluted. Fertilize according to the instructions on the lable, but be cautious not to over-fertilize.

Propagation of New Plants 

By Division: 

1. Snake plants can be divided at any time during the year.
2. Remove the plant from the container and separate it into sections. Pull it apart if possible, or you may have to cut it apart. Be sure to keep roots and leaves in each section.
3. Plant each section in a fresh pot that is large enough to support new growth. Try to plant it at the same depth it was in the original container.
4. Water well immediately after planting and care for the same as you would an established plant (except for the fertilizer – do not fertilize for at least three months). 

With Cuttings: 

1. New plants can easily be propagated with cuttings year round.
2. Begin by removing a leaf from the plant.
3. Place the end of the leaf into a glass of water or a small pot filled with fresh soil. Keep it here until roots begin to grow.
4. If rooted in water, transplant to a pot filled with potting soil after the roots are established. 

Additional Tips and Advice 

1. Snake plants do produce blooms, but they do not offer the pleasant smell one might expect. Be cautious not to stay too close to these pungent flowers as many find the smell nauseating.
2. If the leaves grow too tall, simply cut them back to the desired height.
3. Though beautiful, all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested, so it’s best for homes without children or pets.
4. Did you know? The strong fibers of the leaves were once used to make bow strings.

The aloe plant may look like a cactus and act like a cactus, but it’s actually related to the lily and the onion.  It is a succulent (i.e. its leaves retain an abundance of water), and while its exact origins are unclear, some believe it is native of Africa. It is usually found in hot, dry climates. There are close to 200 species of aloes in the world and they range in size from as little as one inch to well over 2 feet.  The species most are familiar with, and the one we will discuss in this article is the aloe barbadensis, better known as Aloe Vera (“True Aloe”). Aloe Vera is quite popular because of its medicinal qualities that have been recognized since ancient times. The gel inside the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant is quite effect for treating burns (including sunburns), rashes and insect stings. The gel is also used in a variety of beauty products. Aloe Vera also makes a unique, easy-to-care-for houseplant. 

Before You Plant  

Choose the Right Type: 

• While Aloe Vera can be grown from seed, most successful growth is achieved by propagation from existing plants.
• In the wild, Aloe Vera stem can grow up to 3 feet and produces bright tubular yellow flowers.  The leaves grow to about 8 to 10 inches and have a mottled green appearance. 
• Aloe Vera is a semi-tropical plant and will not tolerate cold temperatures.  Therefore, if you intend to use it as an outdoor plant, it is recommended only for Zones 9 and 10.
• If you do not live in growing zones 9 or 10, but still dream about having an Aloe Vera plant or two, consider keeping it as a houseplant.  It will thrive indoors and will provide the same medicinal benefits.

 Find a Suitable Place: 

• Whether indoors or outdoors, Aloe Vera plants need lots of sun. If you are planting outdoors, make sure you find a spot that gets 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day (in any event, no less than 6).  Indoors, make sure you place your plant by a sunny window (facing South or West is usually best), switching it as the day progresses, if necessary, to ensure it gets 8 to 10 hours of sunlight.
• If you are planting outdoors, make sure you find a spot that has excellent drainage.  As a succulent, the Aloe Vera plant is built to withstand drought conditions, and it will not do well in areas where the soil is too wet, or where the ground has a tendency to collect water.
• Aloe Vera plants can be grown relatively close together, but a mature plant can have a spread of about 25 or more leaves; make sure you leave enough room for adequate growth.
• When keeping your Aloe Vera in a pot, keep in mind that it prefers a crowded root system, so it in a pot appropriate for its size.  Don’t be too tempted to place it in a nice roomy planter, thinking you are promoting its growth—you may be doing just the opposite.  

Prepare the Soil: 

• Whether planting your Aloe Vera indoors or out, it prefers dry, loose, sandy soil.
• If your soil is not sandy by nature, simply mix in sharp sand and a handful of loose pebbles until your soil has about a 50/50 mix.  This will promote drainage and keep your Aloe Vera happy. 
• The pH level of your soil should be around 6.0-8.0; the pH can be raised by adding lime to the soil.
• If you are keeping your Aloe Vera as a houseplant, some stores sell a potting mix especially designed for Cactus plants.  This mix works very well with Aloe Vera plants. 

Planting/Growing

 What You Will Need: 

• Mature Aloe Vera plant
• Sharp knife
• Gardening gloves
• Planter pot with good drainage (if you are keeping it as a houseplant)
• Properly prepared soil (see above)
• Root growth hormone powder (optional) 

Steps for Planting/Growing: 

1. While it is possible to grow Aloe Vera from seed, it is not recommended for the recreational gardener.  It takes a long time and strict greenhouse conditions in order to germinate properly.
2. A mature Aloe Vera plant produces offshoots along its base (known as “pups”), which are actually baby Aloe Vera plants, and can be used for create new plants (propagation). 
3. Locate the offshoot on the mature plant.  When the offshoot is a couple of inches tall and the leaves have begun to unfold, it is ready to transplant. 
4. Brush away some of the soil so that the base of the offshoot is exposed.  Using the sharp knife, cut the offshoot from the mother plant, making sure to keep a portion some of the base intact on the offshoot.
5. The wounded area of the offshoot should be allowed to dry and scab over before planting.  This usually takes about two days, and will prevent disease organisms from getting into the plant.
6. Once the wound has scabbed over, the offshoot can be placed into the soil.  The hole should be deep enough so that about 1/4 of the offshoot (from the cut base, up) is in the soil.  We recommend dipping the cut of the offshoot in root growth hormone powder before placing it in the soil to accelerate root growth.
7. Pack the soil firmly around the base of the offshoot, making sure the plant is stabilized.
8. Water the plant until the soil is moist but not saturated and, if it is ina pot, make sure you place it in a sunny location.

 Maintenance and Harvesting

 What You Will Need: 

• Watering can or hose
• Gardening gloves
• White or light-colored rock or stone (optional)
• Sharp knife 

Steps for Maintenance and Harvesting: 

1. As mentioned, the Aloe Vera is a succulent, built for hot, dry conditions.  Consequently, you must be careful not to over water it; over watering will cause the spongy leaves to rot at the base of the plant.  Generally, outdoor plants do not need to be watered, and will survive on the rain and dew.  For potted plants, as a rule of thumb, water until the soil is moist but not saturated. Then allow to dry completely before watering again.
2. Because they are hot weather plants, Aloe Vera plants often go dormant in the winter months, and they will need even less water.
3. If your Aloe Vera plant is outside, we suggest surrounding the base of the plant with white rock or stone to help reflect the warmth of the sun back at the plant.
4. Aloe Vera needs very little in the way of mulching and fertilizing.  In fact, over-fertilizing could do more harm than good.  A light application of diluted fertilizer once a year (typically in the spring) should be sufficient.
5. Keep the area of your Aloe Vera plant weed free, but since the soil should be loose and sandy, be careful when pulling weeds so as not to disturb the Aloe Vera roots.
6. Aloe Vera is generally resistant to pests and disease, but outdoor plants may become susceptible to mealy bugs, in which case it is safe to spray the plant with an insecticidal solution.
7. When harvesting the leaves from your Aloe Vera plant, choose the larger, thicker leaves on the outside of the plant, cut them at the base using a sharp knife, and slit them lengthwise to expose the pulp and the gel within.  The pulp can be rubbed directly on the area of your skin in need of healing.  Caution:  if you’ve never used Aloe Vera before, or any product containing aloe, check a little of the gel first on a small part of your skin first to make sure there is no allergic reaction.  Allergies to aloe are quite rare, but they do exist. 

 Additional Tips and Advice 

1. Occasionally, the outer leaves of your plant may droop or discolor.  If so, it is perfectly fine to cut them off of the plant.
2. Don’t try to eat your Aloe Vera plant!  It probably won’t hurt you, but it has an awful, bitter taste—nature’s defense against predators.
3. Allowing too many offshoots to remain on your Aloe Vera plant will have an adverse affect on its growth and health.  Consequently, even if you don’t intend to propagate your plant, remove the offshoots anyway.
4. The offshoots from an Aloe Vera plant can make a nice gift for a friend or family member—just plant it in a decorative pot as indicated above and provide a note or card with some instructions as to the care and uses of the plant (or you can just give them the link to this article!)
5. When keeping your Aloe Vera in a planter or other container, make sure it has sufficient drainage on the bottom.
6. One problem with Aloe Vera plants is that they tend to become top-heavy over time and may tip over, uprooting themselves.  If this happens, gently replace the Aloe Vera plant, and remove some of the outer leaves so that it won’t have a tendency to tip.
7. The leaves of your Aloe Vera will develop what looks like spines or needles along the leaves.  No need to be alarmed—they are soft and if handled, will not pierce you like the needles of a cactus.

When finding plants to grow indoors, a common obstacle is finding those that will thrive in areas where there is little light available. Fortunately, there are several houseplants that are not only easy to grow, they can tolerate these low-levels of light and still thrive. The following plants are readily available from any home or garden store, are easy to grow and require low to moderate light levels.

 Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

A tropical plant that originated in southeast Asia, the Chinese Evergreen offers a dramatic display with very little effort. Its ornamental foliage consists of a combination of dark green, silver or grey coloring depending on the variety. One of the top plants for low-light conditions, this durable plant is able to tolerate meager growing conditions and still come out with a beautiful presentation of full, brightly colored leaves.

 Overview: 

• Size: 18-24 inches
• Light: Low light to Full shade
• Water: Average, do not overwater
• Dangers: All parts are poisonous if ingested, contact may cause irritation of skin

 Click here for additional information on How to Grow Chinese Evergreens.

 Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)

Add a touch of color to any dark corner with the unique look of a snake plant. The long, slender leaves that rise up several feet resemble a snake. It also received its common name of mother-in-law’s tongue from its sharpness. These plants require very little care with even the most neglected plants still going strong. An excellent choice for rooms in your home or office that receive limited amounts of light, this plant is sure to offer a bit of life to a dull space.

 Overview: 

• Size: 2-4 feet
• Light: Low light or light shade
• Water: Can tolerate drought
• Dangers: All parts are poisonous if ingested

 Click here for additional information on How to Grow Snake Plants.

 Philodendron (Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis)

One of the most common houseplants available, philodendrons are easy to grow and are not fussy about their environments. With long vines of beautiful heart-shaped leaves, these plants quickly adapt to new locations. For a splash of color, try a variety with burgundy, chartreuse or variegated leaves.

 Overview:

• Size: Length of vines is unlimited
• Light: Low to moderate light
• Water: Water regularly allowing soil to dry between waterings
• Dangers: Plant parts are poisonous if ingested

 Click here for additional information on How to Grow Philodendrons.

 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are lovely houseplants that boast of dark green foliage with dramatic white flowers that rise from the center. Commonly known as the “closet plant” for its ability to grow in meager growing, it requires very little light and care to grow. A real favorite among many, this plant will fit perfectly in any home.

 Overview: 

• Size: 18-24 inches
• Light: Low light to full shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Dangers: All parts are poisonous

 Click here for additional information on How to Grow Peace Lilies.

 Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

Dieffenbachia plants boast of large, colorful leaves that bring a touch of life and color to any home or office space. These plants can grow with very little light and maintenance making them perfect for areas that are often neglected. Their common name, dumb cane, comes from the numbing effect the sap has when it comes in contact with the skin. A poisonous plant if ingested, it is best kept out of reach of children and pets.

Overview: 

• Size: 6-8 feet
• Light: Low light or light shade
• Water: Average, do not overwater
• Dangers: Sap is poisonous

 Click here for additional information on How to Grow Dieffenbachia.