The Major Benefit Of Putting A Mother-In-Law's Tongue Plant Near Your Bed At Night

The mother-in-law's tongue plant, also known as the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) has a reputation for being both forgiving (it's a hard one to kill) and surprisingly useful because of its ability to keep working while you're fast asleep. Unlike most plants, which release carbon dioxide at night, snake plants release oxygen which means having one in your bedroom will make it fresher, make your breathing easier and potentially even your sleep more restful. Research on indoor air quality has shown that many common houseplants such as snake plants can help reduce certain pollutants, though the effect may be modest. Nonetheless, these studies have cemented the snake plant's reputation as an air purifier for your home that won't break the bank, especially appealing for bedrooms, where clean air matters most.

Of course, nothing is magic, and a single plant won't purify your entire house. But positioned right next to your bed, it could definitely act as a natural boost to your sleeping environment. And remember that brushing up on everything you should know before planting a snake plant applies to indoors care too, because the watering habits, pot choice, and light will all play a role in how well it thrives.

While the snake plant's benefits are pretty clear, it's also smart to look at the other side of the coin. When it comes to caring for snake plants, the biggest mistake made by people is giving them too much care—namely, overwatering them. These plants hate having their roots sitting in moisture and it will led to root rot if left unchecked. This mistake results in a brown and mushy plant and is one of the 10 downsides of growing snake plants.

There's also the matter of safety because while they look elegant and safe, snake plants are actually mildly toxic if chewed on by pets which is a problem especially for cat owners who may be known to have a nibble of things around the house. While it might not be deadly, it could cause upset stomachs, which isn't nice for pet or owner.

Snake plants also have some quirks when it comes to growing conditions, for example, uniquely for houseplants, these ones actually like being a little bit root bound, so don't rush to repot them too often. They can also reach heights of up to 4 feet indoors, which can make quite a statement in a bedroom corner. Just keep them away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes, which can stress the plant, cause leaf damage or even kill them.