Snake Plant: Meaning, Symbolism, Spiritual Significance & Benefits

By: Matt Slaymaker
October 25, 2024
Snake Plant Meaning and Symbolism
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Snake plants are popular houseplants with a modern, cool vibe. These upright succulents with stunning sword-like leaves can purify indoor air and add aesthetic appeal to any interior space. But have you ever wondered about the Snake Plant's meaning and spiritual significance? Beyond these plants’ striking appearance and air-cleaning properties, they hold a special meaning in different cultures.

Snake Plants are associated with good fortune and their ability to ward off negative energy. To benefit from these beauties’ full auspicious potential, you should know where to place Snake Plants for good luck. In addition, if you are new to plant care, understanding your Sansevieria’s growing needs is also necessary. According to Feng Shui, only a healthy plant can bring positive energy into the home. 

So keep reading to learn about the Snake Plant symbolism, best placement, care requirements, and more.  

About Sansevieria 

About Snake Plants

Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata), known as Sansevieria but now classified as Dracaena, are undemanding and resilient evergreen succulents. They originate from the tropical region between East Nigeria and the Congo in West Africa. 

These gorgeous plants are popular for their hardiness and are loved for their aesthetically pleasing appearance and striking foliage. Their upright, sword-like leaves come in different colors, patterns, and variegation, depending on the variety, such as the Variegated Sansevieria Laurentii, the rare and unique Sansevieria Samurai, the stunning Black Gold Snake Plant, or the compact sage-green Sansevieria Moonshine.

No matter which variety you pick, you should know that Snake plants thrive in medium-bright indirect light, and are also perfect for rooms with limited exposure to natural sunlight.

Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions to avoid root rot and various leaf issues, That means you don’t have to water your snake plant frequently, either. 

This low-maintenance plant is ideal for beginner indoor gardeners or people with busy lifestyles. If you’re a pet owner, you should know that snake plants are toxic to cats and dogs; make sure to keep them out of reach of curious furry friends.

Snake Plant: Benefits

The wide range of colors and patterns of different Snake Plants is what attracts plant lovers from around the world. But Sansevieria's benefits go far beyond their appearance. These easy-care houseplants offer several advantages for plant parents of all skill levels. Here are just a few of the Snake Plant benefits you can enjoy:

  • Air purification: Snake plants filter out harmful toxins from the air, and thus improve the air quality in your home.
  • Easy care: Snake plant care is relatively straightforward. These beauties are hardy and can tolerate a little neglect.  
  • Drought tolerance: Don’t panic if you forget to water your Snake Plant. It is a drought-resistant plant that can handle periods of dryness with ease.
  • Low-light adaptability: Snake plants can survive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for any spot in your home.
  • Good luck gift: Snake Plants are symbols of good luck and prosperity. So they make thoughtful gifts.
  • Easy to multiply: Snake plants are easy to propagate; you can expand your collection in no time.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Snake plant variants have unique shapes, colors, and patterns. They add modern elegance to any décor.

Lastly, according to African folklore, the Snake Plant's spiritual benefits include protection against evil spirits and negative energy. Its meaning and symbolism make it special for those who believe in natural lucky charms.

Snake Plant: Meaning in Feng Shui

One of the reasons that Snake plants are coveted additions to home décor is their special spiritual significance. The Snake Plant Feng Shui symbolism is associated with positivity, protection, purity, and more. 

It’s all about harnessing the plant's energy for balance in your living space. It is also believed to bring good fortune.  

What Does a Snake Plant Mean in Feng Shui?

Sansevieria is a popular Feng Shui plant that signifies positive energy, protection, and purification. Its sharp, sword-like leaves are believed to cut through negative energy, promoting positive chi (energy flow). It's thought to bring good luck and prosperity and enhance mental clarity.

Where to Place Snake Plant for Good Luck

Pay attention to the right Snake Plant placement to maximize its positive effects. You can keep it at the entrance to ward off negativity. Or, you can place it at the south, east, or south-eastern corners of your house or office to invite good luck. Keep your Sansevieria as a gorgeous statement plant in the living room. But avoid placing it in the bedroom, as its intense energy might interfere with sleep. 

Snake Plant: Spiritual Significance & Symbolism

Snake Plant Spiritual Significance

Snake plants have captivated plant lovers’ attention for centuries. They hold deep meanings in many cultures, from ancient folklore to modern spiritual practices. So, what does a Snake Plant represent?  

Sansevieria has been associated with positivity, good fortune, and protection against negative energy. The Snake Plant's spiritual meaning is connected to its resilient nature and the sword-like, upward-growing leaves, believed to protect the home. 

What Is the Spiritual Significance of Snake Plants?

What does a Snake Plant symbolize spiritually? Here are some of their symbolic and spiritual meanings:

  • Strength and resilience: All Snake Plant variants can thrive in challenging conditions. They symbolize inner strength, growth, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
  • Purity and cleansing: Snake plants can remove toxins from the air. Similarly, they represent spiritual cleansing as they remove impure energies and thoughts.
  • Good luck and prosperity:  Snake Plants are considered lucky plants that attract good fortune, wealth, and abundance into your home or workspace.
  • Protection against negativity:  The leaves of Snake Plants are thought to act as shields against negative influences and ward off evil spirits.
  • Healing properties: Snake Plants are associated with promoting physical and mental well-being. They reduce stress and allergies and uplift the mood.

Snake Plant Gift: Perfect for Many Occasions 

A Snake Plant gift is a thoughtful and unique way to make someone happy and appreciated. It’s an excellent choice as a housewarming gift, symbolizing good luck, or for numerous other occasions. 

It also makes an excellent corporate gift. You can give a vibrant Sansevieria plant to office staff or business partners. It represents perseverance, positive energy, and good wishes for growth.  

What Does It Mean When Someone Gifts You a Snake Plant?

If someone gifts you a Snake Plant, it indicates that the person is a well-wisher. The giver hopes you are soon rewarded with good fortune and enjoy the Sansevieria Plant benefits, such as protection and positive energy.  

It can also indicate that they wish you strength and resilience and pray for your growth. Essentially, this houseplant is a thoughtful gift with a profound meaning, showing the giver cares about you and your prosperity.

Find the best place for your Snake Plant gift in your home or office to unfold its full symbolic potential. While it will look good anywhere, correct placement will help maximize your gift’s benefits. Don’t forget to to repot your Sansevieria every 3 years or when it outgrows its pot. 

Snake Plant Meaning: FAQs 

Q: Does a Snake Plant bring good luck?

A: Yes, a Snake Plant is believed to bring good luck in different cultures. It is a symbol of prosperity, money, and positive energy or chi flow in Feng Shui. It is believed to protect the owner and their home from evil spirits in African culture.   

Q: Is it OK to sleep with a Snake Plant?

A: Some people believe a Snake Plant’s strong energy can disrupt sleep. However, these succulents release oxygen at night and purify the air. In that respect, they may promote a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.   

Q: What is the superstition about Snake Plants?

A: Snake Plants are believed to symbolize good luck and positivity. However, in some Asian cultures, the plant’s sharp and pointed leaves signify negative energy. 

Q: How long do Snake Plants live?

A: Snake Plants usually live for a decade or so, as indoor plants. Some variants, however, live even longer. Sansevierias do not require much care or pruning and you can enjoy them for years. 

Conclusion 

Snake Plants meaning is multi-faceted, making this plant a special addition to your home.  Their positive symbolic significance and aesthetic appeal can add style and a modern look to any interior space. 

You can pair Snake Plants with other lucky plants, such as Golden Pothos, Money Trees, and Spider Plants, which are excellent companions for Sansevierias.