The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) became the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant for millennials who killed everything else, thriving in offices, bedrooms, and bathrooms across the 2010s.
The Unkillable Plant
Snake plants tolerate: neglect, low light, infrequent watering, temperature fluctuations, and general plant parent incompetence. NASA’s Clean Air Study (1989) claiming it removes toxins gave it scientific credibility, though the effect requires implausible plant density.
Pinterest boards from 2013 featured snake plants in minimalist white pots, bedroom corners, and bathroom shelves. The architectural vertical leaves fit mid-century modern and Scandinavian design trends.
Variety Collecting
Popular varieties included: Laurentii (yellow edges), Black Gold (dark green), Moonshine (pale silvery leaves), Cylindrica (cylindrical leaves), and the compact Birds Nest. By 2019, rare varieties like Whale Fin fetched $100+.
Propagation Drama
Snake plant propagation became a patience test — leaf cuttings take 2-8 months to root, leading to countless “Is my snake plant cutting dead?” Reddit threads. Division (separating pups) proved faster but less Instagram-worthy.
Source
- The Sill: “Snake Plant Care Guide” (2013)
- Pinterest peak: September 2013