Snake Plant, scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata until 2017) is a species of flowering plant (with flowering properties bred out of some cultivars) in the family Asparagaceae, native to tropical West Africa from Nigeria east to the Congo
Dracaena trifasciata has been naturalized in Northeastern Africa (appearances in Egyptian archaeological studies), several Asian countries, The Caribbean and Pacific Islands as well as Australia to name a few due to its heartiness and propagative abilities. Snake Plant can thrive in a variety of bright to low light environments, indoor or outdoors as well as fairly acidic and relatively dry soil. The ability for the plant to store nitrogen for chlorophyll is a major reason snake plants are so resilient.
With roughly 70-75 known species, (including the name Snake Plant) Dracaena trifasciata has many nicknames including “St. George’s Sword”, “Viper’s Bowstring Hemp”, ”Good-Luck Plant”, “Espada de Judas”, “Tiger Cat” and “Mother-In-Law’s Tongue” to name a few. In this incarnation, she is the protective Nzitu (Mother-In-Law) representing her Congolese origins through title. (Traditionally, plants ascribed to protection are considered masculine/hot/forceful but the Snake Plant itself gives a cooler “fight if I have to” energy with elemental association.)
Although it varies from culture to culture, more often than not snake plants are associated with protective qualities. They are believed to bring good luck and positive energy to the home, while also serving as a shield against negative forces. The belief of Snake Plants encouraging positive energy in the home can be easily seen in the Chinese concept of Feng Shui. Representing the balancing element of wood within this context, a snake plants thoughtful positioning in one’s home can represent resilience and protection or wealth/abundance. The fibers have also been used to make bows for weapons/stringed instruments, clothing, bedding, hammocks and bandages to assist in healing.
Medicinally, the properties of Nzitu (Mother-In-Law) Snake Plant are not vast however her practical uses create an amazing balance for the application of this plant spirit. Medicinally, the sap from Snake Plant has been used (primarily in South Africa as research has shown) to cure ear infections to great effect. Snake plants are renowned for their air-purifying abilities. NASA’s Clean Air Study identified them as effective in removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. The plant is used to treat ringworm and fungal diseases. The leaf sap is applied directly on infected sores, cuts and grazes, it is also used to treat fungal and scabies infections. (The sap is hazardous to small mammals such as dogs and cats)
Spiritually, Nzitu Snake Plant is the attentive Mother-In-Law seeking to ensure the order of her offspring’s home, fidelity of partnership and overall protection with presence alone. The Yellow Tipped snake plant has been associated with the Orisa Oya while the all green variety is under Ogun (the link persisted with St. George who is synchronized with Ogum in Brazil), illustrating the belief that the mere presence of this plant is protective. Popular in Traditional Hoodoo (of which African-American Rootwork and Conjure are included) and most commonly referred to by Mother-In-Law’s Tongue by practitioners, this Spirit is a powerful barrier/ward against the evil eye, monitoring, nefarious and low level spirits attempting to enter the home. When conjured correctly, Nzitu is a powerful hex-breaker. She can be used to purify energy and open the now obstacle free way for good luck and all this entails among many other uses.
Nzitu Snake Plant is a powerfully assertive, undeniably African in origin spirit. She aligns with the tactically achieved abundance/wealth associated with the Queen of Pentacles as well as Swords, Taurus, Gemini and therefore is a spirit that aligns herself most with Earth as well as her opposite, Air. Hearty, slightly intimidating and independently wealthy; Nzitu does not need more than the bare minimum to survive and adequately thrive. It is Mother who provides for herself and those in “her home”.