Snake Plant Pros and Cons: Why Faux Is the Smarter Pick

Cindy Venerio

October 25, 2021

You might recognize the snake plant by one of its many quirky names—mother-in-law’s tongue, devil’s tongue, or even law’s tongue. No matter what you call it, there’s no denying this common houseplant is a favorite in homes across the globe. With its sword-like leaves, dramatic silhouette, and unique variegation, it’s earned its place as a design darling.

Native to tropical regions of Africa and parts of Asia, this plant—formally called Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata)—thrives in indoor plant settings. But as gorgeous as it looks, not everyone has the time or conditions to keep it happy. That’s why many people are skipping the soil altogether and choosing faux snake plants for all the style with none of the stress.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of snake plant options—and why we think faux is the real MVP.

Why Are Snake Plants So Loved?

Snake plants are popular for good reason. First, let’s talk about the look. The long, vertical leaves have a cool architectural vibe that adds height and visual interest to any room. Many have yellow-edged leaves, others are pure green—but all have that signature texture that makes people ask, “What plant is that?”

Plus, they’re known for being easygoing (if real plants can be called that). These plants tolerate bright indirect light, but can also survive in lower light settings. They don't need much water and have even earned a reputation as air purifying plants.

So, What’s the Catch?

Despite all those benefits, there are definitely a few snake plant disadvantages worth knowing. As easy as they seem, real snake plants come with their own list of issues—especially for pet owners or plant newbies.

Here are the most common snake plant cons:

Toxicity: Real snake plants are mildly toxic to pets and young children if ingested. This alone can make them a no-go for many households.
Watering issues: Too much water can cause mushy roots or lead to root rot.
Cold temperatures: These tropical beauties don’t like drafts or cold. If you keep your home chilly, beware of yellowing leaves or wilting.
Light drama: While they tolerate indirect sunlight, too much direct sun can burn the leaves; too little and they stretch or fade.
Pest infestations: Yup, even “easy” plants can attract unwanted guests like spider mites or mealybugs.
Curling leaves, rot, and overall sadness: These can all happen if you’re off on your care routine.

But Don’t Worry—Faux Snake Plants Exist

Enter the faux snake plant. With today’s design and manufacturing, artificial plants are no longer plastic-looking filler. At Nearly Natural, our artificial snake plants are handcrafted by horticulturists and interior decorators, using lifelike materials that mimic the real thing—down to the variegation, texture, and shape.

So if you're someone who:

Forgets to water
Owns pets
Has unpredictable lighting
Doesn’t want to deal with curling leaves or pests
Just wants a gorgeous plant with no maintenance

…then faux is the way to go.

How to Decorate with Fake Snake Plants

Let’s talk styling. A fake snake plant can go almost anywhere, from bathrooms to home offices to bedrooms. Here are some designer-approved ways to decorate:

1. Use a Decorative Basket

One of the trendiest ways to display your plant is to place it in a woven basket. Want more height? Stuff the bottom with newspaper, then cover it with moss or decorative rocks for a natural look.

2. Choose Your Pattern

There are generally two types:

The yellow-edged variety, which brings bold contrast
The solid green version, for a more muted and modern aesthetic

Pick whichever suits your vibe. If your space leans neutral, you might love the green. But don’t shy away from a bit of yellow—it adds personality!

3. Pick the Right Size

Our faux snake plants range from 12 inches to 74 inches tall, so there’s something for every space. Whether you're decorating a shelf or filling a corner, measure your area first to get the size just right.

Let’s Recap the Pros and Cons of Snake Plant Options

Pros of Faux Snake Plants

Zero maintenance—no watering, no trimming
Pet- and kid-safe (non-toxic)
Always look fresh—no yellowing leaves
Come potted or unpotted to fit your style
Great for any lighting conditions
Long-lasting and durable
Easy to clean (just feather dust once a month!)

Cons of Faux Snake Plants

Don’t offer air purifying benefits like live plants
Some designs may be limited by material or style
Not all faux plants are outdoor-safe (watch for weather exposure)
Minimal upkeep still needed (light dusting)

Summary: Real vs. Faux

Feature	Real Snake Plant	Faux Snake Plant
Watering	Yes	None
Light needs	Yes	None
Pet safety	Toxic	Safe
Maintenance	Medium	Low
Pest risk	Yes	No
Style control	Varies	Consistent
Air purifying	Yes	No

Why We Recommend Faux (Especially Ours)

It’s simple: faux is flexible. You get all the benefits of having a snake plant in your home—without the worry of light conditions, rot, or harming your pets. And because our products are made with care and realism in mind, they fool even seasoned plant parents.

Whether you're chasing the latest interior trend or just want a timeless indoor plant to elevate your décor, a faux snake plant brings the look and energy without the stress.

And remember: some of our artificial snake plants are real to the touch—they look and feel just like live ones, but you’ll never have to think about watering your plant again.

Final Thoughts

We get it—plants can be intimidating. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. With a faux snake plant, you’re getting a stylish, practical, and safe option that fits any home and any lifestyle.

So if you love the look of Dracaena trifasciata (aka snake plant), but hate the thought of curling leaves, pest infestations, or stressing over indirect sunlight, it's time to go faux. And with Nearly Natural, you know you’re getting the most realistic option out there.

Your Space Deserves Greenery—Without the Guesswork

Bring home a faux snake plant that lasts for years, looks amazing from every angle, and requires zero green thumb.

Explore our best-selling faux snake plants today