11 Snake Repellent Plants in India

Read about these Snake Repellent Plants in India and keep your home and garden safe from the threat of poisonous crawlers!

There are many ways to deter snakes from your gardens, such as using chemical repellants, fencing, hunting, and the application of essential oils like cinnamon and clove. Apart from all these techniques, you can try a simple method of growing these Snake Repellent Plants in India to safeguard your garden from vicious crawlers!

Snake Repellent Plants in India

1. West Indian Lemongrass

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

West Indian lemongrass is a perennial plant that can be maintained easily. The entire plant has a mild lemon-like flavor and releases a citrus fragrance from the leaves that put away snakes. The by-product of this plant, which is known as citronella, is effective in repelling mosquitoes and ticks from the garden as well.

• West Indian lemongrass is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in rich, moist soil.
• It prefers full sun and a temperature range between 15-29 C

2. Kaffir-Lime

Botanical Name: Citrus hystrix

Also known as makrut lime, it is generally grown for its use in Asian dishes. Snakes walk away from the places where the kaffir-limes are planted as the strong smell of this plant puts them off.

• Grow kaffir-lime plant in well-drained, moist soil under full sunlight. Also, water the plant regularly and provide sufficient humid conditions.
• If you are growing this plant indoors, then place it close to a sunny window.

3. Society Garlic

Botanical Name: Tulbaghia Violacea

Tulbaghia violacea is a herbaceous perennial that can survive in the scorching heat of summer. As snakes are found in hot and arid regions, you can grow this plant to keep them away from your garden. The smell of the plant is quite potent in keeping snakes, fleas, and mosquitoes from your home.

• Grow Tulbaghia violacea in well-drained, light, fertile soil under full sunlight.
• This snake repellant plant can survive droughts very well.

4. Cactus

Botanical Name: Cactaceae

Snakes stay away from the plants having thorns and spikes; hence, cactus is the plant that you can grow to keep them away from your home and garden! It can also tolerate dry and warm conditions efficiently.

• Grow your cactus plant in a well-aerated and warm area.
• Place it in direct sunlight.

Check Out 7 Beautiful Cactus with Red Flowers here!

5. Mugwort

Botanical Name: Artemisia vulgaris

Also known as chrysanthemum weed or wormwood, this plant grows in North America, Asia, and Northern Europe. Mugwort produces an essential oil with insecticidal qualities. It grows tall and woody roots, and snakes do not like its appearance and smell. Hence, they avoid coming to the areas where this plant grows.

• Grow mugwort in well-drained with pH (4.8-8.2) soil beneath the full sunlight.
• Mugwort plant does not like waterlogged soil.

6. Onion and Garlic

Botanical Name: Allium cepa and Allium sativum

Growing onion and garlic plants can be a good option to keep snakes away from your yard, as they hate the smell produced by both the plants. The onion plant creates sulphonic corrosive, which is unbearable for snakes. On the other hand, garlic emits a slick oil that irritates snakes when they crawl on the plant.

• Grow onion and garlic plant in well-drained, fertile, neutral soil with pH (6.5-7.0).
• Keep in mind that the roots require as much air as they need water.

7. Jimsonweed

Botanical Name: Datura Stramonium

Datura stramonium, also known as thorn apple, devil’s snare, or jimsonweed, belongs to the nightshade family. This plant contains tropane alkaloids with a hallucinogenic effect; it produces a foul and bitter smell that prevents snakes from entering your garden or home.

• Datura prefers full sun and thrives in well-drained, moist, and fertile soil.
• Keep the soil moist in the growth phase by regularly watering the plant; reduce the quantity in winters.

Check Out Homemade Weed Killer Ideas here!

8. Indian Snakeroot

Botanical Name: Rauvolfia serpentina

Also known as sarpagantha or rauvolfia serpentina and devil pepper. It contains reserpine, which can cause unconsciousness and lower the heart rate. Also, it is used to cure snake bites. The leaves and roots of this plant work as a snake repellant, just like marigold does.

• Avoid keeping the plant in the direct sun for long durations.
• Do not overwater, as it can cause root rot.

9. Creat or Green Chireta

Botanical Name: Andrographis Paniculata

Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous plant. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is commonly known as green chireta. You can grow this plant to repel snakes from your garden, as the bitter taste and smell of the root and foliage keep vicious serpents away from your garden.

• Andrographis paniculata thrives well in full sunlight under hot and humid conditions.
• Keep your soil evenly moist by watering the plant gently.

10. Snake Plant

Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata

The snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue doesn’t produce any smell or oil to deter snakes, but they get afraid with the appearance of its sharp leaves. You can grow various types of it as a barrier plant on the hedges of your garden. Apart from that, this plant also purifies the air inside your home.

• It is a low-maintenance plant that can do well in droughts as well.
• The snake plant thrives well in full sun and in the shade too.

11. Marigold

\Botanical Name: Tagetes

Marigold is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant from the sunflower family that produces beautiful orange, yellow, and burgundy flowers. The roots of the plant emit an obnoxious smell that is intolerable for snakes and other pests in your garden.

• Grow marigold in well-draining soil under full sun.
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Check Out How to Grow Marigolds from Seeds in India here!