Snake plants (Sansevieria) are my favorite houseplants to grow and maintain. The sword-shaped leaves with smooth and waxy surfaces create a long-lasting impression in any space. Propagating snake plants is a no-brainer task.
Snake plant propagation is through leaf cuttings, rhizome separation, and division. I recommend rhizome and division methods since they are the fastest way to get a new snake plant without challenges.
Water and soil are the best mediums for rooting snake plant cuttings. Every houseplant enthusiast needs to exercise ultimate care to avoid common snake plant propagation problems. I recommend reading this article on how to propagate snake plants.
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Easy Methods for Snake Plant Propagation
The spring season is the best period for propagating snake plants. It is when most indoor plants experience vegetative growth and make maximum use of nutrients from the potting mix.
Understanding the difference between snake plant propagation in water and soil is crucial since these two mediums will help your new snake plant to root.
Propagating snake plants in water works well with the leaf-cutting method. Snake plant propagation in the soil is ideal for rhizome and division methods.
Below are the easiest ways for propagating snake plants at home:
By Rhizome Cuttings
Rhizome cutting is the most reliable way to propagate snake plants. Rhizomes are the white root-like stems that connect the parent plant to its babies.
Rhizomes grow above or below the ground and sprout into new plants. Learning how to propagate a snake plant from rhizome cuttings is a super easy task.
Below is the quick mother in law tongue propagation steps:
Step 1: Remove the Parent Plant from the Pot
Uproot a stunted mature mother plant and remove the soil particles around the root systems to make the rhizomes visible. Exercise precaution since rhizomes are very delicate.
Step 2: Cut off the Rhizome from the Mother Plant
Use a clean and sterilized knife to cut off the rhizomes from the parent plant. Avoid cutting the roots since it will further slow down the parent plant’s growth rate.
Step 3: Dry the Rhizome for a Day
Let the rhizome dry out for a day or so to harden the cut area and regulate water intake. Growing freshly cut rhizomes will increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infection.
Step 4: Plant the Rhizome
Select a fertile and well-draining potting mix to grow your rhizomes. Ensure the potting soil is slightly moist to keep the snake plant rhizome fresh until new growth appears.
By Leaf Cuttings
Propagating sansevieria through leaf cuttings is another reliable method to consider. Many houseplant enthusiasts prefer this method since it is easier to root the cuttings in water and soil.
I recommend propagating snake plants in soil rather than water. The golden rule is identifying a mature snake plant with healthy leaves for easy propagation.
Below are quick steps on how to propagate snake plants in water by leaf cuttings:
Step 1: Identify Healthy Leaves
Select a snake plant with healthy leaves and use a sharp knife to cut them near the soil. Ensure the blade is rubbed with alcohol to prevent spreading diseases. The leaf cuttings should be about 4-5 inches long with V-shaped notches at the bottom.
Step 2: Dry out the Leaf Cuttings
Let the leaf cuttings sit for a day or more until the ends can callous over. The technique helps prevent the cut endings from rotting when rooting in water or soil.
Step 3: Place the Cuttings in a Glass of Water
Place the leaf cuttings in a glass vessel with room temperature water. Keep the cuttings in a spot with bright indirect sunlight.
Step 4: Allow the Leaf Cuttings to Root
The leaf cuttings will take one or two months to begin rooting. Do not panic if your leaf cuttings take more time root. Allow the roots to reach an inch long before you pot them in the soil.
Use a fertile and well-draining succulent mix to propagate your snake plant. Add perlite or pumice to improve the potting soil drainage system.
By Division
The division is the least method for propagating snake plants. The method involves cutting the root clump into two or more parts. The root and crown of each division are intact.
Take the mother-in-law’s tongue out of the pot and use a clean knife to divide the root clump. Be sure to sterilize the blade with alcohol to avoid spreading diseases.
Ensure each part has roots and leaf pups or top attached. Plant each division in a new pot and provide ultimate snake plant care.
The division method helps create new plants that look similar to their parents. It is an ideal way for propagating sansevieria plant varieties with colorful margins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take for Snake Plant Cuttings to Root?
It takes about three to four weeks under favorable growing conditions. But some snake plant leaf cuttings can take more than one month to root.
How to Cut Snake Plant Leaves for Propagation?
Pick a mature snake plant with healthy leaves. Use a clean and sharp shear to cut off the leaves near the soil. Put the cut endings in a glass vessel with room temperature water and place them in bright indirect sunlight.
How Long Does Snake Plant Propagation Take?
About six to eight weeks since snake plants are slow-growing houseplants. Some cuttings may take up to two or three months to see solid roots of snake plants grown under low-light conditions.
How Do You Make a Snake Plant Have Pups?
Sansevieria plants have the habit of creating pups from the main plant. A fresh rhizome will extend from the main root and grow vertical leaves beside the parent plant. Provide ultimate sansevieria plant care to witness pups’ development.
Final Word
I hope this snake plant propagation guide was helpful. Feel free to share with your friends or family in various houseplant communities.
Propagating snake plant pups is easier than leaf cuttings- the method results in faster snake plant new shoot development.
Remember that snake plant propagation problems are inevitable. I recommend providing the ultimate snake plant care routine for successful propagation.
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