Snake plants, also known as sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are one of the most popular and easy to grow houseplants. They have striking, sword-shaped leaves that come in various patterns and colors.
They are also very tolerant of low light, drought, and neglect. But what if you want to have more snake plants for your home or to share with your friends?
Fortunately, snake plant propagation is very simple and can be done in several ways. In this blog post, we will show you how to propagate snake plants using three methods: division, water, and soil.
Contents
When to Propagate Snake Plants
Snake plants are best propagated during the spring or summer months when they are actively growing. It is important to use healthy plants when propagating, as this will ensure the best results. Make sure to use a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors when cutting the plant, as this will help to reduce the risk of infection.
How to Propagate Snake Plant Fast and Easy Ways
Propagating snake plants is a relatively easy process. You can start by cutting off a few of the leaves from the bottom of the plant and placing them in a pot of soil. Make sure the soil is moist, but not overly wet.
After the leaves are in the soil, cover them with a thin layer of soil and water them lightly. Keep the soil moist and give the plant plenty of indirect sunlight to aid in the propagation process. With the right conditions, you should begin to see new growth in a few weeks.
It was the most common and easy method that you can use to propagate your snake plant. Here we give you some popular ways on how to propagate snake plant fast and easy, even if you are beginner.
Plant Propagation by Division
Division is the easiest and fastest way to propagate snake plants. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and leaves. This method is ideal for large, mature plants that have multiple stems or crowns. Here are the steps how to propagate snake plant by division method:
- Choose a healthy snake plant that you want to divide. Make sure it has no signs of pests or diseases.
- Prepare a sharp knife or scissors, a tarp or large sheet, some pots with drainage holes, and a sandy, well-draining potting mix.
- Lay the plant on its side on the tarp or sheet and gently remove it from its pot. If the plant is root-bound, squeeze the pot to loosen the soil and roots.
- Identify the clumps of stems that you want to separate from the main plant. Clear away as much soil as you can from the roots using your hands. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty with soil, gardening gloves can help you.
- If possible, gently pull the clumps apart, untangling the roots as you go. If the roots are too tangled or dense, use a knife or scissors to cut through them.
- Replant each clump in a new pot with fresh potting mix. Water well and place them in a bright spot with indirect light.
- Wait until the soil is dry before watering again. Avoid fertilizing for the first month.
Water Propagation
Water propagation is another easy way on how to propagate snake plants. It involves rooting leaf cuttings in water until they develop new roots and pups. This method is suitable for plants of all sizes and can be done with any healthy leaf. Here are the steps to follow when you choose to propagate a snake plant with water propagation:
- Choose a healthy leaf that you want to propagate. Cut it off near the soil using a sharp knife or scissors. Make sure the leaf cutting is clean and straight.
- If the leaf is large, you can cut it into smaller sections, each about 3 to 4 inches long. Make sure to keep the orientation of the leaf as it was when it was attached to the plant. The bottom end of the leaf should be the one closest to the soil when it was growing.
- Optional: Dip the cut end of each leaf section into rooting hormone powder. This can help speed up the rooting process and prevent rotting.
- Fill a glass jar or vase with clean water. Place the leaf sections in the water, covering about 25% of their length. Make sure the cut ends are submerged and the top ends are exposed to air.
- Place the jar or vase in a bright spot with indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth.
- Wait patiently for roots and pups to appear. This can take anywhere from 4 weeks to several months, depending on the temperature, light, and leaf condition.
- Once the roots are about an inch long and the pups have at least two leaves, you can transplant them into soil.
Soil Propagation
Soil propagation is similar to water propagation, but instead of rooting leaf cuttings in water, you root them directly in soil. This method can be faster than water propagation and can reduce the risk of rotting. However, it requires more care and attention to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Here are step by step on how to propagate snake plant in soil:
- Choose a healthy leaf that you want to propagate. Cut it off near the soil using a sharp knife or scissors. Make sure the cut is clean and straight.
- If the leaf is large, you can cut it into smaller sections, each about 3 to 4 inches long. Make sure to keep the orientation of the leaf as it was when it was attached to the plant. The bottom end of the leaf should be the one closest to the soil when it was growing.
- Optional: Dip the cut end of each leaf section into rooting hormone powder. This can help speed up the rooting process and prevent rotting.
- Prepare some pots with drainage holes and fill them with a sandy, well-draining potting mix.
- Insert each leaf section into the soil, burying about half an inch of their length. Make sure the cut ends are in contact with the soil and the top ends are exposed to air.
- Water well and place them in a bright spot with indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Avoid overwatering or underwatering.
- Wait patiently for roots and pups to appear. This can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the temperature, light, and leaf condition.
- Once the pups have at least two leaves, you can separate them from the mother leaf and repot them in their own containers.
Conclusion
Whatever method you choose on how to propagate snake plant, propagate snake plant is a fun and rewarding way to multiply your collection of these beautiful and hardy plants. You can use any of the three methods we described above: division, water, or soil. All you need are some healthy leaves, some basic tools and materials, and some patience.