Snake plants, also known as Dracaena trifasciata or Sansevieria trifasciata, are popular low-maintenance succulents that make great houseplants. If you want to expand your collection or share these easy-to-grow plants with friends, try these four tried and tested methods for propagating snake plants. In this article, we’ll explore each method in detail and also answer some common questions about propagating snake plants.
Water Propagation
One simple way to propagate snake plants is through water propagation. Follow these steps:
You're reading: How to Propagate Snake Plant: 4 Sure-Fire Methods for Success
- Snip off a leaf close to the soil from the mother plant.
- Place the bottom of the cutting in water, ensuring that about 25% of the leaf is submerged.
- Keep the cutting in indirect sunlight and change the water weekly.
- Optional: Once roots begin to sprout, transfer the cutting to soil.
Pros:
- Simple DIY method.
- Root growth is visible.
Cons:
- Cutting from variegated snake plant varieties may not retain variegation.
- This is the slowest propagation method.
Soil Propagation
To propagate snake plants in soil, follow these steps:
- Cut off a single leaf near the soil line.
- Snip the cut leaf into pieces, each about 2 inches long.
- Let the leaf cuttings callus for a couple of days. A callus is a soft, dry, whitish tissue that forms over the leaf’s cut surface when it heals.
- Plant each leaf cutting into well-draining potting soil, such as Rosy’s snake plant soil.
Pros:
- No need to keep root cuttings in water.
- Suitable for mixing different snake plant varieties in one pot.
Cons:
- New plants may not have variegations.
- Root growth isn’t visible unless you dig up the plant.
Plant Propagation by Division
Plant propagation by division is a faster method that allows new leaves to retain the variegation of the original plant. Follow these steps:
- Lay the parent plant down and slide it out of the pot.
- Use a sharp knife, scissors, or shears to divide the root clump into the desired number of sections.
- Each section should have at least three rhizomes, a leafy top, or a snake plant pup attached.
- Plant the sections in well-draining pots using potting soil like Rosy.
Pros:
- Faster than snake plant leaf propagation.
- New leaves retain variegation of the original plant.
Cons:
- Requires a large snake plant with multiple growths.
Rhizome Propagation
Read more : Are Ficus Trees Poisonous To Cats? Exploring the Toxicity of Ficus for Our Feline Friends
Rhizome propagation is another fast method, which doesn’t require dividing the mother plant. Follow these steps:
- Slide your plant out of the pot.
- Locate the rhizomes under the soil near the root system.
- Cut off a rhizome from the base of the plant.
- Allow the rhizome cutting to callus for 1-2 days to prevent root rot.
- Once calluses form, repot the rhizome in Rosy potting mix.
Pros:
- Fast propagation method.
- Suitable for variegated snake plants.
Cons:
- You need to uproot the parent plant, which can potentially damage it.
2 Snake Plant Propagation FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about propagating snake plants:
-
When Will the New Snake Plant Start Growing?
In the right conditions, the new plant may take six to eight weeks to develop roots. However, with insufficient indirect light, it may take longer. -
Why Won’t My Snake Plant Grow?
If your new plant isn’t growing, it may be due to insufficient light, water, or nutrients, or excessive direct sunlight. Here are some tips:- Provide sufficient bright indirect sunlight.
- Avoid overwatering and root rot by only watering when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry.
- Use a new pot with a drainage hole.
- Instead of traditional soil, use Rosy, a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil perfect for snake plant care.
Grow Happier, Healthier Snake Plants!
With these four propagation methods, you’ll be able to successfully expand your collection of snake plants. If you’re transplanting the cuttings to soil, give Rosy’s snake plant potting mix a try. It optimizes drainage, boosts aeration, and provides nutritious food for your growing snake plants. Enjoy the process and watch as your snake plants thrive and multiply!
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Snake Plant
