Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are one of the most popular and resilient houseplants, loved for their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities. But did you know they’re also incredibly easy to propagate? In this blog post, we’ll explore three simple, proven methods to propagate snake plants: water propagation, soil propagation, and propagation by division. Plus, we’ll explain why variegated snake plants often lose their unique color patterns when propagated from cuttings.
1. Water Propagation:
Water propagation is one of the easiest ways to multiply your snake plant and gives you the joy of watching the roots grow. Here’s how you can do it:
Start with a Healthy Plant:
Choose a snake plant that’s healthy. Make sure to water it a few days before you plan to propagate snake plants to ensure the plant is well-hydrated.
Take a Cutting:
Using sterilized pruners, take a leaf cutting close to the base of the plant. If you want multiple plants, cut the leaf into 2-3 inch segments. Make sure to mark the bottom of each piece so you don’t plant it upside down!
Let it Callus:
Lay the cuttings aside for 2-5 days to allow the ends to callus over. This step is crucial to prevent rot.
Submerge in Water:
Place the cuttings in a glass or jar of water, making sure the bottom end is submerged. Keep the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light, and change the water every week. In about 3-6 weeks, you’ll see roots developing!
2. Soil Propagation:
Soil propagation is another reliable method to grow new snake plants. Though it takes a bit longer than water propagation, this method is often more stable, as you won’t need to worry about transplanting the cuttings into soil later.
Prepare the Cuttings:
Similar to water propagation, take a healthy leaf and cut it into segments if desired. Let the cuttings callus for 2-5 days.
Create a V-Cut:
For flat-leaf varieties, cut the base of each segment into an upside-down V shape. This helps provide more surface area for rooting and ensures you plant it right-side up.
Plant the Cuttings:
Use a well-draining soil mix that includes perlite, coco coir, and peat for proper aeration. Plant the cuttings in the soil, making sure the V-cut end is down, and lightly compact the soil around them.
Bright, Indirect Light:
Place the pot in an area with bright, indirect light and water sparingly until roots form.
While you won’t be able to watch the roots grow like with water propagation, this method gives your snake plant a stable environment for strong root development.
3. By Division
Division is the best method to propagate snake plants if you want to preserve the variegation of the original plant. It’s also the quickest way to create a new, fully formed plant.
Look for Pups:
Snake plants naturally produce smaller offshoots, or “pups,” that grow next to the main plant. These are ideal for division.
Separate the Pup:
Carefully dig around the base of the plant and locate the connection between the pup and the mother plant. Make sure the pup has its own roots before separating it. Sterilize your pruners before cutting if needed.
Repot the Pup:
Place the separated pup in a smaller pot with a well-draining soil mix (a combination of perlite, coco coir, and peat is ideal). Make sure the pot is not too large, as this can lead to overwatering.
Set the new plant in bright, indirect light, water it sparingly, and watch it flourish!
Common Propagation Issues: Why Variegation is Lost in Cuttings?
Variegated snake plants are highly sought after for their unique colors and patterns. However, when you propagate them from leaf cuttings (whether in water or soil), the new plants typically lose their variegation. This happens because variegation is a genetic mutation that isn’t always passed on through leaf cuttings. As a result, the new plants revert to their original, solid green form.
The only way to guarantee that your new snake plant will retain its variegation is to use the division method, which creates a clone of the original plant, including its unique coloring.
Watering Snake Plants After Propagation
Regardless of the method you choose, proper watering is crucial to the success of your propagated plants. Snake plants prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially when they’re newly propagated. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure to check the soil down to the bottom of the pot before giving it a drink. When you do water, give the plant a thorough soaking or consider bottom watering.
Enjoyed this guide? Share it with others and follow us for more expert tips on plant care!