How do I propagate snake plants successfully?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.By learning some simple techniques to propagate snake plants, you can have free new plants that anyone can propagate. The three effective methods will utilize simple household items or garden tools. Over many years, I have expanded my plant collection from one plant to twenty. You can expect fast root growth when you do this in spring and summer. Practicing the proper techniques yields a very high success rate with minimal effort.
Division Technique
- Separate pups when they reach 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall
- Use clean knife to cut rhizome connections gently
- Immediately repot in cactus soil mix for quick recovery
Leaf Cuttings
- Cut healthy leaves into 3-4 inch (7-10 cm) sections
- Let cuttings callous 2-3 days before planting
- Insert vertically in soil with original growth direction
Water Propagation
- Place leaf sections in water covering only the base
- Change water weekly to prevent bacterial growth
- Transfer to soil when roots reach 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Using appropriate aftercare, ensure successful rooting. Keep newly propagated plants or clones in a location that has bright indirect light. Water plants sparingly, because the roots need time to establish. Provide temperatures ranging from 70 - 80°F (21 - 27°C) to get plants established quickly. In my environment, all propagations do great near east-facing windows. The most important thing: Once a plant is propagated, do not move it until it starts developing new growth and you can tell roots have been established.
Learn how to troubleshoot common propagation problems most efficiently. If cuttings rot, there is too much moisture. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. If rooting is slow, the temperatures are likely low. Use heat mats if the temperature drops below 65°F (18°C). My first failures taught me the value of patience in propagation. Alter one variable at a time for the best possible results.
Begin propagating with confidence today. Select healthy, robust mother plants and ensure they are free from pests. Select clean scissors, cactus soil, and small pots to use! Use the method that is most familiar to you. My division projects were a success every time, on the first try. You'll obtain free plants and improve your valuable gardening skills!
Read the full article: 10 Benefits of Snake Plant Revealed
