Snake Plant Propagation | How to Propagate Snake Plant
There are three main ways to propagate snake plant. This post discusses all three snake plant propagation methods in detail.
Snake plant propagation is mainly done via division and leaf cuttings. Propagation from seeds is also possible, but it’s a tedious process and, more often than not, does not result in success. Below are the three snake plant propagation methods in detail without further ado.
Also, learn about Snake Plant Care Indoors!
1. Snake Plant Propagation from Division
Propagation from the division is a common method to grow a new plant from the parent plant. The ideal period for division is in the spring when the snake plant is in a growing phase. Repotting the snake plant when it becomes pot-bound is also a good time for dividing the root ball. Here is the step-by-step tutorial for propagating snake plants from division.
- Gently remove the snake plant from the pot, ensuring no damage to the roots.
- Remove the potting mix stuck to the roots with your hands, or gently shake the plant.
- Cut the root ball using a sharp and sterilized knife or shears into various sections.
- Make sure each section of roots has at least three leaves attached for successful propagation.
- Plant the division into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and water.
- Locate the pot at a warm spot where it receives bright indirect light.
- Soon you’ll see new growth emerging.
The new plants will inherit the variegation from the parent plant. Also, this method of propagation is faster than propagation from leaf cutting.
2. Snake Plant Propagation from Leaf Cutting
Leaf cuttings allow you to propagate many snake plants from a single parent plant. You can propagate leaf cuttings both in the soil and water. We discuss both propagation methods in detail below.
Leaf Cutting in Water
- Take a leaf cutting a minimum of 6 inches long using sharp scissors.
- Place the cutting upright in the jar filled with water the same way it was growing.
- Locate the jar in a warm spot with access to bright indirect light.
- The root will start to grow within 3-5 weeks, during which period, change water weekly.
- Let the roots develop fully in water for a couple of months, or transplant the leaf cutting to a good quality houseplant potting mix.
One demerit of growing snake plants from leaf cutting is that the plant loses its variegation. Also, leaf-cutting takes longer to develop a mature plant than rhizome division.
PRO TIP: Making a V-shaped cut while taking leaf-cutting provides more room for the roots to grow.
Leaf Cutting in Soil
The process of growing leaf cutting in the soil is similar to propagation in water. The only difference is that instead of growing leaf cutting in the water, you propagate it in the potting mix. Plant a leaf-cutting couple of inches deep in the potting mix. Locate the pot at a spot where it receives bright indirect light. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Soon the roots will develop!
PRO TIP: Let the leaf cuttings dry for a couple of days before propagation to decrease the chances of root rot.
3. Snake Plant Propagation from Seeds
Propagating snake plants from seeds is the least common method of propagating snake plants. As the seeds’ germination rate is low, chances are that most seeds won’t germinate. Also, growing snake plants from seeds take more time than propagation from leaf cuttings and root division. Sprinkle the seeds on the top of the well-draining potting mix and tap lightly. Cover the pot with a transparent plastic sheet and make some holes for air circulation. It’ll create a greenhouse-like effect and aid in germination. The potting mix should be slightly moist but not too much as it leads to rot. Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, you can transplant them into a pot.
