Sansevieria, or mother-in-law plants, are popular houseplants. You should not purchase other snake plants if you want to increase their population. You can propagate them in four ways instead, and they are easy to do. Therefore, you will multiply them to expand their lives or for friends.
In addition, snake plants are beautiful, and you should have more in your home. It is an easier task to propagate the plants, and our guide below will walk you through the entire process.
4 Methods of Snake Plant Propagation
Soil Propagation
The most popular way to propagate snake plants is through soil, which requires a cactus potting mix. You must first select thick and healthy leaves. You should choose leaves that are perfect with no damage, and though damaged ones may root, you will benefit more from choosing healthier leaves.
The leaves should be cut carefully using a flat edge. Put dots closer to the trunk of the leaf and on the segments. Plant these segments after they have dried for 3-4 days.
By doing this, the chances of rotting will be reduced. Incorporate the segments into the rooting hormone and water to enhance the rooting of the plant.
Placing the cuttings in a bright, indirect area will enrich the light. You should water it when the soil is dry and make sure there is no excess water to prevent rotting.
Advantages
- An all-in-one solution
- In your pot, you can mix different varieties
- The plant does not need to be repotted
Disadvantages
Cuttings may not have the same characteristics as their parents
Water Propagation
Cutting healthy snake plant leaves and putting them in water will help you propagate them in water. Place the plant in water and cut a “V” notch on its bottom at the base.
Make sure the water is higher than the “V” cut since the plant will grow from the tissue you just cut. As a result, the roots will have enough room to grow.
You will need 3 – 5 weeks for the roots to grow when you propagate by water. Moreover, the pups will appear in an extra 2-3 weeks. Whenever the pups grow, you can either let them continue to grow in water or replant them in soil.
Advantages
- It’s simple
- After the plants have developed, you can let them grow in water
Disadvantages
- Snake plants that are propagated in water lose some of their color margins
- Rotting cuttings can occur
Propagation from Rhizomes
Rhizomes, which are underground stems that store water, are found in snake plants. Snake plants can grow from these rhizomes under the right conditions. It is important to avoid damaging the roots around the rhizome while cutting it off from the plant’s base.
You can plant the rhizomes into your pot after they have calloused for about three to four days.
Advantages
- Its characteristics are similar to that of its parent
- The process is faster and cheaper
Disadvantages
The new plant may take on the bad characteristics of its parent
Propagation by Division
In gardening and horticulture, division is the process of breaking the roots of a parent plant into two or more parts. Once divided, the pieces are planted in other soil or water and will grow as individual plants.
Dividing the root clamp using sharp scissors should result in roots and pups on all parts. Plant the snake plant parts into your garden and watch them multiply.
Advantages
- As a result, the plant is similar to its parent
- You can propagate it easily this way
- Multiple plants can be purchased at the same time
Disadvantages
You can only divide a larger plant.
Problems When Propagating
Choose the type of propagation you will use before you begin propagation. Some cuttings may not grow, while others may rot. The roots will grow as long as they are regularly watered with fresh water.
It is also possible for snake plant leaves to become brown and mushy from the bottom. The leaves will then turn black and start to rot; this is a nightmare for many gardeners.
The plant might be too moist when planted; therefore, it should be dried before planting if this occurs.
In the case of rotting after planning the cuttings, there is excess water due to overwatering. Another possibility is that the pot is too large or does not have drainage holes.
Ideal Conditions for Propagation
As snake plants are not guaranteed to survive, optimum conditions are necessary to maximize their chances of growing.
Additionally, even experienced growers lose some cuttings from time to time. If you want to ensure the greatest chances of propagation, make sure you have the following conditions:
The Right Pot
It is impossible to underestimate the importance of pots in propagation. A Terracotta pot will provide you with better drainage since it is porous. Snake plants are prone to rot so you must use a pot with holes on the bottom for maximum drainage.
Bright, Indirect Light
Establishing snake plants in indifference conditions will not be as beneficial as putting them in full sunlight.
Therefore, keep your cuttings in a room with bright and indirect sunlight. Low light slows rooting because roots take longer to form.
Clean Potting
If you cut the snake plants for propagation, you leave a wound susceptible to bacteria and fungi. A dirty pot could become a breeding ground for micro-organisms that could kill the plant.
To prevent bacteria from damaging the cuttings, keep the pot clean before propagation. You can also sterilize the shears and knife you use when cutting to kill harmful microorganisms.
Ideal Soil Medium
The rotting and mushiness in their roots and flowers will result in their death if you overwater snake plants. As a result, you should use a soil medium with good drainage and one that dries quickly after watering.
You can buy succulent soil or make your own using vermiculite, coarse sand, perlite, and sphagnum peat moss.