When will my snake plant propagate in water? A secret method to boost the propagation (2021)

“When will my snake plant propagate in water?”

If you ask this question, it could be because you desire more of them so you could not wait to see the new plants rooting.

Indeed, snake plants are great for a variety of reasons. They are easy to care for and extremely tenacious, making them the perfect indoor plant. Additionally, these plants add a touch of tropical beauty to your house as well as clean the air. Furthermore, snake plants make great gifts for people who are not skilled at gardening due to their ability to survive neglect and abuse. No matter the reason, you can have more snake plants without spending any money!


How to propagate snake plants?

Plants such as snakes are easy to propagate. Snake plants can propagate using four methods. In the first method, the root is submerged in water. Despite the fact that too much water can kill the snake plant, being in the water is the best way to root snake plants. Before we jump to answer your question about when will my snake plant propagate in water, let’s take a quick look at the methods of propagation.

Cuttings of snake plants can also be rooted, however, dividing the plant is the most efficient method of propagation. Alternatively, you can encourage rhizome propagation. Those methods are easy to follow. But if you ask which one is the easiest to do, then the answer is propagation by rooting it in water.


Rooting a snake plant in water

As a disclaimer, this method is indeed the easiest way to propagate your snake houseplants but also takes the longest.  How to propagate using this method? Start by choosing a container. You will need a container that is tall enough to hold the leaf. After that, cut off a leaf that is healthy and not too old using sharp, clean shears. After cutting the leaf, the cut end should be soaked in simple enough water to cover the bottom quarter of the tissue.

It is important to position the leaf the same way it was placed in soil. Since snake plant leaves are polar, the edges closest to the soil will form roots when placed in water. It won’t be able to establish roots if it is oriented incorrectly. To care for the plant, just keep it hydrated and protect it from direct sunlight.


When will the snake plant propagate in water?

Here is the question. This question is really understandable. Since as it has mentioned before, this method is indeed the easiest way to propagate your snake houseplants but also takes the longest. So when will my snake plant propagate in water? You probably will not see the result of your work as quickly as you want it to be.

Growing snake plants, or Sansevierias, in water is one of the most fun propagation projects you could imagine. You can set it up quickly and easily. Having to wait is the hardest part! It could take a long time before roots begin to grow. The roots of your cutting may not appear for two months or longer. But let them take their time. You will soon see roots growing. Now, what do you plan to do? Then you should prepare everything you need to plant these babies. To plant the rooted leaf, mix sand or peat moss with water and follow the snake plant care instructions.


A secret to boost the propagation process…

There is still one real secret that no one talks about regarding the propagation of Sansevieria under water! Getting this right is crucial. During the initial part of the process of propagating plants by water, your leaf cuttings may become slimy. Gross, huh? But what can you do, you have to check those slimy cuttings frequently.

Take out the leaves and feel parts of them that were underwater. If they are slimy, rinse them in warm or tepid water in the sink and rub gently with your fingers to get rid of the slime. Once all your cuttings have been cleaned, you should also wash your container with soapy water. Completely rinse, re-insert the cuttings, and add fresh water. It should greatly reduce the likelihood of your cuttings rotting!

A window would be the best place for the rooting cuttings. Indirect light, or even a few rays of sun, would be suitable. The cuttings should be kept out of the direct sun and certainly never in the dark. As a final note, if you use a water softening system, do not use this water to water your plants. Plants are toxic to sodium, which is often present in these systems’ water.

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