Snake plant propagation is not only easy but also cost effective–FREE! These plants are one of the easiest houseplants to maintain and propagate! You may also know them by their other common names, sansevieria or mother-in-laws tongue.
They are nearly indestructible and can tolerate extended periods of drought and low light. Known for their striking appearance and pure grit-these plants are for those who think they can’t keep anything green!
They are so incredibly easy that I had originally started out with just one snake plant a few years ago, and now after several divisions and propagations I have seven individual plants and counting!
Benefits Of Snake Plants
Not only are snake plants beautiful, they also provide health benefits by improving the air you breathe! They are wonderful at filtering and reducing the amount of toxic pollutants circulating in your home.
These plants are known for their sophisticated air purification by filtering out toxic pollutants such as xylene, nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde.
Additionally, not only do they filter out harmful chemicals, they are one of few plants that replace filtered CO2 with oxygen rich air while you sleep!
Snake Plant Propagation
One of the reasons snake plants are so popular, is the ease of propagation! There are several different ways you can propagate a snake plant, and each are fun to try!
- Dividing the “pups” and repotting separately.
- Cutting a leaf and propagating in water.
- Cutting a leaf and propagating in soil.
Dividing The “Pups”: One of the quickest ways to propagate a snake plant is if your plant already has developed a “pup.” A pup is essentially a baby plant that has developed off of the mother plant.
Dividing the plants are very easy! All you have to do is dig up your plant, identify where the “pup” and mother plant divide and cut right down the middle! It’s that simple! Then repot each separate plant and water in.
Cutting a Leaf:
Another way for snake plant propagation is by taking a leaf and making 2-3″ cuttings starting from the bottom up.
After you have cut the leaf into your desired amount of cuttings, simply place these in soil root side down.
*You will have to keep track which side is which while taking cuttings from the leaf if placing in soil.*
OR
Cutting a leaf in its entirety and placing this in water root side down (or pointy side up).
These are both good options if you do not already have “pups” formed from the mother plant.
Snake Plant Maintenance
Snake plants are tough cookies! Let them go dry in between periods of watering and make sure they are near indirect light. Fertilize them in spring or summer and pot them in well draining soil.
Watch their leaves for any indication of too little or too much water. You want to look out for any yellowing of leaves as this could indicate overwatering. Simply pull back on the watering and keep near indirect light.
Also, be careful when watering to not water directly onto the leaves. This helps to eliminate any root rot from developing if you keep the leaves and center dry.
Lastly, make sure your snake plant is in a well draining and breathable container. I like to use terra cotta pots as they are breathable pots and allow the flow of oxygen in and out.
If you don’t already have one of these wonderful plants, I hope you consider getting one today!
Happy propagating!
-Kate
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