I'd Propagate That! Sansevieria (Snake Plant) Edition
- PLANTSMART
- Aug 15, 2022
- 7 min read
Series: Propagation
Sansevieria | Snake Plant
From being at the top of our list and NASA's for the best air-purifying plant to being one of the most video game famous plants (oh and also house plant), this fiery structure keeps on going. Resilient, it survives in any lighting and even regenerates if it's on its last leg, that's why the snake plant is number one in propagation.
From being at the top of our list and NASA's for the best air-purifying plant to being one of the most video game famous plants (oh and also house plant), this fiery structure keeps on going. Resilient, it survives in any lighting and even regenerates if it's on its last leg, that's why the snake plant is number one in propagation.
METHODS OF PROPAGATION
METHOD No. 1 | // DIVISION
Supplies
Sheet, Table Cloth, or Potting Tray
Pots with Drainage Holes & Trays
Drainage Stones
Sharp Knife, Garden Scissors
Top Dressing Stones
Plastic Bag (Optional)
THE STEPS
Note: Before you start the steps to this propagation method, observe the root structure to determine the ideal cutting points. Unlike other propagation methods, it is best not to water the plant beforehand; saturated dirt makes it more challenging to separate the plant.
Step 1: Lay down your sheet, table Cloth, or potting tray (this catches any stray plant bits or soil). After you set up your re-potting area, start your project by laying a layer of stones at the pot's base; on top of that, lay down a good handful or two of your soil/compost mix.
Note: Once you've determined your root type, you can proceed with how to separate your roots. Your roots will either have a thin or thick appearance.
Step 2 (thin roots): If you have a thin-stemmed plant, rest your palm flat on the surface of the soil, and spread out your fingers for more support to the stems. Then tip your pot upside down (if your plant doesn't come out of the grower's pot with ease, you'll have to loosen the soil a bit, use a pencil or knife and relax the dirt around the edges).
Step 2 (thick roots): If you have a thick-stemmed plant, it can be removed carefully by pulling from the base of the plant and up. (Check for any roots that may have wrapped around and through the drainage holes, prune/cut these off if you find them). If the plant still doesn't budge after removing the roots, squeeze the pot to loosen the plant; finally, if neither of those work, cut the grower's (plastic pot) away entirely. Once removed, either set it on its side or upright.
Step 3: Use a sharp knife or garden scissors and locate your points on the plant to divide the roots. Once you've found this point, start at the top and cut straight down between the roots and plants. Keep repeating this step until you have created as many new division plantlets as you desire.
Note: Using a sharp knife ensures a cleaner cut that won't damage your roots as severely. However, don't fear cutting through the roots; they happen to regenerate pretty quickly.
Step 4: It's time for the moment you've all been waiting for; division. Place each one of the divided parts of the plant into the pot or pots you have prepared. Replace any lost soil/compost around the plant (including the parent plant). Once the soil/compost mix is in the pot, pack it down gently, enough to support the newly divided plant(s), but not too tightly packed (you want to make sure you're not suffocating the roots and you have enough space so the water can get through and drain out of the bottom).
Optional Step: You can top-dress your new plant if you choose to; this can help prevent flies and other bugs from laying eggs in your compost.
NOTE:
Follow the same care steps and environment for your new baby plants as you do for your main parent plant; this can be from lighting, and temperature, to watering. Plants can often wilt while rooting and adjusting to their new pot; you can cover them with a clear plastic bag which gives it a humidity boost. Once your plant has perked back up, you can open up the bag and then remove it when the plant is looking healthier.
METHOD No. 2 | CUTTINGS | WATER
This method requires part of the plant but not the entire thing, so you can be reassured your favorite snake plant won't be totally destroyed; you can even propagate this with a single leaf blade cutting.
SUPPLIES
Clean, sharp knife or scissors
Vase or glass jar
Water
Decorative Rocks (optional)
THE STEPS
Step 1: Start your sansevieria water garden by cutting a leaf blade; make sure that it has a clean cut near the base (this ensures that you have a higher success rate of the leaf blade rooting.
Step 2: Find a clear glass vase or jar; fill the vase or jar so that it is covering around 25% of the leaf-cutting from the bottom up. Choosing a clear jar or vase ensures that you can monitor your little buddies' root growth and keep an eye on the color of the water (If it isn't clear, you should change out the water). You want to remove any excess or shedding plant parts or bacteria/fungal particles floating in the water; also, clean the vase or jar before replacing it with new water.
Note: If you want to keep the leaves in place, poke toothpicks in them; this weights the bottom and keeps them from bobbing and floating.
Step 2 (Alternative): To make your snake plant water garden, layer the bottom of the vase with whatever decorative rocks or crystals you feel fit your theme, then place your blade/leaf-cutting in the center. Fill in the sides with rocks/crystals around the cutting to hold it in place.
NOTE:
It will take about 1 to 2 months to start seeing roots emerge.
METHOD No. 2 | (ALTERNATIVE) | CUTTINGS | DIRT
SUPPLIES
"Rooting Chamber" (read below on how to DIY) / Propagation Unit
Compost or Nutrient Enriched Soil
Sharp, Sterile Knife & Chopping Board or Garden Scissors
Marker Pen
Spray Mister
THE STEPS
Step 1: Set up your rooting chamber; lay your compost or soil down into your well-draining container; make sure you pre-moisten it; it should be evenly damp but not soggy. Keep in mind, at the end of all the steps; you'll need to cover your propagation plantings inside a bag or cover it with one; this traps moisture and creates an environment for growth. (If you're using a bag, place drainage stones at the bottom to create a moisture reservoir).
Step 2: Make a clean cut and remove the whole leaf; like the method above, remember to slice it close to the base. Lay the leaf blade down on the cutting board and cut it into sections of 3-4 inches (keep in mind that only the bottom of the leaf can root in your dirt or compost mix, so it may be a good idea to make which end is the bottom, not to get mixed up).
Step 3: Next, take your knife or scissors and create pockets or channels within the compost or dirt about 1.5 to 2 inches deep; this allows minor tissue damage to your cuttings when pressing on them. Ensure each cutting is secure after putting it into your compost or soil mix.
Step 4: Now comes the most effortless yet hardest step; waiting. After you place all your cuttings, partially cover your rooting chamber, this prevents build-up that leads to mold. Monitor your moisture levels for the next few months; when your dirt feels dry, spray the dirt surface, so it becomes moist again.
Note: Every couple of days, open up the chamber lid or bag completely to ventilate your cuttings and prevent mold. After two or three months, trumpet-shaped shoots should emerge next to each cutting. Once your cuttings grow to be around 4 inches tall, it is time for re-potting.
METHOD No. 3 | OFFSETS
It is essential to determine whether or not your offsets have roots already or not. One way to tell is if you have offsets that grow around or just below the soil line or the plant; snake plants, peperomia, palms, and bromeliads typically have offset rooting behavior like this.
Note: When taking an offset from a tropical plant, you should let it mature to a third of the size of the parent plant at least; this gives it the best shot of surviving independently.
SUPPLIES
Compost or Nutrient Enriched Soil
Sharp, Sterile Knife, or Garden Scissors
Plant Pots and drainage trays
Small Drainage Stones
Spray Mister
Plastic Bag (Optional)
THE STEPS
Step 1: Line your drainage tray with a small layer of stones, then layer soil/compost over the top of the rocks. If not damp already, spray the surface with a bit of water so it is moist to the touch.
Note: Dip your fingers down into the parent plant soil to determine where the offset and its root system are. When planting your offset, ensure it is at the same depth they were initially. (This will also allow you to determine by the size of the offset what pot size you should pot into).
Step 2: With care and caution, take the entire plant out of the pot. Remove excess soil/compost around the offset (determine how large the root system is). Then use your knife to cut through any material connecting the offset to the parent plant, then replace the parent plant in its original pot.
Step 3: Place the offset into your prepared pot, and replace any lost soil/compost around the plant (including the parent plant). Once the soil/compost mix is in the pot, ensure the offset base and roots are covered. Then pack the soil/compost mix down gently but not too tightly packed, ensuring that your plant stands securely by itself. (You want to ensure you're not suffocating the roots and have enough space so the water can get through and drain out of the bottom).
Note: If you notice the baby or parent plant showing signs of wilting or dehydration, encase it inside a clear plastic bag to increase the humidity so it can either recover or acclimate.
PARTING WORDS
Now that you have all the steps and directions, it is time to take a swing at propagation and find your favorite method. Remember that not all plants propagate alike, and it may take some time to master your green thumb. Not all plants will survive the propagation journey, but don't be discouraged; keep on trying.
SOURCES:
"Grow Snake Plant at Home (Mother-in-Law's Tongue Care Tips)." Balcony Garden Web, 11 July 2022, https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-grow-snake-plant-indoors-care/.
"Grow Snake Plants in Water! It's Easy!" Balcony Garden Web, 6 Dec. 2021, https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-grow-snake-plant-in-water/.
Langton, Caro, et al. Root, Nurture, Grow: The Essential Guide to Propagating and Sharing Houseplants. Quadrille, an Imprint of Hardie Grant Publishing, 2018.
Comments