Propagating snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, is an easy way to get more of these popular houseplants for free. Snake plants are hardy succulents that can thrive even in low light conditions, making them ideal for beginners or anyone looking to add durable plants to their home. By propagating, you can multiply your snake plant collection without spending any additional money.
In this article, we’ll walk through the simple process of propagating a snake plant. We’ll cover when to propagate, the materials you’ll need, how to take cuttings, rooting snake plant cuttings in water or soil, transplanting once rooted, and caring for your new propagations. With the right timing and a few easy steps, you’ll have brand new baby snake plants ready for gifting or brightening up your living spaces.
When to Propagate Snake Plants
Snake plants can be propagated any time of the year, but the best time is during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. This will give your cuttings the boost they need to develop roots quickly.
You’ll also want to make sure the “mother” plant is healthy and mature enough before taking any cuttings. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the original plant is at least 2-3 years old and has several sturdy leaves. Propagating from a younger or unhealthy plant can result in weak cuttings that won’t root well.
Gather Propagation Supplies
Propagating snake plants is easy because you don’t need any fancy tools or rooting hormones. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need:
- A healthy “mother” snake plant
- Clean, sharp shears, knife or razor
- Small pots or containers for the cuttings
- Well-draining potting mix (or perlite, vermiculite, sand, etc for soil rooting)
- Water
- Plastic bags or plastic wrap (optional)
If rooting in water, you’ll also need containers like jars, glasses, or vases filled with room temperature water. Avoid distilled water as the minerals in tap or filtered water will benefit the cuttings. Make sure to thoroughly wash whatever vessels you choose to root the cuttings in.
Taking Snake Plant Cuttings
Once you have your propagation supplies ready, it’s time to take cuttings from the mother plant. Here are some tips for taking correctly-sized cuttings:
- Use a sterile, sharp tool to prevent damage and disease transmission. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol between cuts.
- Select leaves that are healthy, mature, and free of physical damage or discoloration. Avoid cuttings from blooming stalks.
- Cut close to the base of the leaves, including a couple inches of stem. Cuttings that are 4-6 inches long work well.
- Only take 1-3 cuttings from each plant so you don’t damage the mother.
- Optional: dust ends with rooting hormone powder to spur root growth.
Snake plants have thick, succulent leaves that should be cut carefully to avoid crushing or tearing. Make clean cuts and handle the cuttings gently to prevent impacting the ability to root.
Rooting Snake Plant Cuttings in Water or Soil
Once cut, snake plant propagations can be rooted either in water or directly in potting mix. Water rooting is simpler, while soil rooting has a better success rate. Here are the steps for each method:
Water Rooting
- Place cutting ends in room temperature water immediately after cutting.
- Fill vessels so just the bottom 1-2 inches of stems are submerged.
- Put in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
- Change water weekly to prevent rotting.
- Look for roots in 3-6 weeks. Transition to soil once 1-2 inches of roots have grown.
Water rooting doesn’t require any special preparations. Just be sure to use clean containers and water. Keeping the water oxygenated by using narrow, tall vessels can help. Make sure no leaves sit in the water, only the stems.
Soil Rooting
- Prepare planting mix (potting soil, perlite, vermiculite, etc) in containers with drainage holes.
- Moisten soil until damp but not saturated.
- Insert cuttings 1-2 inches deep into mix. Space multiple cuttings a few inches apart.
- Gently firm soil around cuttings.
- Cover containers with plastic bags to retain moisture.
- Place in warm area with indirect light.
- Check soil moisture every 1-2 weeks and water lightly as needed.
- Remove plastic once roots form in 3-8 weeks.
With soil rooting, the extra humidity from the plastic bag encourages root growth. Avoid overwatering or letting cuttings sit in wet soil. If planting multiple cuttings together, make sure the container is wide enough to allow adequate air circulation.
Transplant Rooted Snake Plant Cuttings
Once your snake plant cuttings have developed a robust root system in either water or soil, they are ready to be transplanted into permanent pots. Follow these tips for transplanting rooted propagations:
- Gently loosen any water roots and rinse off soil before re-potting to prevent rot.
- Choose a pot 1-2 inches wider than the root ball. Terra cotta pots allow moisture evaporation.
- Use well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix. Snake plants are prone to root rot.
- Bury root ball 1 inch below the surface. Pack soil firmly around stems.
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Let dry out before watering again.
- Place in bright, indirect light. Slowly acclimate to more sun over a week.
- Remove any discolored or dying leaves. Healthy pups will generate new growth.
- Hold off fertilizing until 6-8 weeks after transplanting. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
With the right care, your newly propagated snake plants will flourish. Repotting into permanent containers once roots establish prevents overcrowding issues. Provide the same care you give mature snake plants.
Caring for Propagated Snake Plants
Your propagated snake plants can be treated just like their mature counterparts. Here are some general care tips:
- Water every 2-3 weeks when the top few inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Use well-draining soil and containers with holes for drainage.
- Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
- Place in bright, indirect light. Rotate periodically for even growth.
- Keep away from drafts, vents, radiators, etc. Cold damage can occur below 50°F.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption.
- Repot when overcrowded, usually every 2-3 years. Size up one pot diameter.
- Propagate again to make additional plants!
Snake plants are pretty resilient, but be sure to provide proper care to keep them looking their best. With the right conditions, both new propagations and mature plants will continue growing for many years.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
If your snake plant cuttings aren’t rooting or new growth looks weak and stunted, here are some common issues to troubleshoot:
- Slow or no root development – This is often due to cool temperatures or improper watering. Ensure warmth and moisture levels are ideal.
- Rotting cuttings – Lower stem rot is caused by overwatering or diseased cuttings. Use sterile tools and well-draining soil.
- Wrinkled, drooping leaves – Signs of under-watering. Increase water slightly but avoid saturation.
- Tip dieback – Usually from overwatering or extended direct sun exposure. Move to a shadier spot and allow soil to fully dry out.
- Leggy growth – Not enough light. Gradually increase sun exposure over a week or move to a brighter location.
- Leaf spots or discoloration – Can indicate disease, mineral deficiencies, or too much water. Improve drainage and reduce irrigation.
- Few roots or weak root system – Caused by poor light, low temperatures, or wrong propagation timing. Try again in spring/summer.
Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get propagation right. Adjusting factors like light, water, and timing can help you troubleshoot problems. With a bit of patience and care, your snake plant cuttings should take off in no time.
Propagate for Free Plants & Home Decor
Propagating succulents like the snake plant is an extremely rewarding way to expand your plant collection for free. It’s also a great activity for plant-loving friends or kids. Snake plants require minimal equipment and make ideal beginner propagation projects.
Beyond expanding your houseplant collection, propagated snake plants also make excellent gifts, office plants, or unique home decor. The sword-like leaves look striking on their own or grouped together in planters. Consider using propagations for:
- Housewarming gifts
- Holiday greenery
- DIY succulent wreaths
- Creative table centerpieces
- Modern desktop plants
- Windowsill growth accents
- And so much more!
Let your new snake plant babies inspire you to get creative. The propagation process itself can be a satisfying experience for any indoor gardening enthusiast.
Propagate for More Snake Plant Benefits
Beyond decor purposes, having more snake plants provides health and environmental perks. Some benefits of these fantastic houseplants include:
- Improving indoor air quality by removing toxins
- Increasing oxygen levels, especially at night
- Reducing allergens like mold and dust
- Requiring little maintenance once established
- Thriving in most indoor conditions like low light
- Filtering out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde
- Helping reduce stress and improve moods with their tranquil vibe
More snake plants means more of these awesome benefits throughout your indoor spaces. Propagating allows free multiplication so you can spread these perks around your home or office.
Propagate Your Snake Plant Today!
The process of propagating snake plants is easy, free, and rewarding. In just a few simple steps, you can create new snake plant babies to expand your collection or share with loved ones.
Ready to get started? Review the propagation tips above and gather the required materials. Select some healthy leaves on a mature mother plant. Carefully take cuttings and root them either in water or soil. Once rooted, transplant to permanent containers and watch your new propagations flourish!
Snake plant propagation is a fun way to create living decor and provide yourself with more of this hardy, helpful houseplant. With minimal effort, you’ll soon have baby snake plants ready to enhance your spaces for years to come.