Snake plants are among the popular houseplants in many homes. This is why it is now among the most sought plants by gardeners.
With the massive demand for the plant, propagation has been identified as the solution. This is because propagation presents an opportunity to grow new plants quickly.
The house plants are easy to manage both indoors and outdoors. They also come in different varieties. This is often considered a reason why it continues to be a choice for houseplants.
But the fact is that propagating these plants takes more work. Some steps must be followed to succeed in growing new plants.
Steps to follow to propagate a snake plant in soil
Rooting snake plants in the soil has been identified as the most common method by gardeners. The procedure is easy but should be precise.
Here are a few guiding steps that can help.
Step 1: Getting the leaf
The rooting process starts with cutting the leaf from the snake plant. It is necessary to make sure that you select a healthy leaf from the snake plant. The leaf should be cut precisely to avoid damaging the parent plant.
Step 2: Choosing a container
Selecting the right containers where you propagate the plant is also necessary. The container should be just the right size. It should be able to accommodate the snake plant. Remember to consider the cutting size before deciding on the container to use.
Step 3: Cut the leaf
It would be best to cut the leaf once the container or growbag is ready. Remember that cutting should be done using a sharp tool. It is recommended to cut the snake plant at the base. This is a position from which the plant can easily root.
The next step should be to place the leaf in a container or growbag with the soil mix. The container should be filled to a reasonable level. Remember that the lower quarter of the cutting should be covered with the potting mix.
Also, ensure that you water the cutting regularly. The grow bag or pot should also be placed in a warm place. The snake plant cuts roots better when it accesses enough sunlight.
Step 4: Close monitoring
It is also necessary to monitor the snake plant cutting for some time as its roots. This ensures that you check to provide all the required conditions for proper rooting of the snake plant. It is good to check the rooting and decide when to move the propagated snake plant.
Step 5: Repotting the cutting
It is necessary to repot the plant when it has rooted successfully. This is when you move the plant to a bigger pot. The new container should contain enough potting mix. This mix should also contain enough nutrients to promote plant growth.
Pros and cons of the soil method
Among the main advantages of propagating the snake plant in the soil is that you do not need a lot of water. It is also a suitable method of using different mixes for propagation.
However, the method also has some disadvantages. It is not possible to see the rooting process. It means you may need help to decide when the root growth is successful.
Steps to follow to propagate a snake plant in water
There is also the propagation of snake plants using the water method. However, this procedure also needs to follow some critical steps.
Here is a guideline that can be of help.
Step 1: Cutting the leaf
It is necessary to get a good leaf from the snake plant. A decision on the health of a given leaf should precede this.
Cutting the leaf should also consider precision. This can be ensured by using sharp tools. It is necessary to disinfect the cutting tools to protect the cutting from any infection.
Step 2: Preparing the cutting
Preparing the cutting should start with leaving the leaf cut for some time to heal. The leaf cut should only be propagated once it is callused.
Some experts recommend the use of rooting hormones to ensure great rooting success. This also encourages the growth process of the snake plant.
Step 3: Planting the snake plant
The other important step is to immerse the cutting in water. The callused cutting should be immersed in water to a reasonable length. This should be done once the rooting hormone is applied to the cutting. It is good to ensure that no part of the cutting is damaged. The idea is to prevent the rotting of the cutting.
It is excellent to keep monitoring the propagation process. That is why using a clear container when propagating the snake plant is recommended. The entire process should involve checking on the rooting progress.
Pros and cons of using the water method
Using the water system to propagate the snake plant has some advantages. One of the main advantages is that this is easy to execute. The method allows the gardener to monitor the root growth through a transparent container.
However, one of the main disadvantages is that it could be a faster method. It takes longer for the snake plant to propagate compared to the other methods.
The right time to propagate snake plants
Deciding when to propagate snake plants is challenging, especially for first-time gardeners. One thing that should be clear is that snake plants propagate better in warm temperatures. This is similar to many other propagated plants.
That is why summer is the best time for propagating the snake plant. However, you can also propagate the snake plant indoors when the weather is cold outdoors. What you need is to set up an environment with warmer temperatures.
What you need to know is that the process may take longer when they are exposed to cold. The success rate may also be challenged if the plant is cold and the roots rot during winter.
The overall view is that time is not a factor. What is necessary is to have the right conditions for propagation.
Propagate a snake plant in water or soil – which is better?
The best method of propagation should promote quicker rooting. There are different expert views regarding which process works better.
Rooting using the soil method has been linked with having stronger roots for the snake plants. But this method may be slow and requires a lot of patience.
The water method is considered easier for gardeners. It is also considered better when you need to monitor the propagation process. That means that there is no perfect method for propagating the snake plant. What you need is to perfect the method that you select for propagation.
Do snake plants self-propagate?
There are concerns as to whether the snake plants can self-propagate. Experts have indicated that these plants produce babies naturally.
They sprout from the mother plant as it matures. These babies grow to produce roots. It, therefore, means that the snake plants can self-propagate.
When transplanting sprouted babies, you need to ensure that you treat them with care. This is because it is easy to damage the roots. Also, ensure that the transplanted babies are supported with all the conditions for better growth.
Snake plant cuttings rotting in water – Why is this?
Some concerns cutting from snake plants can rot in water. One of the main reasons why this happens is the lack of enough air.
To be precise, leaves can quickly rot when they cannot access enough oxygen. It is the reason why experts recommend that you move the container to an open area where there is free circulation of air.
The rotting can also be caused by excess water. This is why it is recommended to reduce the water in the jar. This creates enough space for airflow. It also creates enough space for the cutting to access enough sunlight.
Take note that rotting should be avoided at all costs. This is because it can delay or fail the rooting process.