Home » Cacti and Succulents » Propagate a Snake Plant in Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

Propagate a Snake Plant in Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are popular houseplants that are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. One of the easiest ways to propagate a snake plant is in water. This method is simple and requires only a few materials, making it an accessible option for plant enthusiasts of all levels. In this post, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to propagate a snake plant in water. I will also discuss the benefits of this propagation method and provide tips for caring for your new plant once it has been rooted.

Materials Needed

To propagate a snake plant in water, you will need a few materials. Here is a list of the items required:

  • A healthy snake plant
  • A clean, clear glass jar or vase
  • Distilled water
  • A knife or scissors
  • Optional: rooting hormone

It is essential to use a clear glass container to monitor the roots’ growth and ensure that they are healthy and not rotting. A jar or vase with a narrow neck is ideal as it will support the plant’s stem and keep it upright.

Using distilled water is crucial as it does not contain any minerals or chemicals that can harm the plant’s roots. It is also essential to change the water every few days to prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungus.

A sharp knife or scissors is necessary to cut the leaf from the parent plant cleanly. It is essential to ensure that the cutting is at least 3-4 inches long.

Rooting hormone is optional, but it can help speed up the rooting process and increase the chances of success. It is available at most garden centers and you can apply to the cut end of the leaf before placing it in water.

materials needed to propagate snake plant

Prepare Cuttings

The first step is the key to propagating a snake plant in water successfully. It all starts with preparing the cuttings. Cuttings are small sections of the plant that will be placed in water to grow roots. Here are the steps to prepare cuttings:

With a sterile, sharpened set of gardening shears, carefully make one or two cuts at the base of the snake plant, right where the leaves emerge from the soil. Ensure your cuts are clean slices through each individual leaf stalk you have selected to propagate.

Once you have cut one or two leaves from the base of the plant, trim each leaf into multiple sections that are 3 to 4 inches long. As you create these snake plant cuttings, make sure you know which end was attached to the bottom of the original leaf, as this end will go into the water. New roots emerge from nodes on the cutting near the original base. You can propagate just using a whole, untrimmed leaf if you prefer not to section it. The important thing is to place the original base of whichever cutting into the water so growth emerges properly.

After you have trimmed your snake plant leaves or leaf sections, you need to ensure the base of each cutting is prepared to root correctly. With your sharp shears or scissors, trim the two bottom corners of each stem so that the cut ends meet at a point (like the end of a decorative ribbon). Angling the base in this vertical triangular shape helps maximize the surface area for new roots to emerge. It also lets you easily identify which end to place in the water. After making these preparatory cuts, set the leaf cuttings aside in a dry place indoors for 1-2 days. Allowing the severed ends to callous over slightly helps prevent rotting once you start propagating in water.

preparing snake plant cuttings

Propagate Snake Plant in Water

Propagating snake plants in water is a simple and effective way to grow new plants from cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate snake plants in water:

  1. Take a healthy leaf cutting from the mother plant, as explained in the previous section.
  2. Fill a clean glass or jar with water and place the cutting in it. Make sure the bottom of the cutting is submerged in water.
  3. Place the glass or jar in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the cutting.
  4. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
  5. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots growing from the bottom of the cutting. Once the roots are at least an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into the soil.

Propagating snake plants in water is a great way to expand your plant collection or share plants with friends. With a bit of patience and care, you can quickly grow new plants from cuttings.

propagate snake plant in water

How Long Does It Take to Propagate Snake Plant in Water?

It typically takes 4-8 weeks for snake plant cuttings to root in water and be ready for transplanting into soil.

Week 1: Set up cuttings in a jar/vase of fresh water. There is no visible growth yet.

Weeks 2-3: Small white roots start emerging from the nodes submerged in water.

Weeks 4-6: The root system continues growing and lengthening in the water. Several inches of roots should be visible by week 6.

Weeks 7-8: A robust network of healthy white roots is visible. Roots are a few inches long, and the plant is ready to be potted up.

However, timing can vary based on factors like the plant variety, season, temperature, and quality of the initial cutting. Patience is vital, as some snake plants can take up to 3 months (12 weeks) before enough strong water roots have formed for soil transfer.

Check your cuttings weekly and top off the water level in the vase when needed. Look for those white emerging roots! Once they reach a length of several inches, you should move your new snake plant out of the water and into a pot.

how long does it take to propagate snake plant in water

Caring for New Plants

After propagating snake plants in water, it’s important to take good care of the new plants to ensure they grow healthy and strong. Here are some tips for caring for your new snake plants:

Watering

It’s essential to maintain lightly moist yet well-draining soil. Check the soil by poking your finger into the top inch – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid over-saturating the soil, as too much moisture can cause harm to the delicate new roots. Aim to water young snake plants about once per week in warmer months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings thoroughly. In the winter, when plants grow more slowly, they may only need water every 2-3 weeks. Adjust as needed if you notice the leaves wrinkling (underwatered) or yellowing (overwatered). Learn more about snake plant leaves turning yellow: causes and solutions.

Light

Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place your new plants near a window with filtered light. I recommend rotating the pot every few weeks to ensure all sides of the plant receive adequate light.

Fertilizer

Snake plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but a small amount can help promote growth and keep the leaves healthy. I recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Ensure that you carefully adhere to the instructions provided on the fertilizer package.

Pests

Snake plants are generally pest-resistant, but they can sometimes attract spider mites or mealybugs. If you notice any signs of pests, such as webbing or tiny white spots on the leaves, you can use a mild insecticidal soap to treat the plant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and avoid getting the soap on the soil or in the water.

If this post about how to propagate a snake plant in water was helpful, please share it:

About Henry Morgan

Henry Morgan is an agronomist horticulture founder of The Garden Style Company and The Garden Style Website. He previously worked for Mondelēz International as an Agronomist Engineer specializing in agricultural products management in highly populated areas. In 2000, Henry started working with farmer-producers in agricultural businesses selling wholesale fresh produce and retail plants in Van Buren, Arkansas. Nowadays, Henry lives in California, where he offers expert consulting services for organic vegetable gardening. As a science writer working with his wife, Julia, Henry shares his passion for gardening and farming, trying to reach and teach as many folks as possible.

Leave a Comment