If you’re looking for a striking easy-care houseplant the snake plant is an excellent choice. Snake plants are native to Africa and they’re tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. One of the best things about snake plants is that they’re very easy to propagate from cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to propagating snake plants from cuttings.
1. Choose a healthy robust snake plant to take your cuttings from. Look for a plant that has firm upright leaves. Avoid plants that are limp or have yellowing leaves as these may be indicative of a health problem.
2. Cut a 6-8 inch section from the end of a healthy leaf. Use a sharp knife or gardening shears to make a clean cut.
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water. Make sure that the cut end of the cutting is submerged.
4. Place the glass of water in a bright warm location. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves of the cutting.
5. After a few days you should see roots beginning to form on the cut end of the cutting. Once the roots are an inch or so long you can pot up the cutting.
6. Use a well-draining potting mix and water lightly. Avoid getting the leaves wet as this can cause them to rot.
7. Place the pot in a bright warm location and keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
8. In a few weeks your cutting will have rooted and begun to grow. At this point you can begin to water it more regularly and fertilize it monthly with a half-strength houseplant fertilizer.
How do you take a snake plant cutting?
Cut a 6-inch section from a healthy snake plant with a sharp knife or gardening shears.
Choose a spot on the snake plant that is just below a leaf node.
This is where new growth will emerge.
How do you prepare the snake plant cutting for planting?
Allow the cut end of the snake plant cutting to callous over for a few days before planting.
To do this place the cutting in a dry shady spot.
Once the cut end has calloused it is ready for planting.
What type of potting mix do you use for a snake plant?
Use a fast-draining potting mix for your snake plant.
You can find a potting mix specifically for succulents and cacti at your local gardening center.
Does a snake plant need fertilizer?
Fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season with a succulent and cacti fertilizer.
How often does a snake plant need to be watered?
Water your snake plant when the soil has dried out.
Snake plants are drought-tolerant and do not need to be watered often.
During the winter months you can allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
What is the ideal temperature for a snake plant?
Snake plants prefer warm weather and will do best in temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does a snake plant need direct sunlight?
No snake plants do not need direct sunlight.
In fact they prefer bright indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of a snake plant.
How do you propagate a snake plant?
Snake plants can be propagated by division or by taking leaf cuttings.
How long does it take for a snake plant to propagate from a leaf cutting?
It can take several weeks for a snake plant to propagate from a leaf cutting.
Be patient and do not be discouraged if it takes a while for new growth to emerge.
How do you know when a snake plant is ready to be division?
Snake plants can be divided when they become overcrowded in their pot.
This is usually every 2-3 years.
What is the best time of year to divide a snake plant?
The best time of year to divide a snake plant is in the spring.
How do you divide a snake plant?
To divide a snake plant carefully remove it from its pot.
Gently pull the plant apart into smaller sections making sure each section has some roots attached.
Plant the sections in separate pots and water well.
How often does a snake plant need to be repotted?
A snake plant will need to be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes overcrowded in its pot.
What is the best time of year to repot a snake plant?
The best time of year to repot a snake plant is in the spring.
How do you repot a snake plant?
To repot a snake plant carefully remove it from its pot.
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in a slightly larger pot.
Fill in around the roots with fresh potting mix and water well.
