How to propagate snake plants in soil

Propagating snake plants in soil is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to create new plants from a single mature one. The process of propagation starts with selecting a healthy leaf from a mature snake plant, cutting it into segments, and planting them bottom-down in well-draining soil. With a little patience and care, your snake plant cuttings will soon be thriving in their new homes.

To begin, you will need a mature snake plant, a sharp pair of scissors or pruners, and a well-draining potting soil. It is important to select a healthy leaf from the mature snake plant, as this will ensure that the cutting has the best chance of rooting successfully. Using your scissors or pruners, carefully cut the leaf at the base, taking care to include a small portion of the stem. The leaf should be at least 6 inches long, with a thick and sturdy stem. This will provide the cutting with enough energy to grow roots and sprout new leaves.

Next, divide the leaf into segments. Each segment should have at least one leaf and a small portion of stem. Make sure to use clean and sharp scissors or pruners to prevent the spread of disease. The number of segments you can make will depend on the size of the leaf you selected, but it's recommended to have at least 2-3 segments per leaf.

As for where to plant the cuttings, you will need to set up a pot (terracotta works well, or a plastic container from an old plant) and dried out soil, making sure that the soil is well-draining, as snake plants don't like to be waterlogged. You can use a potting mix or a mixture of peat moss and perlite.

Cut at the base, remember to plant your cuttings bottom-down (or bury the end closest to your cut)

Once you have your pot and soil ready, you can start planting the cuttings. Gently press the stem of each segment into the soil, leaving the leaves above the surface. Make sure to space the segments about 2-3 inches apart, to give them room to grow. Do not water the cuttings after planting, as they need to form callouses before getting wet to avoid rot.

After about 3-5 days, water the cuttings. Let the soil completely dry out between waterings. Roots will sprout from the cuttings in about 2-4 weeks, but they will not be visible. Keep up with watering, without letting the soil become waterlogged. Keep the pot in a warm, bright location. The warmer the location the faster the cutting will root.

The visible growth, or the propagation, from snake plants are called “pups.” As for when the pups will sprout, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, depending on the conditions in which the plant is kept. The pups will appear as small shoots from the base of the cutting, and can be carefully separated and replanted once they are large enough. Be patient, and don’t disturb the cuttings if it takes longer than expected to see growth.

Propagating snake plants in soil is a wonderful way to add more of these hardy, easy-to-care-for plants to your collection. With a little patience and care, your snake plant cuttings will soon grow to become new plants in of themselves, ready for repotting. The process of propagation is not only a way to increase the number of plants in your collection but also an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of growth and regeneration. Enjoy the process and give your new plants out as gifts, as it’s possible to make quite a few with this method.