How to Propagate a Snake Plant
The snake plant is grown throughout homes in America and is a native of South Africa. It is also popularly known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” because of its sharp leaves. Snake plants require very little water in the winter and moderate during the summer. The leaves have a different appearance according to the variety as some have gray- green bands on them while others have light green strips. The plant is rather tricky to propagate but if you follow some simple tips, it can be done quite successfully.
Things Required:
– 4-inch pots
– 6-inch pots
– Small rocks
– Houseplant Soil
– Rooting Hormone
– Plant Leaf
Instructions
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1
Prepare the Pots
Take a 4 inch pot for every cutting and put a rock at the bottom of the pot where there is a drainage hole as this will help in keeping the soil in the pot whenever you water the plant. The pots should be filled with houseplant soil. Pour some water over the soil to dampen it but do not water it excessively as the plant will start to rot. -
2
Cut the Leaf
Take a close look at the plant and pick a long leaf so that you can get many cuttings from it. Lay the leaf flat on the table and start cutting across the width. Remember to let the leaf parts stay on the table in that position after you cut them. The leaf segments need to be inserted in the correct direction inside the soil, letting them stay on the table will help you memorise the pattern. The length of each segment should be 3-4 inches. -
3
Put the Segments in the Right Direction
Be very careful when planting the segments; insert the bottom section of the leaf first in the soil. Take a segment and wet its end which is nearest to the root, remove excess water by giving it a shake and then dip it in the rooting hormone. Insert the same leaf in the soil and it should be at least 2 inches below the top surface. Follow the same steps for every leaf segment. -
4
Propagation Area
The pots need to be placed in a brightly lit area but not directly under the sun as the temperature should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep a check on the moisture of the soil daily, it shouldn’t be very soggy. In about a month’s time, the cuttings will become roots and new plants will grow. When the roots are fully formed, transfer the cuttings into 6 inch pots.
