Snake plants (botanically known as *Sansevieria*) are a total staple for modern home decor. They look sleek, they’re tough as nails, and they fit perfectly in almost any room. If you’re looking to fill your home with these beauties without breaking the bank, the best way is to grow your own babies from the plant you already have!
Propagation
There are two main ways to propagate a snake plant:
- Division
- Leaf cuttings
Technically, you could grow them from seeds, but don’t hold your breath waiting for a harvest. It’s pretty rare for these guys to bloom indoors, so seeds are hard to come by.
Division
Propagating by division is super easy and has a high success rate. Plus, if you have a variegated variety (the ones with the cool yellow or white edges), division is the only way to make sure the new plants keep those same colors. The best time to do this is in the spring when you’re already repotting your plant.
Here’s how you do it:
- Gently remove the snake plant from its pot.
- Shake off the excess soil from the roots.
- Using a sharp, clean knife, cut away the rooted pups (or simply slice the main root ball into two or three sections).
- Plant each new section into its own pot with fresh soil.
- Give them a light watering.
- Place them in a bright, warm spot.
Leaf Cuttings
You can take leaf cuttings from any type of *Sansevieria*. Just a heads-up: if you take a cutting from a variegated plant, the new baby will likely lose those fancy stripes and grow back as a solid green houseplant.
Taking the Cuttings
You can take cuttings any time of year. For the best results, choose healthy, younger leaves:
- For short varieties, the leaf should be at least 4 inches long.
- For taller varieties, pick one of the longer leaves.
- Cut the leaf off right at the soil line using a sharp, clean knife.
Cutting and Drying
Next, you’ll want to cut the leaf into smaller sections. Here’s the ideal size:
- About 2 inches long for short varieties.
- 4 to 6 inches long for the taller types.
Pro tip: Cuttings will only grow roots if they are planted right-side up! To make sure you don’t lose track of which end is “up,” try these tricks:
- Mark the direction with a felt-tip pen.
- Cut the bottom of the piece at a slight angle so you know which side goes into the dirt.
Once they’re cut, let the pieces air-dry for a day or two to callus over. Keep them out of direct sunlight during this time.
Planting
You can put each cutting in its own little pot or group a few together in a tray. Either way, make sure you put a drainage layer of pebbles or broken terracotta at the bottom—snake plant cuttings hate “wet feet” and will rot if they sit in water.
Fill your container with cactus or succulent mix, then tuck your cuttings in (making sure they’re facing the right way!):
- Planting depth: 1 to 2 inches deep.
- Spacing: At least an inch apart.
Location and Care
To get those roots growing, find a spot that is:
- Bright, but away from direct sun.
- Warm (ideally between 68°F and 77°F).
Be extra careful when watering. These cuttings are very sensitive to moisture, so let the top of the soil dry out before you give them another drink. No need to cover them with plastic; they prefer the fresh air!
