Let's talk about a cool way to grow plants - in water! Usually, we use soil, but water can be a cleaner and more accessible option. Have you ever wondered if you can grow snake plants, which are a type of succulent, in water?
Guess what? You can! Even though snake plants usually grow in soil, they can also grow well in water. The best part? They don’t need much water once they get big.
There are a few different ways to grow snake plants in water. It’s called hydroponic growing. The most important thing is to check on your plant every day. Keep reading, and we'll show you how to grow snake plants in water. It's fun and easy!
Two Methods for Growing Snake Plants In Water
The two most common ways to grow your snake plant in water include cutting the plant in multiple sections or propagating a brand new snake plant from a single leaf of the mother plant.
Both methods are effective and can be done within a matter of minutes. Let's look at how.
Method 1. Cutting your snake plant
Things you'll need for both methods:
- Pruning shears
- A paring knife
- A jar
- Fresh soil
Inspect the snake plant
Please look at your snake plant and ensure it is healthy before deciding to propagate it. You'll be growing the snake plant from its rhizomes for this method.
These are located at the bottom of the plant and are connected to the root system.
If you notice that the plant has red spots, drooping, or yellow leaves, this is a sign that your plant is in a state of stress and not equipped to be used as a mother plant.
If the plant leaves look okay, remove the plant from the plant container.
Check the roots
Shake away the soil from your plant and look at the roots to ensure they are in good condition. If they are mushy, soggy, or have a pungent odor, this can indicate root rot.
In this case, you must bring the plant back to health before using it for propagation.
Divide the leaves
There are a couple of ways that you can divide your snake plant. The more common and safer way is to grab one of the leaves by the root and pull it apart from the plant. It takes all but five seconds to do this step.
Be sure to wiggle the shoot free instead of tearing it off, as you don't want to damage the shoot. The other way is to get a paring or gardening knife and cut the leaf free at the end of the shoot.
Place the shoot in the water
Next, place your newly detached shoot in a glass jar filled with water. The water should cover the shoot about an inch up to the stem.
Be sure to place the jar in a sunny and warm area in your home until the roots start to show from the bottom of the shoot.
It could take several weeks for the roots to develop, so patience will be a virtue during this time. Also, make sure to replenish the water to stay fresh and clean.
Transfer to soil
Once you see the roots at the bottom of the shoot, you can place your snake plant in the soil for it to grow.
If you prefer not to use soil, you can keep your snake plant in water if you add some medium to the pot, such as pebbles, stones, or beads. In a few months, you'll see a completely new snake plant start to develop.
Method 2. Dividing your snake plant
Inspect the snake plant
For this method, you'll also want to look at the snake plant to ensure that it is in excellent condition and not in a state of stress.
If you try to propagate a new plant from a sick mother plant, the new plant will struggle to develop a sound root system and will likely die within a matter of days.
Check the plant for spots or webbings on the leaves, which can signify pest infestation or fungi. You'll also want to make sure that the roots of the plan or solid and healthy.
Divide the plant into thirds
Next, take your shears and cut the plant into three different sections. Before cutting, ensure your shears are clean and sterile, as you don't want to transfer any bacteria or fungi to the cuttings.
Also, keep the cuttings in the same upright position, meaning that they should not be planted upside down when you plant them.
Place cuttings in a jar
Take a glass jar and place all of the cuttings inside of it. Next, pour water into the jar until the cuttings are covered at the bottom, about two inches deep.
Afterward, choose a warm and sunny spot to place the cuttings and monitor them daily for root growth. Always add fresh water to the jar and rinse it if it becomes dirty.
You can leave the cuttings in the water until they become plants or transfer them to a pot for re-planting. You can also plant them in soil if you want.
How To Maintain Hydroponic Snake Plants
- Monitor the water level: If it gets low, don't let it dry out completely to avoid dehydration.
- Less water in winter: They grow slower in lower light, so they need less water.
- Change the water monthly: Fresh water helps prevent disease.
- Watch for root rot: If the water gets smelly or cloudy, change it and trim any dead roots.
These simple steps will help your hydroponic snake plants thrive!
How Long Does It Take For A Snake Plant To Root In Water?
Snake plants will take anywhere from 2 to 2 1/2 to develop baby roots if propagated using water. Sometimes, it may take much longer, mainly if you use soil instead of water.
Once the roots begin to form, you then need to wait a few more weeks for the pups of the roots to form.
Is It Better To Propagate A Snake Plant In Soil Or Water?
The more traditional method of propagating a snake plant is in a soil medium. However, this doesn't mean that propagating in water is ineffective. It may just take a bit longer for the cuttings to establish a root base.
That being said, it's worth noting that dividing the snake plant instead of cutting individual leaves is a much faster way of growing a new snake plant.
How Do You Encourage The Roots To Grow From Cuttings?
The best way to encourage root development from plant cuttings is to provide the roots with the ideal growing environment.
This typically means not exposing them to cold drafts or direct sun and ensuring they have active growth nodes at the bottom of their shoot.
You can also consider using a rooting hormone to help encourage the growth of the cuttings.
Lastly, it's best not to place the cuttings in full sun but instead in a location where they will receive a 50/50 ratio of partial sunlight and shade.
Plant cuttings thrive in warm environments with an average humidity of about 50%. It's essential to keep the growing medium moist so that the growing roots receive the nutrients they need to get bigger.
How Do You Multiply A Snake Plant?
The easiest and quickest way to multiply your snake plant is to remove it from its pot and divide it into three or five different sections. You can do this using your hand or a sharp paring knife.
When separating the plant leaves, be sure not to tear them apart but to gently tug on them until they split at the root of the leaf.
Always examine the roots before multiplying snake plants to ensure they are healthy enough to create a new baby plant.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope this post has answered your questions and provided the details you were looking for in growing snake plants in water. Though snake plants are succulents, they can be propagated and grown in water.
However, special care should be taken to ensure their moisture levels stay on target.