The snake plant in a pot cannot withstand high humidity; however, interestingly, it can thrive in a water-based environment if certain foolproof measures are taken.
Can snake plants grow leaves from water?
Snake plants can be easily grown from healthy leaf cuttings, making them easy to propagate even without potting soil.
In fact, they are one of the few houseplants that can be grown easily without soil and grow faster in water.
Growing Snake Plants in Water
Snake plants can be effortlessly cultivated in water by utilizing leaf cuttings obtained from established plants. This procedure typically spans 2-3 months until the roots develop robustly. Once the roots have established, you can proceed with the ongoing cultivation of your snake plant in a water environment.
It’s important to note that the majority of plants exhibit slower growth in water compared to soil, and the same holds true for Granny’s tongue. While it can serve as a striking focal point for a shelf or table, substantial growth is unlikely to be observed.
What you need:
– Clean, sharp knife or scissors
– Vase or glass jar
– Water
How to propagate it
– Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut healthy, mature leaves from the base.
– Make a clean cut at the bottom – this increases your chances of success.
– Place the cuttings in a clear jar or vase and fill with water until about 25% of the cutting leaves are covered.
– To hold the leaves in place, especially if you are using a small jar, insert a toothpick into it.
– Roots will develop in about one to two months.
– Alternatively, you can remove a puppy whose roots are not yet fully developed.
– Wash the roots under running water and place them in a vase of water as above.
– This method is much more successful than the one above, but it’s all about trying and experimenting to find what works for you.
Separating and transplanting snake plant larvae into water
– Using a sterilized knife, carefully cut off the snake plant seedlings, cutting exactly
where the leaves appear when you cut them.
– Repeat this process until you have multiple pups for your hydroponic creation.
Next, select a pot and hydroponic the larvae in a distilled water medium.
– Also, fill it with pebbles as these decorations look fantastic in a vase
Light
Snake plants thrive in bright light. Therefore, avoid storing samples in dark places. East-facing windows should ideally receive two to three hours of direct morning sunlight each day. Or anywhere with bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day will do.
Water
Water quality is an important factor when growing snake plants hydroponically. Use rainwater, pond water, well water, or reverse osmosis water. If using tap water, leave overnight. Change the water every 5-7 days, or sooner if discolored.
Temperature
Snake plants growing in water do best at temperatures between 10 and 35°C. The plant prefers warm temperatures of at least 15°C or more.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer to feed your plants. When changing the water, adding a small amount of fertilizer every three to four times is usually enough. You can also use diluted aquarium water every few weeks.
What more you need to know
Each time you change the water, make sure to thoroughly rinse the jar. This practice helps eliminate any potential fungus or bacteria present on the glass surface. Additionally, take the opportunity to remove any decaying sections or the thick brown outer skin from floating roots.
Shield your snake plants from cold weather by safeguarding them against chilly winds. Avoid placing them near window panes and air conditioning vents, as they are not fond of low temperatures. Enhance moisture retention in the vase by adding a piece or two of activated carbon.
Caring for Snake Plant Cuttings
– Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent pathogens.
– Always use distilled or rainwater for propagation to avoid mineral formation.
– Place the cuttings near a screened east window for 6-10 hours to provide daily light needs.
– Additionally, cover the cuttings with perforated zipper bags to ensure moisture and humidity.
– Use dark, opaque containers to prevent algae growth.
– Add a small amount of activated charcoal to the water to avoid odors.
