St. George’s sword (Dracaena trifasciata) roots easily in soil or water, making it one of the easiest plants to grow, it also reproduces easily by dividing a plant. Let’s look at the different ways to propagate Sansevieria or Sword of Saint George.
All you need to propagate your Sansevieria is time, a sharp knife or a pair of pruners, potting soil and water. A few simple tips will allow young plants to thrive, providing plenty of new plants to add to your jungle.
Rooting new Sansevierias takes a few months, but the wait is worth it, especially when you start to see the new growth.
Contents
Methods of Propagation of Sansevieria
The ideal time to propagate a Sansevieria is summer and spring, when it is actively growing.
1. By division
Division divides the plant into sections and is a useful method for propagating larger plants.
Start by removing the entire plant from its pot, roots and all. Use a sharp knife or pruner to cut the root ball, which is very matted.
Try to create divisions with at least 3 leaves and accompanying roots. Make sure each division has healthy roots and leaves.
Plant each division in a new pot with a well-draining growing medium. Moisten the soil and keep it in a place that receives direct and indirect sunlight.
Water only when the top 5 inches of soil are dry to the touch.
The division will show its growth in 4-6 weeks. Once you notice new leaf shoots, you can transplant them to their final place.
2. Cuttings in water
Propagating Sansevieria is as simple as placing a leaf in a pot of clean water. Start by cutting a leaf from an established plant. The cut sheet should be at least 6 inches tall (taller sheets are even better).
Place the cut end of the leaf in a jar or vase filled with 5cm of water. Put the pot in a bright place and renew the water, rinsing the pot, once a week. Leave the container in a place where it receives direct and indirect sunlight.
Roots should form at the base of the cutting in about two months. After root formation, plant the rooted cutting in a container filled with potting soil.
The cutting will grow into a fairly large plant in 8-12 weeks.
3. Cuttings in the ground
Snake plant cuttings will also root in moist potting soil. First, remove a leaf from an established plant by cutting the leaf at the base of the plant with a clipper or knife.
You can maximize the number of new plants by cutting the leaf horizontally into 5cm pieces. Make angled cuts or notches in the leaf pieces to help you remember which end is “bottom” and which is “top.”
Let the leaves settle by keeping them in a dark place for 4 to 7 days, depending on the weather.
To encourage rooting and prevent rotting, dip the bottom end of each leaf cutting in rooting hormone (optional).
Place the cutting a quarter inch deep in moist potting soil and place the container in a bright spot. Keep the soil moist, but not wet.
After about two months, try to carefully remove the cutting from the ground. If you feel resistance, the cutting is rooted and established in its new pot. If the cutting slips out of the ground, replant it and continue watering when the soil is dry.
4. Sow Sansevieria seeds
Growing Sansevieria plants from seed is a time consuming process. If you still want to do this, fill a container with cactus soil or use a seed starter mix.
Sprinkle the seeds into the growing medium and push them gently into the soil with your fingers. Cover them with a thin layer of growing medium.
Water thoroughly and place the container in a warm place with indirect light.
Use plastic wrap to create a dome and cover the container to retain moisture and heat.
When you start to see signs of growth, remove the plastic wrap.
Once the seedling reaches a height of 10 cm or more, you can transplant it.
How to Transplant Sansevieria Cuttings
Make sure the container you are going to use is clean and has drainage holes in the bottom.
Use potting soil suitable for cacti and succulents. You can also check out these homemade recipes.
For a week after transplanting, place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight.
Do not pay for 4-6 weeks. This will give the roots enough time to settle back into the new space.
It may also be interesting to read: 3 methods to easily propagate ferns (division, stolons and spores)
Never overwet the growing medium and water only when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
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