Want more of the exact same specimen of your gorgeous, Instagrammable succulent? Here’s how to clone a snake plant with a single leaf!
Who doesn’t want more snake plant babies at home? If you love seeing those little pups grow, propagating is the way to go. And you can actually grow a whole new batch from just a single leaf! Let’s jump into the easy way to clone your snake plant.
5 Simple steps to Clone a Snake Plant With a Single Leaf
1. Getting the Leaf Cutting
First up, you need to select a healthy, mature plant. With your sharp, sterilized gardening scissors, cut off a mature-sized leaf from the base of the plant.
If the leaf has any blemishes or signs of disease, avoid using it for propagation. Always choose healthy, unblemished leaves.
2. Divide the Leaf into Sections
Of course, you’re not going to propagate the entire leaf at once (you know how tall snake plant leaves can grow!).
So, go ahead and cut the leaf horizontally into 2-inch sections. This lets you make the most out of a single leaf.
Important: Mark each piece to remember which is the “top” and which is the “bottom.” Planting it upside down will stop it from rooting!
3. Add a ‘V’ Cut at the Base
A great way to boost propagation success is to cut a small ‘V’ shape at the base of each piece.
Why? This increases the surface area, helping your cuttings absorb more water and nutrients once they are in water or soil.
4. Let the Cuttings Callus
Now that your cuttings are ready, it’s time to let them rest and dry out.
Place them on a dry paper towel near a sunny window. Let them callus for at least 2–5 days—thicker leaves might need a bit longer.
This step is crucial because it prevents the cut ends from rotting and keeps bacteria and fungi at bay.
Optional: Dip the ends in rooting hormone powder before planting to encourage faster root growth.
5. Propagating in Water
After your cuttings have callused, place them in small jars filled with water—just enough to cover about 1/4th of each piece. Keep the jars near a bright window (south or west-facing works great), or under grow lights if needed.
Good airflow is key, so don’t let them sit in a stuffy corner. Change the water weekly to prevent bacteria. Be patient—roots may take up to 2 months to show.
Tip: Snake plants root faster in warmer months. Start in spring or early summer for quicker results—timing is everything!
6. Transplanting to Soil
Once roots are a couple of inches long, move the cuttings to pots with drainage holes filled with succulent mix. Plant gently and place them back in their sunny spot.
Hold off watering for 2–3 days after transplanting—this gives roots time to adjust and avoids shock.
Keep temperatures between 65–80°F (18–29°C), and use a sheer curtain if sunlight gets too intense. Think of it as sunscreen for your succulents!
Et voila! That’s all about how you can practically get the best snake plants out of propagation by leaves. Follow these tips, and let us know how your snake plants fare in the comments below!
