Propagating by water? Check out this glass jar trick to grow snake plant roots twice as fast—just scroll down!
The soil is generally the accepted medium for propagating almost all plants. But that does not mean you can’t have some fun! While propagating snake plant cuttings in water can be a valuable experiment (and doubles as decor), it might not always work. So, here’s a glass jar trick to grow snake plant roots twice as fast in water.
Glass Jar Trick to Grow Snake Plants Twice as Fast in Water
1. Choosing a Healthy Leaf
This step is crucial, of course. Start by selecting a healthy mother plant. Snip off a leaf that’s strong and free from damage or discoloration. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears for a clean cut.
If the leaf is too long, cut it into smaller 2-inch sections. Keeping the whole leaf intact works too—totally your call!
Tip: Mark the bottom of each cutting with a small dot using a non-toxic marker. This helps avoid planting the wrong end.
2. Snip Off the End and Let it Callus
Now, let’s prep the cuttings. Make a “V” notch at the base of each cutting. This shape increases surface area, helping the plant absorb water and root faster.
After cutting, allow them to callus—that’s when the wound dries and forms a protective layer. It prevents rot and infection when placed in water.
Let the cuttings rest on a dry paper towel for 1–2 days in bright, indirect light. If your space is dry, lightly mist the air—not the cuttings—to prevent shriveling.
3. Preparing the Glass Jar
And now we have arrived at the most crucial juncture, which is preparing the glass jar! The success of your water propagation depends on this trick, so read closely!
Normally, water propagation takes 2–4 months. To speed things up, fill the glass jar with 1 inch of perlite. Then, add enough water so it’s just at the base of the cutting—don’t submerge more than 1/4th of it.
The perlite boosts airflow and oxygen levels, helping roots grow faster and healthier.
Caution: Always use filtered or rainwater—tap water may contain chlorine, which slows root growth.
Also, change the water every 4–5 days to avoid murkiness and bacterial growth.
4. Let it Root!
Once your setup is ready, give it the right light. Place the jar near a bright window—south-facing works best. If the afternoon sun is too harsh, use a sheer curtain for protection.
If you don’t have a south-facing window, a full-spectrum LED grow light works well too. Just make sure it stays warm and bright!
Watch for tiny white roots—your cutting is rooting! Once the roots reach 1–2 inches in length, you can move it to soil or let it continue growing in water.
Following these little tips and tricks will help you get your snake plant cuttings to root twice as fast! Try them out and let us know how it goes for you in the comments below!
