Although Snake plants are succulents that prefer thriving in soils with low humidity these magic low-maintenance houseplants can grow in water if you know how to care for them in a hydroponic environment. You can propagate them in water and then transfer them to a proper glass jar or container to grow. You must consider tips like Water quality, Nutrient supply, Light, Container size, Water temperature, Container cleaning, monitoring roots and so on. However, you can also move a Snake plant from soil to water, although it’s a risky way.
Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and want to share with you my experiences and all the tips you need for growing your Snake plant in water. If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your Snake Plant in water for years to come.
I will also tell you about Snake plant problems in water such as root rot, algae growth, tip burn, and leaf discolouration. I also will teach you how to prevent and treat them.
I will also give you a golden tip in the end (conclusion) if you keep ready. if you are reading. let’s get going.
Can Snake Plants Grow in Water?
Snake plants also known as Sansevere are popular low-maintenance houseplants due to their ability to clean air and produce Oxygen at night. So, they strongly suggested adding to bedrooms. read my other post “Benefits of snake plants in the bedroom“. While they typically thrive in soil, they are quite adaptable and can be successfully propagated in water. This method is often used to create new plants from cuttings, although they can thrive in water for years. Keep reading
How to Plant Snake Plants in Water?
Snake plants are typically propagated in water, not “planted” in water. I first tell you about Propagating Snake plants in water then tell you Tips for growing them in a hydroponic environment and then show you how to move snake plants from soil to water.
Planting a Snake Plant in Water by Propagation
The process involves taking a cutting from a mature snake plant and rooting it in water before eventually transferring it to soil or keeping it in water.
Materials:
- Healthy snake plant leaf
- Clean glass jar or vase
- Filtered water
Propagate your Snake Plant in Water Step-by-Step
- Take a cutting: Cut a healthy leaf from your snake plant into 3-4 inch sections, ensuring each has a pointed end.
- Prepare the water: Fill a clean glass jar or vase with filtered water.
- Place the cutting: Insert the cut end of the leaf into the water.
- Provide light: Place the jar in a location with bright, indirect light.
- Change water: Replace the water weekly to prevent algae growth.
- Wait for roots: This can take several weeks.
Once the cutting has developed roots, you can then plant it in soil or keep it in a glass jar.
Important points to remember:
- Patience: Growing a mature snake plant in water might be slower than in soil.
- Water quality: Use clean, filtered water and change it regularly to prevent algae growth.
- Cleanliness: Use sterilised tools to prevent infections.
- Water temperature: Room temperature water is ideal.
- Root development: Once roots are about an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to the soil.
- Root health: Monitor the roots for signs of rot.
Can Snake Plant Grow in Water Permanently?
Yes, snake plants can grow permanently in water! They are quite adaptable and can thrive in a hydroponic environment. This means you can keep your snake plant in water indefinitely if you provide the right conditions.
Watering Your Water-Grown Snake Plant
- Frequency: This will depend on several factors, including the size of your plant, the size of the container, and the temperature and humidity levels in your environment.
- General guideline: Aim to change the water every 1-2 weeks.
- Check water quality: Ensure the water is clean and clear. Cloudy or green water indicates algae growth.
Light Requirements
- Indirect sunlight: Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Excessive direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Nutrient Supply
- Hydroponic fertilizers: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer specifically designed for hydroponic plants.
- Frequency: Fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce fertilization during the winter months.
- Follow instructions: Always dilute the fertilizer according to the product instructions.
Monitoring Root Health
- Regular inspection: Check the roots for signs of rot, discolouration, or algae growth.
- Triming the damaged roots: If you notice any unhealthy roots, trim them off using sterilized tools.
Key Factors for Success for Growing Snake Plants in Water
- Water quality: Use clean, filtered water and change it regularly to prevent algae growth and root rot.
- Nutrient supply: While snake plants are relatively low-maintenance, they will eventually need additional nutrients. You can use a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically designed for hydroponic plants.
- Light: Ensure your snake plant receives enough indirect sunlight.
- Container size: The container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
- Water temperature: Use room temperature water.
- Container cleaning: Regularly clean the container to prevent algae buildup.
- Patience: Growing a snake plant in water can be a rewarding experience, but it might take some time for your plant to establish itself.
Choosing the Right Container for Growing Snake Plants in Water
- Transparency: A clear container allows you to monitor root health and water quality.
- Size: The container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system without overcrowding.
- Stability: Ensure the container is stable to prevent tipping over.
Popular options:
- Glass vases
- Hydroponic containers
- Clear plastic containers
- Providing Nutrients
Fertilizer for Snake plants in Water
Snake plants are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require nutrients to thrive in water.
- Hydroponic fertilizers: These are specifically formulated for water-based plant growth. They provide essential nutrients in a balanced ratio.
- Dilution: Always dilute the fertilizer according to the product instructions to avoid burning the roots.
- Frequency: Fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce fertilization during the winter months.
- Important: Regularly monitor your snake plant for signs of nutrient deficiency or excess. Adjust the fertilizer accordingly.
Signs of Nutrient Deficiency of Snake Plants in Water
- Yellowing leaves: This can indicate a lack of nitrogen.
- Brown leaf tips: This might be a sign of potassium deficiency.
- Slow growth: Overall plant health and growth can be stunted due to insufficient nutrients.
- Weak or spindly growth: This could be a sign of insufficient phosphorus.
Signs of Nutrient Excess of Snake Plants in Water
- Brown leaf tips: Excessive fertilization can lead to salt build-up, causing brown tips.
- Root burn: Over-fertilization can damage the roots, leading to root rot.
- Leaf discoloration: Yellowing or browning of leaves can also be a symptom of nutrient overload.
Remember: It’s essential to observe your snake plant regularly and adjust the nutrient levels accordingly. If you’re unsure about the specific issue, consider providing a clear image of your plant for a more accurate diagnosis.
Common Problems with Water-Grown Snake Plants
While snake plants are relatively hardy, they can face some challenges when grown in water. Regular monitoring, clean water, and proper care will help keep your snake plant healthy and thriving. Prevention is often the best approach to dealing with plant problems. By providing optimal growing conditions, you can significantly reduce the risk of issues.
Diseases and Pests
Root rot: This is the most common issue caused by overly saturated conditions. Symptoms include soft, mushy roots and yellowing leaves. Prevention is key: ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Prevention: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Ensure your container has good drainage.
- Treatment: If root rot has already set in, remove the affected plant from the water. Trim away the rotten roots using sterilized tools. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Algae growth: This can occur in stagnant water. Regular water changes and using filtered water can help prevent this.
Prevention:
- Regular Water Changes: This is the most crucial step. Change the water every 1-2 weeks to prevent nutrient buildup and algae growth.
- Filtered Water: Use filtered water to reduce the number of nutrients and contaminants that can encourage algae growth.
- Low Light Conditions: While snake plants need light, excessive light can promote algae growth. Place your plant in a location with bright, indirect light.
- Container Cleaning: Regularly clean the container to remove any algae buildup.
- Avoid Over-Fertilization: Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive algae growth. Follow the recommended dosage for your hydroponic fertilizer.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment: A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can help control algae. However, use it sparingly as it can harm your plant if used excessively.
- Treatment: If algae is present, clean the container thoroughly and replace the water with fresh, filtered water. Consider adding a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the water to help control algae growth.
Mealybugs: These tiny insects can infest your plant. Regular inspection and isolation of infected plants can help control them.
- Prevention: Regular inspection of your plant can help detect mealybugs early on. Isolating new plants can also help prevent infestation.
- Treatment: Manually remove visible mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. For severe infestations, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Tip burn: This can be caused by fluoride in tap water, low humidity, or over-fertilization.
- Prevention: Avoid using tap water with high fluoride content. Ensure adequate humidity levels.
- Treatment: Trim away the affected leaf tips.
Leaf discolouration: Aside from nutrient deficiencies or excess, this can also be caused by sudden changes in light conditions or temperature.
- Prevention: Provide consistent light conditions and avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Treatment: Monitor for nutrient deficiencies or excesses and adjust care accordingly.
Don’t suffocate snake plant roots in water
Just like any other plant, snake plant roots need oxygen to survive. If they’re constantly submerged in water, they can suffocate and rot. You must ensure there’s enough oxygenation in the water system. This might involve using an air pump or changing the water frequently. Following you can find Tips.
Oxygenation:
- Water changes: Regularly changing the water helps introduce fresh oxygen to the root system. Aim for a change every 1-2 weeks.
- Air stones: Using an air stone and a small air pump can provide constant oxygenation to the water.
Water quality:
- Cleanliness: Use filtered water to reduce the risk of algae growth.
- Temperature: Ensure the water temperature is suitable for the plant.
- Root inspection: Regularly examine the roots for signs of rot or disease. Trim any unhealthy roots promptly.
- Container size: The container should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system without overcrowding.
- Nutrient balance: Maintain a proper nutrient balance in the water to support healthy root growth.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of root suffocation and create a thriving environment for your water-grown snake plant.
How Long Can a Snake Plant Live in Water?
A snake plant can live indefinitely in water, given the right conditions. This means with proper care, such as regular water changes, nutrient supplementation, and adequate light, your snake plant can thrive in a hydroponic environment for years.
However, it’s essential to monitor the plant closely for signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies. If these issues arise, you might consider transferring the plant back to the soil.
Moving a Snake Plant from Soil to Water: A Cautious Approach
You can move a snake plant from soil to water, but it’s important to do it carefully. The transition can be stressful for the plant, and there’s a higher risk of root rot compared to starting a new plant from a cutting.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the plant from its pot: Carefully take the snake plant out of its container.
- Clean the roots: Gently wash away the soil from the roots to prevent contamination of the water.
- Inspect the roots: Look for any signs of rot or disease. Trim away any unhealthy roots.
- Prepare the container: Use a clean glass jar or vase filled with filtered water.
- Place the plant: Carefully place the snake plant in the water, ensuring the roots are submerged.
Important considerations:
- Monitor closely: Keep a close eye on the plant for signs of stress or root rot.
- Water changes: Change the water regularly to prevent algae growth and maintain water quality.
- Nutrient supplementation: You might need to add a hydroponic fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
It’s often easier and safer to propagate a new snake plant from a leaf cutting than to transition an established plant from soil to water.
Conclusion
In this post, I told you how to grow Snake Plants in water from propagation to keeping them in hydroponic environments for years. Now, you know numerous pro tips. For example, you found out that for growing snake plants in the water, you must consider clean, filtered water, fertilizing them with proper fertilizers and putting them in a bright place with indirect sunlight, although they are low-maintenance houseplants which can thrive in low-light.
I promised to give you a golden tip at the end of this post: most people love to add aesthetic elements such as decorative rocks, pebbles, or stones to plants’ glass jars. However, I don’t recommend it because they make changing water difficult and provide a proper environment for growing Algae, if you love to do it you must use that are specifically designed for aquariums and clean them thoroughly.
Please ask me your questions and share your ideas and experiences with my reader and me below this page.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.