Are Your Sansevieria Cuttings Rotting??? Learn the SECRET to success!

Have you tried to root Sansevieria cuttings by water or by soil, and they're rotted out on you? This video contains one secret that no one is talking about, and additional tips to ensure that your cuttings don't rot out!
Be sure to visit and subscribe to my houseplant care blog at www.ohiotropics.com and follow me on Instagram (@ohiotropics) for my houseplant care tips!

[@yaya618]

You are right! No one is talking about drying it out. I have been researching everywhere! Thanks for confirming it.

[@OhioTropics]

I've done it both ways and been successful without drying them out too, but it's a good practice to let them dry out :-)

[@gwenbatoon5262]

Swedish plantguy did

[@gwenbatoon5262]

I have never suceeded... n end up buying. They all die

[@ouridatagnit8820]

@@gwenbatoon5262 same for me.. They r not original... Hybrides then no result.. All ll die...

[@jamalconor4225]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does anybody know a way to get back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@chenoarts]

This is totally what nobody is talking about! Now I know what I've been doing wrong. Haha. Thank you R Raphael, this saved me and my babies! 😝

[@OhioTropics]

Happy to help! Let me know when you try again and it works! :-)

[@chenoarts]

THIS TOTALLY WORKED. I let it callous over for like 3-5 days, then after 2.5 weeks into water, roots have appeared. Thank you so much Raphael! ❤️

[@luzmaruag8731]

Thanks for unselfishly sharing with us the most important task in water propagation, that is, to dry the cuttings for 2-3 days. This was never touched in all vloggers I watched. God bless...and we'll be delighted to learn some more from you.

[@someperson8035]

By far the best video I have ever seen and I have been watching a week worth on Sansevieria!! Thank you so much!!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome! And thanks for taking the time to comment :-)

[@jeanineferris488]

I like you! You are always to the point quickly, clearly and simply and also thoroughly. Great work! Love you videos.

[@macykinsey5505]

Omg THIS! Thank you so much!! I began my cuttings in water and they rotted I was so sad. I now have several cuttings drying so that I can try the water method again. I like rooting them in water so that I can watch the process. Thank you again.

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome Macy! Keep me posted on your progress :-)

[@stevenm6453]

How long did you let the roots grow in the water before transferring them into soil?

[@MysticEyes]

🙏🏽YOU WERE SENT FROM HEAVEN!!💫 thank you so much for this video and bringing so much clarity to the reasons for my rotted clippings! You’re awesome!! New subby here!

[@OhioTropics]

You are so welcome and thank you!! :-). Good luck!

[@ZoomILike2flyAway]

Excellent video. You covered most of my concerns in propagating this plant. Thank you! 🧤

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tatsking01]

I’m fairly a new plant owner (1 year) and honestly since I discovered your channel (IG & YT) it helped me a lot. I had a hard time with watering my plants initially but since I followed your method of soaking/thorough watering the plants I noticed improvement (I water them once every fortnight being winter where I live then will do once a week when it gets to summer). I just recently started water propagating so I’m loving this vlog. Thank you and I look forward to more of your vlogs❤️.

[@OhioTropics]

I'm so happy that you're seeing a lot more success since you modified your watering! Thank you for commenting and I will continue to create more videos when I can!

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Very helpful informative no one else mentioned this.Thanks so much👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leis.6701]

Hi fr. the Philippines. Thanks for this video so informative and yes, the drying out leaves portion is new. Usually some vids I saw just demonstrate the leaves cut and potted right away without airdrying.

[@OhioTropics]

I've done it both ways, but it is better to be safe and let them dry first :-)

[@MONATOLOGY]

Wow! Well explained. I tried it and it gets rot. Thank you for your amazing blog. Full view and enjoy it.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@LynMonton]

Thank you. Everything you mentioned in here has happened to me. Now I know why. And no one has said to let them callous. No one. Ty

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome, and good luck! :-)

[@conniekelly5653]

It took me a minute to adjust to this. I'm so glad I stayed with it 'cause I just really like you. I enjoy the heck out of watching you talk to us. Expressiveness is a gift. Your face and movements and teaching are so very alive. Oh my gosh! - Your knowledge and ability to pass that on in a way I can understand ...!!! Thank you. You are personable and honest and incredibly, well, incredibly smart. I let my huge old friend snake plant, oh man I can hardly stand to say this -I let it suffer and then die. It was part of my soul. Always way. It also gave birth. For years. And, I let it go. I was not ok and let so much of my life go so it was no longer possible to "care for" anything at all. So I watched it happen. Tried what I thought I knew. it just kept leaving. I have a tall clear glass vase with a few stalks now. Down to this. And, I fear.... so I'll pray that these make it. The loss of my old monster snake plant still haunts me. This started 2 - 3 years - till now. The disintegration. I will hope that these salvages will pull through. And, if not, that I will say to them what I say to all things, "Well done, my good and faithful..." as Matthew wrote. Thank for letting me be far too verbose. I appreciated listening to you this evening. It was refreshing! Your connection to plants. And to us. Connie

[@OhioTropics]

Thank you so much Connie. You are very kind :-) I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Good luck with your snake plants. Don't lose hope because we all learn from our failures and they just make us stronger.

[@JulienneCooksatHome]

very good explanation, as a newbie 1 week to be exact, you give tons of helpful information good job and thank you

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful for you :-)

[@RootingForSunshine]

This is so helpful, thank you for sharing these tips!!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful! :-)

[@nikolinam.4193]

Thanks for mentioning you should first let them callus over before putting them in water. Everyone said to do that before putting them in soil, but not in water as well. I've put at least two dozen of cuttings of whole leaves (of different sizes) in water a couple of days ago, and now I noticed literally all of them have started to rot! Crazy how literally no leaf was left healthy. I've cut the mushy parts on all of them and I'm going to let them callus over for a day or two. Hopefully, they'll do well once I put them in water again. I've also cut some leaves in sections, let them dry out for two days and then potted them, and now they look like they are drying up and dying. The soil is fine, but it seems to me they dried out too much when they were left to callus over.

[@OhioTropics]

When doing the soil propagation method, you'll have to keep the potting mix more moist than you'd think. I'd still let the surface dry out, but don't let it go completely dry.

[@mpoimokhafola333]

@@OhioTropics Thank you very much for sharing this video and 👌👌

[@gkaur1786]

Thank you for the tip to dry out first . All my leaf cuttings have been rotting for past attempts

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! I hope you have better success next time!

[@Theperilsofbev]

Subscribed! Great info, tips, updates, and! I'm in NW Indiana so our climates are similar! Thank you so much! PS, I've always known them as, "Mother in law's tongue"

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Bev! There are tons of common names for many plants but it can also make it confusing for many people :-).

[@Abi-iy6ek]

Tku very much :) I have successfully propagated my snake plant after a month. It kept rotting in the beginning until I saw your video. This is something no one talks about

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome, and good luck!!!

[@09crazysexycool]

Actually no one talks about cleaning the slime and how often to change the water. Great tips!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it! I found that it's very critical so I wanted to share!

[@wikiwiki6762]

How to manage during winter when there's not much light. Thanks for uploading the video .Lots of information .

[@OhioTropics]

You can always supplement with grow lights :-)

[@farinaadjie3729]

Thank you so much. You are great!! I have watched some other's but they don't explain properly, again I thank you and god bless

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video! :-)

[@maryogrodnik4237]

Thanks for the video, this was exactly what I needed to know!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Mary! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Aleshanation]

For those with ADHD and having issues getting through the video like I was, but find his information valuable, you can put the video on x1.5 speed. ❤🙏

[@joyceharris3524]

Thank you for being so thorough!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Joyce!

[@daphneringgold2822]

Great tips.. haven't any luck before. Will try again... thxxx

[@OhioTropics]

Good luck!

[@MissOnaBudget]

Thanks for this video! Just right in time! While watching I'm cutting the rotting part off. Drying the other part. I hope they will all survive. I've seen some videos already and no one talks about drying it out first. Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!

[@ouridatagnit8820]

Even dry out I putted in water but rotting again

[@ouridatagnit8820]

When I saw this I m throwing

[@ouridatagnit8820]

Can we cover

[@maryjojacobs1946]

You are great!. I've watched several other people and was put off by their silliness, so glad I discovered you. Thanks

[@OhioTropics]

So glad you are enjoying my channel MaryJo :-) Thanks!

[@agnesj3731]

Thank you so much ~^^ cleaning is so important in my experiencing ~ Now im so clear about that ^^

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome 😊

[@sarahleslie96]

Thank you so much, very helpful. Fingers crossed I have more luck this time 🤞🏻

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome and best of luck! :-)

[@aliasgarden5876]

Very nice way of explaining very good video

[@OhioTropics]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@chilanarciso5614]

Thanks for the watering tip. That has been my problem. I did not know that you have to keep the soil moist.

[@OhioTropics]

This is a good rule of thumb for rooting only :-). After roots are established, you do want the soil to dry out.

[@susanagrant]

Thanks 😊 for the info. Now I know what to do.

[@audrey6528]

Thank you sooo much for all your advice! Wish me good luck 🤞😬 🍀 🍀 🍀

[@OhioTropics]

All the best!

[@gmariyaaa]

Thank you for the tips!!! I will airdry my cuttings first esp the whalefin. Will do as well on my other snake plants.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MeredithForReal]

Great tips! I totally know what I did wrong now!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I saw another video by this guy before. He makes quality content

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@annatorres2209]

Thank you, This was much needed info

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pcgsWP]

Many thanks for this video! Question: do I need to dry out my cuttings IF I’m propagating them directly into soil? Or is the drying process only for cuttings using water propagation?

[@OhioTropics]

It's a good idea to do it for both!

[@elizabethkrause5915]

Thank you I did not know to let them dry out. Im going to go make new cutting to let them dry out! Thank you!!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad I could help!

[@Graveyardhoney13]

Yesss my goodness I was thinking the same to. I was left wondering, are only succulents meant to calluse over...but I've noticed that a few videos don't mention that either with them. Thank you so much for confirming. Love this video

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! :-)

[@debbielummus4637]

Great tips! Thank you so much!💚🌿🌻

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Debbie! :-)

[@YorozuyaNeesan2010]

Thank you so much for this. I ordered a beautiful leaf cutting and I let it callus overnight before putting it in water, but today, almost a week later, I noticed that the bottom was beginning to rot. I just took it out, sliced off the rotting part with a sterile blade and actually cut it in half to try both water propagation again, and soil propagation. In water, I don't think I let it dry out enough before hand. Even though it looked and felt dry and callused, I think one day was too little. I did change the water every three days and monitored the cutting every morning, and today was when I spotted the start of some rot. Hopefully, with these tips, I can have success with the cutting in water by rinsing off the leaf under a faucet when I change the water and washing the container out each time. And I have some gritty cactus/succulent mix to try and propagate the other cutting and I will remember to keep it moist, but not over water - it has excellent drainage, so I am hopeful.

[@OhioTropics]

Did it end up working for you?

[@evesoriano8912]

Wish I had found this video sooner. I would've saved some plants and heartache!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@jasoncripe6660]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Jason! I'm happy that you enjoyed it.

[@belindascott2032]

Hey mr Ohio thank you for this info it was very helpful and I loved the terrarium it was just beautiful I want one I'll wait for your video thanks

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you found it helpful :-)

[@diegobis2048]

thanks for such a detailed video =)

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charismafukuyamahuynh7443]

thank u for sharing i’ve been looking for answers

[@OhioTropics]

Happy to help!

[@dannisorchidjourney]

Ahh, good tips! Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome!

[@Justme68ification]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you liked it!

[@seanharris4621]

Excellent video

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Sean!

[@stephanmilan1461]

Great tips!!🙏🏼❤️

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you liked it!!

[@cappilug]

Hola Rafael, recien te descubri, me encanta tus video, muy explicito y clara tus explicaciones.sigo tus consejos se adapta a mi forma de cuidar plantas. Gracias

[@OhioTropics]

De nada, y muchas gracias!

[@shareenasiraj9117]

Very useful tips, thank you! For water propagation, how long would it take for the roots to grow as much as the one in your example?

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! It can really vary drastically. If you have a lot of light and warm temperatures, it will happen much more quickly. I've heard of rooting occurring anywhere from 2 weeks to several months (in very poor conditions). For me personally, probably about 2 months before roots start to form.

[@MotherNatures]

Wow...very informative video 👌😀

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ayishaali4942]

Very helpful! Thank you so much

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheLucille7]

Thanks, you answered all my questions

[@OhioTropics]

Happy to help!

[@karenmiller9825]

Thank you so much. Wow this is a game changer.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ss84415]

Such a great video!! So informative. I was wondering what I've been doing wrong. I was glued the whole time lol Thank you!!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Sam :-)

[@sarahw3251]

👍great informative vid, thnku🤗

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Sarah!

[@superbhiel]

Thank u for the tips.. I cant start now my online house plant busines 💕

[@OhioTropics]

You can do it!

[@karlbe8414]

Outstanding information! So, aren't those water propagated "Dracena's" ready for dirt? How long can you keep them in water and would there be an advantage. I used sand in my latest mix and now wish I would have used Perlite. Thanks!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video :-) I propagated them this way mainly because I wanted to observe and document the process for my blog. You can keep them in water indefinitely but they will do better growing in a potting mix. If they are looking ok for you with the sand that you added, don't bother changing the potting mix. Everyone's conditions are different so if you're having success, keep your mix the same! Hopefully you used a coarse sand? Fine sand will cause too much compaction of the potting mix.

[@milakozakov6678]

Excellent explanation thank you so much !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Mila :-)

[@carmengarceau2943]

Your video is very informative. Do you let the cuttings form callous over three days when potting in soil? I know you said when putting the cuttings in water, but not in soil. Thank you 🎋

[@OhioTropics]

Yes absolutely! It is important to do regardless which method of propagation you use.

[@michaelamakayla8438]

Hello! I just have one question please ! How long should I let them dry out maybe like 3 days ? Before I prop ? Awesome videos thanks so much ! Very helpful

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome! Yes, 2 or 3 days should be sufficient :-)

[@YorozuyaNeesan2010]

For soil propagation, can I ask how do you know when the roots are full established and you can scale back the watering? Thanks for your help!

[@dani.p]

I have the same question :B Today I finally saw a new pup/grow emerging and now I'm like: ok, so what now.... the soil still needs to be moist or I have to treat the whole thing like a regular sansevieria and water only when it's completely dry?? 🤷🏻‍♀

[@OhioTropics]

This is a great question! I would scale back the watering when you see the pups emerging. But I would still not let it dry out completely. Maybe let the top inch dry out at the point where you start to see pups. Hope this helps a bit! It's not an exact science :-)

[@ivyshek9572]

how long does it take to grow roots after i do soil propagation?? Also, does the chopped up pieces that's not pointy grow back to a pointy top?! Thank you for your tips!!!

[@OhioTropics]

It can take months! Depending on your conditions. If you keep the cuttings warmer, it will be quicker. Yes, any leaf segments will result in normal leaves with the pointy tips :-). As long as you don't turn the cuttings upsidedown....they won't grow at all if you do this!

[@juliabrandon5191]

Thank you I have read so many things about how to propagate snake plants, and ending up unsuccessful because no one mentioned drying them out! I lost a whole plant just about.

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Julia!

[@Saraaaa888]

Thank you for this video! It's so helpful. Just a question, I've propagated a leaf in water for weeks now and it's got roots coming out and a little pup but the bottom of the leaf seems like it's rotting, however the roots and the pup are fine. Should I leave it or cut off the rotted part and start all over? Thank you ❤️

[@OhioTropics]

I would maybe leave it and monitor closely. Rinse off the cutting regularly and rub any slime off under running water. And wash out the propagation vessel and replace with fresh water once or twice a week. This should help.

[@ikafauzi5317]

Good info! Thank you!

[@OhioTropics]

You bet!

[@maxinelara]

Thank you so much!!!! My snake plant is dying and I didnt want it to just go to waste!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!

[@Vincent-ds3kc]

After the roots start coming in, using the water method. When can you plant the snake plant in soil?

[@OhioTropics]

You can put it in soil now if you'd like. I like to watch the pups develop. If you don't care about that, you can place them in soil right now!

[@teresitawilliams5858]

Good information!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arundhateenayak3554]

Thank you...so much informations....which we get confused with.. usually....

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome!

[@silviat1314]

Hi Raphael the drying is what I’m trying now to save my snake plant. Thank you. Also which method root faster, soil or water? Thanks again.

[@OhioTropics]

I've found water propagation to be a bit faster. Regardless, if you can keep the cuttings warm, it will greatly speed up rooting.

[@Bambiibamboo27]

Hey there! Would you do a video on your aquarium setup looks great! Please & ty.🙏 💚

[@OhioTropics]

I will try to in the future!

[@sonalg1988]

excellent video

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lincolnbri3940]

Thanks very helpful tips!🤞Hopefully i can save some of my sansevieria been doing it all wrong (propagating)🤦‍♀️

[@lincolnbri3940]

Btw Any tips on Calathea makoyana..leaves are turning brown 😭

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it, and good luck!

[@mysassygirl30]

I tried to propagate but once the leaves got soaked for a couple of days it rottens. Thank you for your tips. I wish I will be able to propagate my golden sansieveria using the tips I learned from you. Thank you and please update more videos.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed the video, and best of luck when you try again!

[@lalithakarnan4893]

Thanks a lot for ur tips. God bless

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Lalitha!

[@lofiona4793]

👏👏 thank you very helpful video

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@cschapman9752]

QUESTION: When soil propagating, should the cuttings be dried out for a couple days as with water propagation?

[@OhioTropics]

Yes, I would still recommend that.

[@trboone21]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I had no idea.

[@OhioTropics]

You are so welcome!

[@christinakarnavas8079]

Perfect video!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it Christina! :-)

[@isabeaufs2981]

Great video! Thank you :) Would root growth hormone be of use with Sansevieria?

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you enjoyed it! It can certainly help and speed things up, but it's not necessary for rooting. :-)

[@isabeaufs2981]

@@OhioTropics Thank you for taking the time to reply! :)

[@jeetendratalajia5878]

Thank you. very useful

[@OhioTropics]

You are so welcome!

[@mariajobelladagang8710]

Now I know. Thank you. Watching from Philippines. :)

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Maria!

[@krystal_iz_s2pid]

Thank you! I am new in this trend! 🌵

[@OhioTropics]

You're so welcome!

[@rosebrad9116]

Thank you so much

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome Rose!

[@GotterVibez]

Can we propagate from cuttings the drooping leafs ? Or we can do it only with the 100% healthy leafs ?

[@OhioTropics]

You can always try! It depends, but there is no harm in trying. As long as it's not a completely yellow leaf.

[@Inca.Arellano]

Question. I am doing water propagation. If I didn’t let them calas over and the bottom looks like it may start rotting should I take them out, re-cut a little higher, and try again or leave alone? Good point on the water changing and cleaning. I didn’t know. Will do.

[@OhioTropics]

If you are sure that they rotted, you can go ahead and do that. If the bottom is still somewhat firm, maybe give it a little longer.

[@amargupta.8847]

Hey that's very good and new information. I have one major problem while propagation. I tried to propage both in soil and water and I was partly successful. The reason why I said partly is I took the leave with green edged variety but the propagated plants didn't come with green stripe on the edge. Do you know why this is happening? I tried with different leaves including the dwarf one but I'm not able to get that green stripe on the edges. What am I doing wrong?

[@OhioTropics]

That's a wonderful question. When you propagate snake plants using leaf cuttings, the plant may not come true to the variety. If you want to propagate snake plants like that, the best way would be to wait until more plants grow at the base of the mother plant, and then take it out of the pot and divide it at the roots into as many plants as you want.

[@amyash2339]

I followed the video and was successful in water propogation though i didnt dry out the leaves.But what the most imp advice is you need to change water and clean leaves every 3 days and also ive observed that cutting the leaves in an 'inverted v' shape rooted soon than the straight cut ones.

[@OhioTropics]

Glad you had success!

[@kaleyshepherd1192]

Hi! A couple questions here since I keep failing... Once the cuttings start taking root via water propagation method, how long should I let the roots get before potting them up? Also, once the cuttings are potted, I still need to keep the soil moist as you described with the soil propagation method, right? When can I go back to watering the plant regularly (letting the soil dry out before watering again)?

[@OhioTropics]

You can place into soil at any time. I really liked seeing the pups form before I planted into soil, so pick whatever you're comfortable with! :-) If you don't care about that, you can place into soil now. I would still let the soil dry out a little bit, but not completely if you can.

[@kaleyshepherd1192]

Ohio Tropics Oh wow, so actual new pups will start forming from the roots?!

[@abigailkwashi8807]

You are a fantastic teacher. Where in Africa did you go? We have 54 countries there you know. I've seen it flower beautiful flowers in Ghana.

[@OhioTropics]

You're very kind :-). Thank you. We went to South Africa on a safari last year. So gorgeous!

[@jayneeojeda5677]

thank you!!

[@OhioTropics]

You're welcome!

[@Sanjhali1027]

Thank you so much friend Love you

[@OhioTropics]

You're very welcome :-)

[@RachelSmith-tq6zd]

What if I have already had my cutting g in water for 3 wks can I take it out and do that way of cutting with the V and will I need it to dry out before putting it back in water. I had a plant that had root rot and cutting the dead off and propagating what was left. My bundles are doing great rooting and everything but my single leaf is not rooting yet.

[@OhioTropics]

If it's not rotting, I would just leave it alone! But if you do make the V cut, you should let it dry before putting back in water.

[@RoseTara79]

Just the information I was looking for. My sansevieria just broke off at the base. Possibly because it was in a corner with no light and was rarely watered. I have killed 2 before but I refuse to give up! So I am hoping that I can propagate from the leaves left. I prefer water propagation. Is one way better than the other to prevent rotting? Also should I treat the cut before drying them out for 2 days? Thank you for sharing,

[@OhioTropics]

They will do much better if you have them in front of a window. They can actually take lots of light, especially indoors. Both water and soil propagation methods work well. As long as you're following the tips in this video for water propagation, you will do fine!

[@freddieivory625]

Thank you for sharing

[@OhioTropics]

My pleasure