Do you see new shoots around your Snake plant?
The Snake plant is one of the most-loved indoor plants in the world. It is a low-maintenance plant and doesn't need too much attention from the owner.
It grows pretty quickly and produces many new pups during its lifecycle. But what should you do when you see these Snake plant shoots?
In today's guide, I am going to share some insights on this topic. So, let's not waste more time and get started with the guide.
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What Are New Shoots On Snake Plant?
The Snake plant is one of those beautiful succulents that produce new shoots from the soil.
When the plant reaches a certain age and size, you see these cute little shoots coming from the ground.
In case you're not sure about them, these are the offspring of the mother Snake plant. Like Aloe Vera and other houseplant species, the Snake plant also comes up with such pups.
So, if you see something similar in the pot, you should feel great about it. It's also a sign that you've been taking good care of the plant. Without proper care and growing conditions, the Snake plant won't produce new shoots around it.
Therefore, seeing something like this in your garden is a great sign!
Now, what do you do with these pups? Let's find out in the following section.
How To Grow Snake Plant New Shoot At Home
Alright, let's check out the tips to grow the new Snake plant pups -
1. Let The New Shoot Grow For A Few Weeks
That's right!
You don't have to do anything else when you see new shoots around the mother plant. Let nature do what it does best!
The shoots will rise to a certain height within a few days or weeks. So, be patient and wait for them to form a couple of leaves, at least. Before that, you can enjoy the natural process of how the small shoots begin their journey into this new world.
2. Water The Plant Regularly
Since there are new shoots in the ground, the need for existing water resources will increase in the pot. The plant will require relatively more water than usual.
Ensure you water the plant adequately, as the lack of water resources may cause permanent damage to the main plant and pups.
Try to avoid the overwatering situation at all costs. Snake plant doesn't do well in wet conditions, so you should also keep an eye on that.
If you have already watered the plant and the soil appears moist, you don't have to water it again. Just check the soil's surface every couple of days, as it will give you a good idea about when you should water the plant again.
3. Provide Decent Sunlight To The Plant
Apart from the watering schedule, the other important thing is the sunlight.
As you might know, the Snake plant comes under the category of succulents. It is known to do well when it receives a decent amount of sunlight throughout the day.
Therefore, the same rule applies to its new shoots as well. The shoots will transform into baby pups when they receive a good amount of sunlight every day.
So, if you want quicker growth, move the plant to a well-lit place in your room.
You don't have to keep it in direct sunlight, though. The harsh sunlight might cause more stress to the new shoots.
Try to move the plant near an East facing window so that the plant gets gentle natural light in the early morning hours.
4. Remove The Snake Plant Shoot From The Pot
Did your shoots form a couple of leaves?
Do they look alright?
Take a close look at these new plants for a moment. If not, please wait a few more days or weeks to see substantial growth in your little plant.
Alright, here is how you should remove the shoots from the soil.
- Before the removal process, you should water the plant well. It will help loosen up the soil.
- The next day, get a small spade or shovel and try to dig the soil from a little distance. The edges of the tool shouldn't touch the plant, as it might damage the fragile root system as well as the lower stem.
- Gently pull the tiny plant up and keep it aside. You can follow the same process for any other pups in the soil.
- If you have some fresh soil mix, you can refill the main pot with it.
That's all there is to removing the Snake plant's new shoots from the soil.
5. Transplant It Into A New Pot
This is the next step in the process and needs to be done quickly.
You don't want to keep the new plants lying outside the soil for too long.
Otherwise, the plant may not survive even after you put them back in the pot after a while. So, be quick when you perform this task.
While transplanting the plant, you should always use a fresh soil mix in the pot. Try not to use the soil from another pot, if possible.
Once you are done with the transplantation, you should water the plant. Do not pour water on the leaves, though.
The tiny leaves will easily attract fungus or bacteria if they remain wet for a long.
Important: You must perform this task in the evening, as there won't be too much heat at this time of the day. The low heat environment will help reduce the repotting stress of the plant.
Video Demonstration:
Here's a quick demonstration of how to divide and transplant a Snake plant -
6. Do Not Add Fertilizers To New Pups
Yes, there is no need to add fertilizer at this stage. The new shoots will do just fine with the available potting soil mix.
Once they grow more in a few weeks, you can start fertilizing the young plants. Fertilizers can cause root burn in younger plants.
So, it makes sense to wait for the plant to grow naturally, especially during its initial days.
Things To Do When Snake Plant Is Not Growing New Shoots
Here are a few things you can do to encourage new shoots in the Snake plant -
1. Stop Overwatering The Plant
When it comes to indoor plants, there is no point in watering your plants a lot!
Always remember the less you water is better for the overall growth of the plant.
As for overwatering, it's the root cause of many issues in the plant. Once the other problems arise, the plant will automatically move into survival mode and not produce any new pups.
Do try and work on the watering schedule for your Snake plant.
2. Provide An Adequate Amount Of Sunlight And Fertilizers To The Plant
Along with the water, the plant will need adequate sunlight and fertilizers.
Without these two essential elements, you shouldn't expect to have pups around the mother plant.
If you have been keeping your plant away from natural light, you should probably consider moving it to a window. This little change will do wonders for the plant, and I'm sure you will see new shoots rising from the soil.
3. Neglect The Plant
I know it sounds weird, but it works many times!
Often, we give a lot of attention to our favorite plants.
We try to provide enough water and fertilizers to our plants, but they don't grow or produce pups for some reason. In such a situation, it's better to leave the plant alone.
The whole process of producing the pups depends on many external factors, including favorable weather conditions. If the plant is doing well in the pot and has enough space, you should see new growth sometime.
FAQs
The Snake plants grow new shoots when the conditions are right. The plant needs to be mature, though.
You will not see any new growth around it if it's a small plant.
Technically, there is nothing you can do to make the plant have new pups. Just take care of the plant like you always do; it will hopefully produce new shoots.
No, the Snake plant doesn't like to be crowded.
However, if there is limited space in the pot, you might see overcrowding issues in the future.
You should cut the leaves from the bottom part where it begins the growth from the stem.
Try not to cut them in half, as the chances of propagating such leaves decrease significantly.
It'd be challenging to grow the Snake plant without roots.
You may try the water propagation method to see if you can grow the roots.
Over To You
Well, that's it for this guide now!
I hope you enjoyed the details and insights shared in this long post.
Have any questions? Please let me know in the comments below.
Also, do consider sharing this guide with your friends and family.
Dee Leonard says
Could you talk a little more about fertilizer. Is the snake plant a heavy feeder? With fertilizer would a plant ever bloom?
Harshad says
Hey Dee,
Thanks for your query.
Snake plants are not heavy feeders at all. They only need moderate fertilizers, which can be supplied every month or quarter.
This plant will do just fine without fertilizers as well.
As for your second question, fertilizers are not the only thing that helps in the blooming process. You will also need to consider other factors like soil mix, weather, and the age of the plant.
All these factors contribute to blooming in Snake plants.
Moreover, it's not a typical flowering plant, so you shouldn't expect a lot from this plant. If you are lucky, you might see this plant bloom once a year, especially during summers.