Can Snake Plants Grow In Water

You might know snake plants as tough, low-light houseplants that thrive on neglect. But can snake plants grow in water? The answer is a resounding yes. While they are typically grown in soil, snake plants can adapt to living in water quite well. This method, called hydroponics, lets you see the roots develop and creates a modern, clean look for your home. It’s a simple project perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to try something new with their plants.

This guide will walk you through the entire process. We’ll cover how to start your plant in water, how to care for it, and what to expect as it grows. You’ll find that keeping a snake plant in water is surprisingly straightforward.

Absolutely, snake plants can live and grow in water indefinitely. This is because they store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. This adaptation allows them to handle periods of drought, but it also makes them good candidates for a water-based life. You won’t see explosive growth like some other plants, but with proper care, your aquatic snake plant will be healthy and produce new leaves over time.

Why Try Growing Snake Plants in Water?

There are several great reasons to give this method a try:

Visual Appeal: The clear container and visible roots create a beautiful, minimalist display.
Fewer Pests: Soil is often the source of bugs like fungus gnats. Water culture eliminates this problem entirely.
Easy Maintenance: You mostly just need to remember to change the water, making it a low-effort plant.
Propagation Clarity: Starting new plants from cuttings in water lets you watch every stage of root development.
Great for Small Spaces: A single leaf in a sleek vase can be a perfect desk or shelf decoration.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

Gathering the right supplies from the start sets you up for success. You don’t need anything fancy.

A Healthy Snake Plant: Choose a plant with firm, green leaves and no signs of rot or pests.
Sharp, Clean Scissors or Knife: You’ll use this to take a cutting. Wipe it with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it first.
A Suitable Container: A glass vase, jar, or bottle. A narrow neck can help support the leaf, but any clean glass will work.
Fresh Water: Tap water is fine, but let it sit out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate. Filtered or rainwater is also excellent.
Optional: Liquid Fertilizer: A balanced, hydroponic-friendly fertilizer will provide nutrients the plant can’t get from water alone.

Step-by-Step: Transitioning to Water

You have two main options: starting with a soil plant or using a fresh cutting. Here’s how to do both.

Method 1: Starting from a Soil Plant (Full Plant)

Carefully remove the entire snake plant from its pot.
Gently rinse all the soil from the roots under lukewarm running water. Be thorough but careful not to break the roots.
Trim away any roots that look mushy, black, or damaged with your clean scissors.
Place the plant in your chosen container and add enough water to cover just the bottom portion of the roots. The base of the leaves should stay dry.

Method 2: Starting from a Leaf Cutting

Select a healthy, mature leaf from the mother plant.
Using your clean tool, make a clean cut near the base of the leaf. A cutting that is 4-6 inches long is ideal.
It’s crucial to note which end was closest to the soil. Make a small, angled cut at the bottom end to help you remember and increase the surface area for rooting.
Let the cutting sit out in a dry, shaded spot for 2-3 days. This allows the cut end to form a callus, which prevents rot when you place it in water.
After it calluses, place the cutting in your container with water, ensuring only the bottom inch or so is submerged.

Caring for Your Water-Based Snake Plant

Ongoing care is simple but essential for keeping your plant thriving.

Water Quality and Changes

This is the most important task. You should completely change the water every 2-3 weeks. Stagnant water loses oxygen and can promote algae and bacterial growth. When you change it, rinse the roots gently and clean the container to remove any slime or algae film. Refill with fresh, room-temperature water that has been left out to dechlorinate.

Light and Temperature

Snake plants in water have the same light preferences as those in soil. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid direct, hot sunlight as it can heat the water and promote algae. They enjoy typical room temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Keep them away from cold drafts or heating vents.

Fertilizing for Growth

Pure water lacks nutrients. To support growth, add a very diluted liquid fertilizer to the water once a month during the spring and summer. Use only about 1/4 of the strength recommended on the bottle. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with easy plants, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to watch for.

Yellowing Leaves

If leaves turn yellow, it’s often a sign of too much direct light or, occasionally, fertilizer burn if you used to much. Move the plant to a shadier spot and flush the container with fresh, plain water.

Mushy, Rotting Base

This is the most common issue and usually happens if the base of the leaf is submerged to deeply. Immediately remove the plant, cut away all soft, rotten material until you see healthy tissue, let it callus again for a day, and restart in clean water with less submersion.

Algae Growth

Algae isn’t usually harmful but is unsightly. It’s caused by light hitting the water and nutrients. To combat it, use an opaque container or wrap glass in paper, change water more frequently, and ensure you’re not over-fertilizing. Cleaning the container thoroughly during water changes is key.

Slow or No Growth

Remember, snake plants are slow growers, especially in water. If you see no new growth for many months, ensure it’s getting enough indirect light and that you are providing a weak monthly fertilizer during the growing season. Patience is important.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How long can a snake plant live in water?

With proper care, including regular water changes and occasional fertilizer, a snake plant can live in water for years. Some people keep them this way indefinitely.

Can I use any type of water?

It’s best to use distilled, filtered, or rainwater. If using tap water, let it sit out for a day first to allow chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate, which can harm the roots over time.

Why are my snake plant’s roots in water turning orange?

This is usually a normal reaction and not a sign of disease. The roots can develop a rusty orange color from minerals in the water or as part of their natural maturation. Just ensure they are still firm and not mushy.

How do I make my snake plant in water grow faster?

You can’t drastically speed up a snake plant’s natural pace, but providing bright indirect light, warm temperatures, and a diluted monthly fertilizer in the growing season will encourage its best possible growth.

Can I put my water-grown snake plant back into soil?

Yes, you can transition it to soil. Water roots are different from soil roots, so the process requires care. Plant it in a well-draining mix, keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks, and provide high humidity if possible. This helps the roots adapt to their new environment without to much shock.

Growing a snake plant in water is a rewarding and simple way to enjoy this classic houseplant. It offers a unique perspective on plant growth and adds a touch of greenery to any space with minimal fuss. By following these steps—choosing a good cutting, using a clean container, changing the water regularly, and providing a little nutrient boost—you can have a thriving aquatic snake plant for a long time. Give it a try with a leaf cutting from a friend’s plant or by converting one of your own. You might just find it’s your new favorite way to garden.