How To Prune A Snake Plant Properly Like A Pro

You don’t have to be a plant expert or gardening pro to learn how to prune a snake plant. Follow the step-by-step guide in this blog post and you’ll be able to properly prune your snake plant like a pro!

Snake plants are some of the most popular houseplants due to their minimal care needs and beautiful foliage. But even these indestructible houseplants may need occasional pruning if they become too large or start to die in certain areas.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of properly pruning your snake plant like a pro. From selecting the right tools for cutting, understanding when and how to make your cuts, and finally replanting after pruning, this guide provides all the information you need for successful and safe snake plant pruning.

How To Prune A Snake Plant Properly: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1 – Gather your pruning tools

Before you begin pruning your snake plant, be sure to gather all of the necessary tools. Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears are ideal for this job; having a bucket or trash bag nearby will come in handy for collecting debris that is cut away.

Make sure that the tools are sharp and clean before you start to ensure the plant won’t suffer from unnecessary damage or become more vulnerable to disease. If needed, sharpen and clean the tools prior to use. With your supplies ready and a plan in mind, you can begin pruning your snake plant for optimal health and growth. 

Step 2 – Locate the mother leaf (base leaf) of the plant

The mother leaf is a plant’s base leaf, located close to the bottom and typically larger than the others. It is important to identify this leaf, as it serves as the starting point for all future growth, meaning that it should remain intact when pruning. All new branches and leaves will emerge from this single point, so taking care of it is vital for healthy development.

Step 3 – Cut the mother leaf about 1/4 inch above the soil line

To encourage new growth, locate the mother leaf and carefully cut it 1/4 inch above the soil line. This will help stimulate regrowth from the base of the plant.

Make sure your scissors or pruning shears are sharp and clean when making the cut to avoid damage to the plant. Take care not to cut too low, as you don’t want to damage the root system. This will help ensure that your snake plant continues to thrive and produce fruit for years to come. 

Step 4 – Remove any brown or yellow leaves

Inspect the plant and cut off any brown or yellow leaves that appear, as this indicates that the leaf is dead or dying and will not recover. This will save energy for the healthy leaves on the plant, enabling it to grow better. Prune away any dead leaves to keep your plant thriving and producing healthy growth.

Step 5 – Trim away any leaves that are crossed or growing out of place

Examine the plant for leaves that are crossed or out of place, as they can impede the growth of other leaves and make the plant look untidy.

Trim these away with care, ensuring you cut close to the base without harming the healthy leaves. Doing so can help promote the growth of healthy foliage and keep your plant looking neat.

Step 6 – Trim away any leaves that are too long

Pruning snake plant is important for sustainable growth and development. Besides cutting off dead branches and stems, it’s also important to look out for leaves that become too long and spindly due to lack of sunlight or neglect.

These can be trimmed back to a more manageable length in order to maintain an attractive appearance. This will help shape the plant and promote healthy growth for years to come. Proper pruning is essential for optimal fruit production, so make sure you take care when trimming your snake plant.

Step 7 – Identify any offshoots growing from the base of the plant

When pruning snake plants, make sure to take a look at the base of the plant and check for any offshoots. Offshoots are small plantlets that emerge from the base of the mother plant, which can be removed to allow for more growth of the original plant. Removing these offshoots will help encourage better development and a larger yield from your snake plant.

Step 8 – Cut off the offshoots as close to the base of the plant as possible

Using the sharp and clean tools, Cut the offshoots as close to the base of the plant as possible. Be careful not to damage the mother leaf or any of the healthy leaves as you remove the offshoots.

Step 9 – Clean up any debris around the plant

After pruning, it’s important to remove any fallen leaves, stems or other debris from the area around the plant. These items can act as a breeding ground for pests and diseases, so removing them will help keep your snake plant healthy. Cleaning up the area will also prevent any future issues from arising.

Step 10 – Water the plant thoroughly

After pruning your snake plant, it’s important to give it a thorough watering. This helps to relieve any stress the pruning has caused and encourages new growth. Make sure to only water the soil around the base of the plant – not its leaves. If the plant is in a container, be sure that all excess water drains away so that its roots don’t become waterlogged.

If your plant is in a soil bed, let the soil dry for 2-3 days before giving it another drink. Snake plants are drought tolerant and don’t tolerate overwatering, giving them ample time to settle after being pruned before resuming your regular watering schedule. By taking these extra precautions you help ensure that your snake plant will continue to thrive with minimal maintenance.