You must have heard about this gorgeous, low-maintenance houseplant called the snake plant. Though there is a vast range of varieties, the braided snake plant is a unique-looking species with braided leaves. Also called sansevieria cylindrica, this dramatic snake plant features long striated, cylindrical, and smooth green-grey leaves crafted into an eye-catching braid.
Featuring unique appeal, thick foliage, and textured leaves, braided snake plants make elegant and inexpensive home decor items. The cylindrical leaves of the plant offer the appeal of lucky bamboo. With little care and attention, this succulent has the potential to grow up to 18 inches tall.
Are you looking to add a braided snake plant to your home? Let’s learn some quick tips to grow and care for this succulent to ensure healthy growth.
How to Care and Grow Braided Snake Plant
Braided snake plants are generally easy to maintain and can thrive if well taken care of. Here are some specific requirements you must keep in mind to ensure good growth.
a) Light Requirements
A braided snake plant grows well in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also do just fine in low light or shaded spots. However, too much bright light can affect the plant’s leaves and well-being, and too little sun can slow its growth. For the best results, put your plant in the partial sun – ensure it receives around 5 hours of light daily.
b) Soil Requirements
Another crucial aspect of caring for braided snake plants is well-draining soil. The moist soil can rot the roots of your plants. Amend the potting soil with perlite and orchid bark to make it well-aerated and well-drained.
c) Water Requirements
Belongs to the succulent family, a braided snake plant stores water in the leaves. That means it doesn’t need frequent watering. Water only when the potting mix is dry to touch at least 3 inches down.
d) Temperature Requirements
Braided snake plants have the potential to tolerate a vast range of temperatures. However, the ideal temperature range is 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 13 to 29 degrees Celsius. These plants can get damaged when exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 degrees Celsius.
e) Humidity Requirements
Braided snake plants prefer average room humidity. It shouldn’t be too high. Consider putting them in dry areas and avoid draughty spots near vents for the best growth.
f) Fertilizer Requirements
A braided snake plant doesn’t require heavy fertilization. Put a quality succulent fertilizer once or twice, but only during the growing season, i.e., from spring to mid-summer. Feed lightly in the fall and avoid fertilization at all in winter.
Pruning Braided Snake Plant
You don’t have to worry about trimming braided snake plants like others. These plants won’t lose shape and size as they are slow growers. You can prune the plant only when the leaves turn yellow. Cut the damaged leaves off at the base to maintain the look and health of your braided snake plant.
All you need for pruning is a pair of sharp gardening shears. Always disinfect the tool before using it to prevent the transmission of fungi or germs to healthy plants.
Also, do not discard cuttings. You can use them if they are still healthy. Propagate those cuttings or plant them back near the mother plant to help it grow fuller.
Propagating Braided Snake Plant
Propagation of braided snake plants is a straightforward process. There are two methods to propagate — leaf cuttings and rhizomes division. Let’s know about these propagation ways in detail:
Propagate Braided Snake Plant by Rhizomes Division
If you want to propagate braided snake plants through rhizomes, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Pull up a braided snake plant from the soil.
Step 2: Use a sharp knife to slice and divide the rhizome with accompanying roots. Always clean the cutter to prevent infection.
Step 3: Now, let the rhizomes callous over for a few days.
Step 4: Plant them into separate pots with succulent or cacti potting mix and put them in bright indirect sunlight.
Propagate Braided Snake Plant by Leaf Cuttings
Here are the steps for propagating braided snake plants through leaf cuttings.
Step 1: Cut off a healthy, mature leaf of your braided snake plant close to the roots.
Step 2: Snip that leaf into several pieces at least 4 inches long.
Step 3: Put these cuttings in a glass jar full of water or a pot of succulent soil.
Step 4: Now, wait for these cuttings to develop roots. The process will take between 60 and 70 days.
Step 5: Once the cuttings grow enough roots, plant them in new pots.
Braided Snake Plant Potting & Repotting
Braided snake plants don’t require frequent repotting as they are slow-growing succulents. You should repot every two to five years whenever the plant gets overcrowded and its roots outgrow the container.
For successful repotting, transfer your braided snake plant into a bigger pot. Give the plant time to relax in a new container before regular watering. Also, don’t forget to use fresh, well-draining soil while repotting.
Braided Snake Plant Pests and Diseases
We all know that braided snake plants are hardy and have the potential to do well in different atmospheres. However, it doesn’t mean these succulents are entirely safe from pests and disease. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the overall growth of these plants:
Pest Control
If you have braided snake plants in your home or garden, inspect them for spider mites and mealybugs. These two are the most widespread pests.
Spider mites usually live on the underside of your plant’s leaves. They feed on the leaves, turning them weak with bite marks and holes. Since they are tiny, they can go unnoticed for weeks before you see the damage. To get rid of spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap and neem oil. If the situation is worse, prune the plant to keep it alive.
Similarly, mealybugs are another common plant pest. If you find your plant’s leaves covered with white spots, it’s a sign that they are probably under the attack of mealybugs. One ideal way to treat this issue is by rinsing the plant in warm water and rubbing its leaves with neem oil or alcohol.
Check your plant regularly for pest signs to catch a possible infestation before it spreads and goes severe.
Disease Control
Braided snake plants are resistant to disease. But, if you notice something wrong with your plant, it’s either due to underwatering or overwatering.
Root rot is a widespread issue with braided snake plants that usually occurs in winter. One common sign of root rot is brown, mushy leaves and roots. This problem is a result of overwatering. You can stop it by repotting the plant.
Another disease braided snake plants can encounter is red-brownish spots on the leaves. This fungus usually occurs during the warmer months. To cure it, discard infected leaves and spray the plant with sulfur or copper-containing fungicide.
Southern blight is an infection that can damage the plant’s overall health and prevent its growth. Common signs of this disease include white spots on the leaves. These leaves turn deep brown, wet, and soggy over time. You need to pay immediate attention to this fungus as soon as you notice the signs. Otherwise, it can kill your plant. Use a good fungicide to eradicate this disease.
Braided Snake Plant Common Problems
Though braided snake plants are hardy, you can still encounter some problems. Some of the common issues include:
- The curling of leaves is a common issue you may come across if you have this plant at your home. This problem is a sign of under-watering in hot weather or the potting mix staying dry for a long time.
- This succulent can face root rot which further leads to fungal infections. It occurs due to overwatering.
- Leaves turning yellow is another common issue. It happens due to too much sun exposure, low light, and overwatering. If you encounter this, consider removing yellow leaves to maintain the plant.
- The growth of this plant can be affected due to insufficient sunlight and over-exposure to low temperatures.
- Soft mushy leaves are another common problem you may encounter in this plant. It is a result of overwatering.
- You may also notice leaves with brown spots and tips. It happens due to sudden climate changes, hard water, excessive fertilization, and too high or too low temperatures.
- Braided snake plants are mildly toxic. They can cause stomach-related problems if ingested. It can also lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. To avoid any trouble, it’s better to keep this braided snake plant away from your pets if they enjoy eating plants.
Conclusion
We hope this post will help you learn how to grow and care for a braided snake plant. Since these plants are unique-looking and easy to maintain, they make a must in your garden. They are drought-tolerant and don’t require special attention to thrive. With simplicity, interesting symbolism, and unique appearance, braided snake plants are famous for bringing positivity to homes. Add a braided snake plant to your life, and get ready to enjoy several health benefits.
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