BRAID SNAKE PLANTS

By Rhiannon TaylorMay 15, 2020

HOW TO BRAID SNAKE PLANTS

A step by step guide on braiding your Sansevieria Cylindrica at home.

Prep Time: 20 mins per plant

SANSEVIERIA CYLINDRICA (Also called Cylindrical Snake Plant or African Spear)
SCISSORS - we are using our RT1home GARDEN SCISSORS
TIE - we are using RAFIA and rubber bands
BOWLS - (1) for water + (1) for soil - we are using 2 glass bowls
CLOTH - to wipe scissors, dry roots, and for water spills. We are using a FUROSHIKI wrapping cloth.
POTTING SOIL - to repot your braided snake plant
SOIL SCOOP - to scoop soil for repotting
PLANT POT - to pot your braided snake plant in
PUMICE STONES - to add to potting soil to help with drainage
WATER - to rinse roots
OPTIONAL: POTTING TARP - we are using our RT1home Potting Tarp (Standard size) to help contain the mess!

Select (2) CYLINDRICA Snake plants that have at least 3 stems that are longer than 12”-14” to be able to braid
Remove plants and roots from the pot and rinse the roots in water to remove all dirt.

3. Dry plant and roots with your CLOTH.

4. Stack plants on top of each other - stems should be facing you, roots facing away from you.

5. Grab your TIE material, and cut approximately 18" with your SCISSORS to secure your stacked plants just above the roots (knot fairly tight).

6. Starting from your right, grab 2 stems together and wrap over center 2 stems. Hold securely with both hands.

7. Next, take the 2 stems on the left and wrap over the center 2 stems. Hold securely, not too tight to damage the plant.

8. REPEAT these steps for as long as the length of the stems.

9. If you have any short stems - let these stick out for now, secure the long stems with a rubber band after you cannot braid any more.

10. Next, secure tightly with your TIE and replace the rubber band (we don't recommend leaving only the rubberband as they tend to slide off)

11. For any shorter stems, you can now go back and gently tuck them into the braid.

12. Grab your PLANT POT, POTTING SOIL, and PUMICE STONES.

13. Pot your newly braided Snake Plant in your pot using your SOIL SCOOP.

Step by step video guide is also available on our YouTube

This drought-tolerant plant does not need a lot of water.
Water thoroughly while Cylindrica is growing and allow the potting mix to almost dry out before watering again.
When your Cylindrica stems continue to grow longer, you can add to your existing braid. At any point, you can remove the braid completely and let it grow fanned out again.

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