Snake plants are although easy to maintain, hardy plants but they also suffer issues such as damaged leaves, leaves falling over, or excessive growth. This is where efficient trimming is required which is somehow a challenging process but the after-trim appearance and rejuvenation of the plant are worth it. If you don’t know how to trim a snake plant then let me tell you it’s not a tiring process. It can be easily done with the help of a sharp knife or shears with a proper technique.
Start trimming them from the base and give them a triangular shape or straight across. The detailed technique of trimming a snake plant along with the after-trimming care and dos and don’ts are explained in this guide. So, read the complete guide!
Why Should You Trim Your Snake Plant
When you see your plant’s leaves are not looking good it is a hint that it requires a good trim. This little grooming will improve the health and shape of your plant and give it a growth boost. In addition to broken leaves, there are several more reasons; some of the reasons include:
- The excessive height of the plant
- The thickness of the plant
- Broken leaves of the plant
- Sick leaves in the plant
- Cracked leaves of the plant
When to Trim a Snake Plant
Snake plants are popular for their hard nature and low maintenance needs. They can grow tall and may need occasional trimming to keep the plant in shape. You can trim these plants at any time of the year whenever needed, but try to trim them in their growing season i-e, spring and summer seasons.
But if you notice the following signs, plan the trimming for your plant:
Brown or Yellowing Leaves: The yellow leaves or brown parts will indicate that your plant requires trimming. Trim these affected leaves from the base of the plant.
A Bushier or Excessively Grown Plant: To keep your snake plant under control, trim it if it becomes overgrown or fills the entire pot.
Damaged or Diseased Leaves: Removing the damaged or diseased leaves is important. It will help you to prevent the issue from spreading to the other parts of the plant. It is better to just cut the affected leaves from the base of the plant.
What You Need for Trimming Snake Plants
Usually, you do not need a lot of tools to do the trimming of your plant, only a pair of gloves and a sharp scissor is enough. But for effective trimming, you will also need the following tools:
Sharp Scissors or Shears: are necessary for cutting the stem or leaves. They should be sharp to avoid any damage.
Disinfectant: for cleaning the tools; this practice is also helpful in stopping the spread of diseases.
Gloves (optional): most people prefer to wear gloves while handling plants, especially if they have sensitive skin or are allergic.
A Clean Work Surface: Choose a flat and clean surface to trim your snake plant; you can use a sheet to avoid stains and collect leftovers.
Remember to take your proper time, and be patient while handling the plant to avoid any potential damage.
How to Trim a Snake Plant
After gathering the necessary tools, follow these steps:
1. Gather or Sanitize Tools
First, gather all the tools, then make sure to disinfect all tools before cutting any specific part of the snake plant. Sanitizing all the equipment is vital and effective in preventing the spread of any disease in the plant.
2. Analyze the Leaves
Examine the plant carefully, identify the leaves having problems, analyze the plant’s shape, and then decide which leaves you may want to cut. Before cutting, take an image and consider the look you will get after removing the leaves. When you do the trimming of your plant carefully, it will promote the healthy growth of the plant and groom its visual appeal.
3. Removal of Selected Leaves
After selecting the leaves that you want to remove, it’s time to cut them. For trimming problematic leaves, carefully hold the leaf by pulling it up. Then, mark a fine cut as close as you can to the base of the leaves. Remove the leaf from the plant.
After-Care of Trimming Snake Plant
Post-trimming or aftercare plays a vital role in the recovery of the snake plant. For this, you should pay attention to the plant’s watering needs. But wait to water it for 4 to 5 days after trimming. Snake plants thrive in indirect bright light, so place them near a window or other bright spot. Don’t put it in direct sunlight as it may cause sunburn.
If your plant requires water, try bottom watering, as it will keep your trimming wound from wetting. Moreover, instead of disposing of healthy leaves with no sign of damage or disease, use them for propagation.
How Often Do I Need to Trim My Snake Plant
The need for the trimming of your plant depends on its growth, however, there are other reasons for trimming. These include the reshaping of the plant, damaged leaves, insufficient water, lack of nutrients, etc. Although this plant does not require much care because of its slow growth and development; the following indications mean the need for trimming:
- If the leaves are damaged.
- The plant is bushier or excessively grown.
- The shape and size of the plant do not seem pleasant.
- Its branches start to limp over due to the taller height of the plant.
- When you want to repot it into a larger pot.
It is good to monitor the plant’s growth rate and health and trim it if needed.
What to Do With the Trimmed Snake Plant Discarded Leaves
Once you have completed the trimming of your plant, you may now deal with the leftover discarded leaves. You can use any of the following ways to deal with these leaves:
Use the leaves as a compost material | You can use the discarded trimmed leaves in a compost pile as they provide rich nutrients when they break down with time. |
Throw them away | If you don’t want to use the waste leaves in compost, throw them into the trash bin. |
Propagate them into new plants | You can propagate the healthy trimmed leaf and create a new snake plant. For this, you may need to cut the trimmed leaves in a section with a node. Plant them into the well-drained soil; water it daily so that the cuttings will start to grow. |
Post-trimming Care of Snake Plants
The following tips for post-trimming care will help you a lot to boost the healthy growth of your plant:
1. Water the Plant
After the trimming, the plant needs plenty of water, because the water help the plant to recover faster from the stress of trimming.
2. Avoid Fertilizing Immediately
It’s better to avoid fertilizing the plant immediately after trimming, instead provide enough time for the plant to cover naturally and adjust its new size.
3. Provide Adequate Light
Proper light is vital for freshly trimmed snake plants. Keep your plant in a bright spot where indirect light reaches it. Don’t expose it to direct sunlight as it may sunburn your plant.
4. Watch for Signs of Stress
Keep a keen eye on the plant after trimming. If you notice any signs like slow growth, wilting, and yellow leaves, immediately adjust its watering and light conditions.
5. Be Patient
The growth of the snake plant is slow enough. So don’t expect rapid growth and lots of new leaves in a few days after trimming. Keep patient and give it the proper time to recover from adjusting its new size.
(Remember: that snake plants are tough and can recover soon when you provide proper care. Just provide the right conditions and be patient; you can help it thrive after trimming.)
Benefits of Trimming Snake Plants
Here are some primary benefits of trimming:
Eliminating disease: You can remove diseased or unhealthy leaves by trimming. It will prevent the spread of infection to the other leaves. When you eliminate the affected part of the plant, it will help to restore energy and put it for the better growth of new leaves.
Focused Growth: You can remove the stray leaves that ruin the plant’s appearance by trimming. These stray leaves may draw down the plant’s energy. When you remove them, it will help the plant to keep the focus on the energy where it should be used.
Aesthetic Purposes: Most people use these plants for aesthetic purposes. So, if its sight does not seem appealing due to excessive or damaged leaves, cut or trim that leaves or part of the plant. You can shape your snake plant so that it looks nice.
Snake Plant Trimming: Mistakes to Avoid
What happens if you ruin your snake plant after trimming due to a lack of knowledge? Don’t worry just avoid some common mistakes after trimming to keep your plant healthy.
Never Mist Your Snake Plants: It is a common mistake most snake plant owners make that they mist their plants right after trimming. It is a disaster because the wounds are prone and don’t heal. If you mist the plant, it will turn brown and spread this rot to the other areas of the plant. So don’t mist the plant after trimming.
Trimming in All Season: Trim your snake plant in the growing season. However, it is a hard plant and can bear the pruning or trimming throughout the year. But when you trim it in spring or summer provides a better opportunity to recover.
Final Verdict: Can You Trim Snake Plants
Even the hardy snake plant can benefit from occasional trimming. But remain cautious so you will not damage the plant or unexpectedly cut yourself. It’s better to use sharp and sterilized pruning shears or scissors to enhance the healthy growth of plants. After trimming your snake plant, provide it with the popper aftercare and place it into the indirect light to boost its growth. Sometimes plants look flaky after a trim, but don’t worry; they will be fresh in a few days. Furthermore, you can use the discarded healthy cuttings to propagate a new plant!
FAQs
1. Will the Snake Plant Grow Back if Trimmed?
Yes, after an effective trimming, the snake plant will thrive more vigorously. You can restore its look by trimming its leaves. The new and perfectly formed leaves will sprout soon and replace the old ones. But it will happen when you provide great care to your snake plants.
2. How Do I Make My Snake Plant Grow Straight?
You can save your plant from learning by providing it with proper sunlight. It is also good to rotate the plant often to keep its growth equal from all sides. You can also repot your snake plant into a deep container if its root is not deep enough.
3. How Often Should You Water a Snake Plant?
Snake plants need water fortnightly. It is important to let its soil dry out completely to prevent overwatering so the roots will not rot. Feel free to water during winter as they may need water after 2 weeks to moisten the soil.