I've had snake plants for years, and they're some of the toughest houseplants around. I've successfully propagated multiple plants in water, especially snake plants, but I'm puzzled about how they thrive in water without drowning. As succulents, they should be more sensitive to excess moisture. It blows my mind that cuttings can sit in a glass vase or mason jar for months before developing roots and new growth. What's the science behind how these plants, along with others like pothos and lucky bamboo, manage to avoid absorbing too much water while being submerged all the time?
2 Answers
You're onto something with how plants handle water! Drowning happens when they can't get enough oxygen, not just from water itself. Plants absorb water through osmosis, which is driven by the need to balance their internal moisture with what's available around them. If they’re not transpiring (losing water), they won’t absorb as much. So, as long as the water has enough dissolved oxygen, they can do well in it!
Great question! The main thing to keep in mind is that it’s not the water itself that’s an issue, but the oxygen levels. Snake plants and similar types prefer clean water because it allows oxygen to reach their roots. In contrast, waterlogged soil can inhibit airflow, causing the roots to suffocate instead of drown. So, when they’re just sitting in water, as long as the water is clean and has enough dissolved oxygen, they can thrive!
Do you know how the plant manages to not drown even after being in water for so long?
Thanks! That totally clarifies things for me. Now I see why so many plants can thrive in water!