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I tried propagating my Sanservia by leaf cuttings, as I've read is possible in several houseplant books. I cut some healthy leaves into about 4" lengths and cut them with a bit of an inverted 'v' shape (so it was pointy on top and the inverse of that on the bottom). I moistened the bottoms, dipped in rooting hormone, and planed in potting soil.
I then misted the leaves daily and kept them under a ziploc to keep the humidity high. This was done with several leaves in several pots. After about two weeks I noticed a leaf or two were starting to look waterlogged. Further examination found that there were basically rotting. After three weeks I pulled the rest. None had formed any leaves whatsoever, and all were in the process of rotting out.
The humidity worked against the cuttings- the misting should not have been done, and they should have had air circulating around them and should have been watered only when completely dry. Also, it takes A LONG TIME for them to root- I don't think there is any way a sansevieria cutting could root, much less send up new leaves, in three weeks. These plants come from a very arid region and that's what they like- in fact, have to have. Too much water is the problem with 95% of the plants that die. Watering mature plants once a month should be plenty in Illinois, assuming they don't catch rainwater if they are sitting on a porch or some steps.
A more sure way to get more plants is to let the plant you have put up enough leaves that it becomes crowded in the pot and then tip it out and divide the "roots" with a sharp knife. You should get three plants out of one. LET THE WOUNDS CALLOUS OVER and then pot them up, water once, and leave them alone.
Leaf cuttings of Sansevieria should be kept on the dry side, so I agree with dp72 that your cuttings were too moist, and thus succumbed to rot.
Many house plant cuttings need high humidity and consistent moisture to produce roots but succulent type plants are especially prone to rot with excess moisture and humidity. The plastic bag and daily misting worked against your efforts, but don't give up!
If you decide to try again, leave the cuttings out in a shady, dry location, no direct sun and remember to keep the soil just barely damp. You should have roots in about a month but the plants are very slow growers and will take probably eight months to a year to gain any height.
Thanks for the info. When reading about leaf cuttings I clearly missed the fact that succulents shouldn't be misted. I'll try again with your tips. Thanks!
