The short answer
Yes. Healthy leaf sections can root, but the original lower end must face downward. Dividing an established plant is usually faster and preserves the pattern of variegated varieties more reliably.
Why this happens
Leaf cuttings can take months to produce new shoots. Variegated snake plants may produce plain green offspring from leaf cuttings, so division is preferable when the leaf pattern matters.
What to do
- Cut a healthy leaf with clean tools and mark its lower end.
- Allow cut ends to dry and seal before planting.
- Insert the lower end shallowly into a free-draining mix.
- Keep warm in indirect light and water sparingly while rooting.
Keep in mind
An upside-down cutting is unlikely to succeed. Excess moisture is a common cause of failure.