An Excellent Guide for Repotting Snake Plants! (2021)

The Sansevieria (also known as Mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plant) overgrows its container at some point. Outside of the pot, the plants leaves spread. Occasionally, the foliage may appear to be suffering from the edges of the container. The snake plant may need to be replanted if this is the case.

Even though some varieties of Sanseviera grow tall rather than wide, many are capable of growing horizontally. It is especially possible for snake plants that grow outdoors in favorable weather conditions to multiply rapidly. In order to propagate, rhizomes (underground stems that grow horizontally) are crucial. In contrast, potted plants don’t have much space to grow underground or through the foliage. As a result, they need to be moved to a bigger container every few years.

In this post, we explain why repotting is necessary for snake plants and how to go about it properly.


Why Do Snake Plants Need Repotting?

Even though snake plants like to be root-bound, repotting may be required if their roots do not have enough room to grow. Eventually, your plant will outgrow its pot  or container. This can cause the plant to feel uncomfortable and in distress. As a result, the plant will grow stunted and its leaves may curl or crack. Due to its size, the plant might not receive enough  nutrients and moisture from the soil mix.

The plant may be unable to produce enough oxygen to perform photosynthesis if its leaves are crowded. A dense root system reduces the soil’s ability to drain water, making it difficult for plants to grow. Because snake plants prefer loose, uncompressed soil, this is particularly bad for them. Root rot can be caused by dense soil. Therefore, you should repot your  snake plants periodically.


Why Repotting is Beneficial?

The main benefit of transplanting your snake plant is to encourage healthy growth. The pot allows your plant to grow freely in the new location.

Repotting also allows you to replace the soil. Depleted soil can be fertilized. A sand or perlite mix can help your soil breathe better if it’s too compact.

The opportunity to split a large or medium sized plant is also available when you repot it. A division yields two to more plants. You can propagate it this way.


When Should You Repot Your Snake Plant?

When a plant’s growth is stunted, it will show signs. These signs will let you know if it’s time to repot. Here are a few signs that your plant is suffering from insufficient  space:

  • The roots are poking through the drainage holes in the pot.
  • You see roots growing on the surface of your container.
  • Boxes bulge outward. Plastic containers, in particular, bulge if there is not enough room for the roots inside.
  • Cracks are forming in clay or terracotta pots.
  • It looks like the foliage is stuck in the pot. The plant also doesn’t come out of the pot  easily.

The moment you notice any of these signs in your plant, it’s definitely time to move it into a larger pot.

Snake plants usually grow and flower in the spring. Most varieties of Sansevieria fall into this category. So, repotting a snake plant in late winter or early spring seems to be a good idea. During this time, your new plant will be able to adjust to its new surroundings.In the spring, allow it to grow and expand freely. It is possible to repot plants any time of year if necessary. 

Repotted snake plants need to be done every two to three years. In some cases, you may have to wait up to six years.

 It really depends on the growth rate of your plant and the size of the pot. Keep your potted plants healthy as you wait.


Preparation for Repotting

Repotting your plant is an easy process after you decide to do so. To repot your snake plant, you’ll need a few things.


Pot

To ensure your plant doesn’t require repotting anytime soon, you should choose the right type of container. Plant size and age will determine the size of the pot. You should buy a new pot with at least an inch or two more diameter than your old one. When choosing a pot, remember that snake plants tend to grow tall. The plant will become top-heavy if the container is too shallow.

Ensure that the container has at least one bottom drainage hole. As a result, the excess water will be removed and the drainage will be smooth. If you need a stand for your pot, a tray or a drainage saucer, invest in them. Any type of material can be used, such as plastic, ceramic, or terracotta.


Soil

Snake plants require loose, drained soil, as they prefer a dry environment. The plants do not require a lot of water to survive, and it is very easy to overwater them. In a soaked soil, snake plants can develop rotten roots.

The mother-in-law’s tongue grows well in a soilless potting mix made for tropical  plants. Garden soil can be mixed with cacti and succulent potting mix. Additionally, you can make your own  potting mix by combining regular soil with other ingredients like sand and perlite. The soil can be enriched with extra nutrients and microbes by adding compost or manure. As long as the soil mixture is well drained, everything will be fine.


Tools

Along with the pot and soil, you may need the following equipment:

  • A dull knife can be useful for loosening plants from their containers.
  • To divide a plant, you will need garden shears, pruners, or a knife to cut the roots and rhizomes.
  • Hand gloves – to keep your hands clean.
  • A garden trowel is used for digging and scooping up soil.
  • To cover drainage holes in pots with cloth, mesh tape, marbles, gravel or pebbles, so that soil won’t escape.

How To Repot a Snake Plant?

So, now that you are well prepared, let’s see how to move a plant. Follow these simple steps to repot a snake plant.

  • Plants need to be removed from their containers first. By thoroughly watering the plant, the roots will be freed from the soil. Remove soil from the edges of the container with a knife. Now lay the pot horizontally on the ground and gently thump the sides. The plant can be removed from its pot if you try to pull it out. A trowel will help loosen up soil if it isn’t coming out. Once the plant is out of the pot, turn it upside-down and smack it gently. While doing this, be careful not to damage the roots or leaves.
  • Examine the roots carefully once the plant is out. Snake plants are susceptible to root rot, so keep an eye out for signs of rot.   It’s easy to fix, though. Use a clean knife or shears to simply trim off the rotten portions. You can also cut off large, bulging roots that wrap around the root ball. This will prevent the plant from overgrowing in its  new pot. Slice through the roots with a knife.
  • After examining the soil, you need to decide if it can be used more extensively. Drainage is very important for a good soil, as it is reusable. However, if the soil appears dense, you can still save it by adding sand, peat, perlite or cactus potting mix  to allow drainage. Composting worms or applying manure to the soil will make it fertile.
  • Adding potting soil to the container now will prepare it for planting. Make sure the  drainage holes are completely open. To prevent the soil from falling through the holes, you need to cover them. Cover the holes with a small cloth or mesh tape. You can also add a layer of marbles, pebbles, or gravel to the bottom of a pot. Start filling in the soil mix after that. You can measure the root bulb’s length with a knife or trowel. Decide how deep to pour the soil before planting the plant.
  • After the snake plant has been placed in the pot, the final step is to plant it. Don’t forget to plant it at the same depth you planted it previously. Soil should just cover the top of the root ball. At least 1-2 inches should separate the pot rim from the top of the soil layer. Hold the plant with one hand and add soil with the other. Soil shouldn’t be packed too firmly. It can be topped with a thin layer of compost or decorative rocks and marbles.

After Care

It is important to give the plant the proper after-care to avoid transplant shock. After repotting your snake plant, here are a few tips on how to care for it.

  • After repotting, do not water the plant right away, especially if you moistened the soil before removing it from the old pot. Let the soil dry for a few days.
  • Let the soil drain out all the excess water after watering. Roots won’t rot if this is done. For instructions on how to water snake plants, click here.
  • For at least one month, keep the plants in the shade. They can be placed in bright, indirect sunlight. After repotting, direct sunlight can be too harsh for snake plants.
  • Don’t fertilize your plants right away. The roots might be burned if you apply fertilizer too soon. Give the roots at least a month to develop.

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