No matter what type of sansevieria you have, eventually the pot will bulge and look unattractive in the pot that the plants are planted in.
If you notice roots coming out of the pot and from the holes at the bottom, your snake plant may lack growing space. If you see these signs, it’s a clear indication that you need to move your sansevieria plant to a larger pot.
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to repot snake plants (scientific name: sansevieria) from a small container to a larger one. Additionally, we explain when to repot snake plants and how to repot snake plants. Why you should repotted snake plant and why it is necessary for your plant to grow and thrive.
Most house plants are fine to be kept in their original pots throughout their lifespan. Many varieties of sansevieria plants, especially the popular sansevieria trifasciata, goldahnii and sansevieria laurentii, are known for their strong, tall, wide and often top heavy growth form. The mere fact that your snake plant needs to be moved will be enough to prompt you to move it.
Read on for important information regarding snake plants and new containers. What is the best time and what are the steps involved in repotting a snake plant? You can also divide your sansevieria plant into multiple plants. Here’s a guide to help you transplant a sansevieria plant properly.
Why Repotting Snake Plant?
The root showing on the outside or bottom of the pot is the number one sign you need to repot into a larger container.
Bulging pots should also be observed. Pots bulge when their roots no longer have much room. This can cause the houseplant to become pot-bound and is a clear indication that it needs a new pot. A plastic pot has the advantage of being relatively less expensive and lighter than its alternatives.
The clay container, however, might crack and become unusable. In this case, you should always keep an eye on the roots of the plant.
You’ll see your plants losing their health when the container they’re in becomes overcrowded. If it becomes overcrowded, your plants’ leaves become stunted, the soil becomes hard, and your plants quickly dry out.
This is because your sansevieria plant cannot obtain adequate nutrients and moisture because of its root situation.
Healthy growth is the most important benefit of a repotted plant. In addition, dividing your sansevieria plant may allow you to grow more than one snake plant, depending on its age. It’s not that difficult to propagate a snake plant.
One more benefit to repotting snake plants is that you can replace any old or unhealthy soil with fresh, premium potting soil and a little compost. Using a custom potting mix will allow you to provide your plants with the appropriate nutrients. Lastly, don’t forget this is one chance to choose a better pot for your house plant in your home garden!
When Should I Repot Snake Plant
Repotting snake plants or any houseplant during the spring is ideal as houseplants are just entering their growing period.
For all varieties of houseplants, you can transplant them during late winter or early spring.
Nonetheless, repotting snake plants outside of these time periods is recommended whenever necessary. Note that the best time to transfer a plant is within a year and up to six years of age.
This will depend on the speed of your snake plant’s growth. Repotting should be done immediately after transplanting a snake plant.
Although most sansevieria plants prefer to have their roots attached to the pot. The roots of a snake plant need to be transplanted to a larger pot if they are already attempting to grow outside the pot.
Following these steps to repot a snake plant in a new pot with fresh gardening soil or potting mix will result in a healthy and thriving plant.
Materials Needed To Repotting Snake Plant
You’ll need to be prepared for a transplant if your plant shows any of the symptoms I mentioned.
Correct Pot Size
You can choose from many types of pots, which make Sansevierias a good container plant. Especially mother-in-law’s tongue is an excellent container plant. Many gardeners opt to use plastic pots but the important factor is the size of the pot. You can choose pots made from different materials. Plastic pots are a popular choice, however the pot size is crucial. Obviously, you can place your snake plant in any kind of container you like since the container size is determined by the snake plant’s age and size.
A snake plant typically needs a pot about two to three gallons in size. It is tall and heavily foliaged, so depth is an important factor to consider.
Measure the diameter of your current pot and ensure that the larger pot you use may need to be more than an inch wider.
It does not matter whether the pot is made of plastic, ceramic, or even clay, as long as it is sized correctly.
Is there a need for drainage holes for the pots? Of course, make sure your pots allow good and well draining, so make sure the pots have drainage holes.
Best Soil Types
The soil around a snake plant, including sansevieria trifasciata (mother-in-law’s tongue), needs to be well-draining. When there is a lot of moisture in the air due to overwatering, these houseplants are very susceptible to root rot. Your sansevieria should never sit in water-logged soil for an extended period of time.
If you’re using cactus and succulent potting mix, gardening soil, or soilless potting mix, you’ll want to use these. They are designed for good drainage.
Just make sure you have some perlite, sand, and compost to combine with your regular potting mix or gardening soil.
- Knife: This is optional, but it may be useful if your houseplant grows large enough to be transplanted or divided.
- Watering – Not much is needed, but it may help if you soften the potting mix or gardening soil before transferring the houseplant.
- Mesh tape or cloth – this may be placed at the bottom of the pot. Its purpose will be explained later.
Aside from the materials I mentioned, you will also need your gardening equipment such as gloves or a shovel if you do not want to do this with your bare hands.
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