The snake plant is almost indestructible, as you might have heard. Although this is true, it is important to remember the word ‘almost’! Letting your snake plant’s roots rot is one sure-fire way to kill it.
If you keep a snake plant in a pot without drainage holes, you need to be careful not to overwater it, as the excess water will remain in the pot and cause the roots to rot.
Snake plants kept in containers do not always require drainage holes, but they will be easier to care for in pots with holes. Snake Plants benefit from pots equipped with drainage holes to prevent the biggest killer of these plants – root rot.
Why Is Drainage So Important?
Snake Plants, as well as most container plants, require good drainage. Drainage holes in the bottom of the container let excess water drain out and prevent the potting mix from becoming waterlogged.
Moreover, moving water through your plant’s potting mix prevents the buildup of chemicals from fertilizer and tap water that can damage the root system of your plant.
The snake plant could suffer if water accumulates in its pot, as it does in pots with no drainage holes.
The Problems Caused by Poor Drainage
Growing snake plants in pots with no drainage holes could pose problems for the plant.
Here’s what we need to pay attention to:
Rotten Roots
When the potting mix of a container plant is constantly wet, it provides the ideal environment for the growth of fungi. The most common types of fungi that cause root rot are Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia.
As a result of the wet conditions in waterlogged containers, these fungi multiply and eat away at your plants’ roots, causing massive damage.
The symptoms of root rot are similar to those of dehydration, such as dry, curling leaves and drooping branches. You should check the water level of your Snake Plant’s potting mix before watering it, as adding more water to a plant suffering from root rot will make the problem worse.
The symptoms and treatment for root rot are the same for all fungi, regardless of which ones are causing the problem in your plant.
Oxygen Deficiency
Carbon dioxide is usually thought of as necessary for plants to survive. In addition to this, oxygen is also an important factor for them.
Carbon dioxide and oxygen are absorbed by plants through their leaves, called stomata, and oxygen is absorbed by their roots.
When your plant’s roots are surrounded by water, like they are in waterlogged soil, they cannot absorb enough oxygen and begin to suffocate.
Oxygen deficiency is characterized by poor, stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventually, death of your plant.
It is likely that your plant is suffering from both oxygen deficiency and root rot if it is experiencing one of these issues.
Excessive Salts and Minerals Cause Root Burn
Snake Plants that are kept in pots without drainage holes are much more likely to suffer from chemical build-up and root burn.
Water and fertilizers contain salts and minerals that can be beneficial for your plants in very small quantities but can be very harmful in larger quantities.
The substances build up and collect around the roots of your plants when water can’t escape from their pots. It stops them from functioning correctly and burns the roots. Brown leaves and roots are signs of root burn.
Root System Development That Is Weak
Snake plants need a strong root system to survive. If your plant’s roots are submerged in water, it will not only be susceptible to the problems listed above, but it won’t be able to grow new, strong, healthy roots.
If you don’t give your plants healthy roots, they can’t take in nutrients and they’ll grow slower or stop altogether. Leaf loss, drooping, and even death may occur.
Treatment for Drainage Problems
When you notice any of these problems, you should address them immediately. As soon as you suspect an issue, check your plant’s roots and the water level in your potting mix.
The following treatments are available for all issues listed above:
- Remove your plant from the pot and remove as much of the potting mix as possible from around the roots
- To remove rotten or damaged roots, use a sterilized, sharp pair of scissors.
- If you see crusty chemical build-up around the roots, gently rinse them with water
- Repot your plant in a lightly moist, freely-draining potting mix (use 1/3 perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage).
- If your plant suffers from problems related to poor drainage, use a pot that has drainage holes
- Always check the moisture level of your potting mix before watering; if it isn’t dry, don’t water!
It is important to know that these problems can be very severe, and that a plant with severely damaged roots may not always be salvageable. It’s still worth a shot to try snake plants, though; they are extremely tough!