Snake Plants Guide: When To Transplant Snake Plant And How To Do It Properly (2021)

When to transplant snake plant? The best time to transplant your house plant is late winter or early spring. Your plant is dormant in winter and just before the active growing season (Spring), so it’s the perfect time to propagate.

Although you can repot indoor plants at any time, this is typically the best time of year to do so. You know it’s time to repot when the roots swirl or come from the bottom of the pot. When water drains directly through drainage holes, it indicates that you should transplant your plants. Root bound snake plants require a new pot.

The root ball of a root-bound plant will wiggle out of its pot, so you can see how tightly the roots are wound. Take care not to damage the roots when removing them from the plastic pot. If you find your snake plant in either of these situations, you will need to repot it.


Transplanting Snake Plants

What should you do after you know when to transplant snake plant? Then you have to put it into action. Repotting a snake plant doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what you are doing!

First thing’s first, you’ll need a new pot. Because of the tall leaves, the tongue of the mother-in-law can become very top-heavy. If you choose a pot, choose one that’s wide rather than deep so as to ensure it won’t tip over when the plant is heavy. You should look for a pot that’s 1-2 inches wider than the current pot. Make sure that you don’t increase the size too drastically. Root rot may start when moisture accumulates in extra soil.

The soil also needs to be extremely well-draining. Because this plant prefers a dry environment, use a tropical houseplant soil. You can also add some succulent mix to potting soil to improve drainage. A soil blend with African violets and a bit of sand for drainage is what I like to use. In addition to garden soil, a mixture of one part peat moss, one part perlite, or two parts builder’s sand may also be used.

You should avoid adding too much compost, however. Snake plants’ root balls are at risk from moisture trapped within the compost. It only takes a little bit to make a difference. Carefully remove the plant from its prior pot without damaging the roots. Observe the roots after it has been freed. Roots that look dark or mushy may have rot. Slice off rotten portions with a sterile, clean knife. Be sure to slice through any large roots forming around the root ball as well. Cutting it more than once should not be necessary. In this case, we are trying to stop the roots from interfering with further growth.

In your new pot, place a little potting mix and set the plant on top. Maintain the same planting depth as in its original container, but keep it within 2′′ of the pot’s rim. Add or remove soil to reach the correct depth. Make sure not to tamp down too firmly. The soil needs to be well enough to support the plant before you water it in. Adding more soil around the side can raise the soil back to the right height if it sinks after being watered. How’s that? The process of repotting snake plants is actually quite simple.


Best Soil For Snake Plants

Since snake plants prefer a dry environment, the mix they’re planted in must drain well. You don’t want it to hold too much moisture because this will cause root rot. Hence, I add in the cactus and succulent mix since it is chunky and well aerated. When I repot houseplants (compared to container plants in the garden) I also add a handful of organic compost during planting and a 1/2 inch layer of worm compost on top.


Post-Transplant Care

You will need to avoid transplant shock if you had to trim rotten roots. During this time, you do not want to overstress the plant. The snake plant can usually tolerate full sunlight. If possible, stay in bright, but indirect, light for at least one month after transplant. If you transplant in the winter or spring when sunlight isn’t so bright, then this won’t be a problem. Transplants should certainly be kept out of the sun during the summer.

Also, let your plant go without fertilizer for a month. It gives the roots time to re-establish themselves in their new spaces. As the roots are still tender after moving, the last thing you want to do is burn them with fertilizer! They need time, so be patient.

You should water your plants once the top inch of their pot has dried out, but don’t overdo it. Make sure you drain any standing water in any saucer you keep under the pot. Roots may develop rot if they are exposed to too much moisture. Now you know when to transplant snake plant and how to do it, you should check on your plant to determine the next action.


More Related Articles

https://allthingsgardener.com/repotting-snake-plant-the-right-way-2021/
https://allthingsgardener.com/when-do-you-repot-snake-plant/
https://allthingsgardener.com/when-to-replant-snake-plant/

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