Repotting Sansevieria

Believe it or not, snake plants prefer to be a little pot bound. This means you don't need to repot your plant that often. A general rule of thumb is to repot every 2-5 years but it can be left even longer depending on your plant.

How do I know when to repot my snake plant?

You will know it's time to repot when the top of the roots are swirling or coming out of the bottom of the pot. Another sure sign that your plant should be repotted, is if water drains straight through the drainage holes when watering. This means your snake plant is root bound.

Do Sansevieria need deep pots?

Because Sansevierias like to spread out as they grow, I've found that they don't need a deep pot. A deep pot has more soil mass at the bottom which could stay too wet which leads to root rot.

What kind of soil does a snake plant need?

Snake plants do best with a free-draining soil mix because they are easily prone to rot. A soilless potting mixture is best to ensure adequate drainage. Also, be sure to use a terracotta pot that won't trap water inside and promptly remove any standing water from the saucer.

What happens if you don't repot a snake plant?

If you leave your pot in this condition, it will struggle to take up water and nutrients from the soil due to overcrowding. This will stunt the plant's growth and will ultimately kill the plant. As soon as you see roots creeping out the drainage holes, gather your materials and get repotting.

How deep should I repot my snake plant?

Keep it planted at the same depth it'd been at in its old pot, but keep it within 2″ of the pot's rim. Remove or add soil to get it to the right depth. You do not have to tamp the soil down too firmly. Ensure it's in there well enough to support the plant, then water it in.

Do snake plant roots like to be crowded?

Do snake plants like to be crowded? Yes, snake plants do like to be crowded. However when they're severely root-bound the pot can break, or they can have a hard time absorbing the water and nutrients they need.

Do snake plants like shallow or deep pots?

Do snake plants need deep pots? No, snake plants do not need deep pots. Snake plants are known for their ability to thrive in shallow soil, and the roots of these plants can grow up to 8 feet long. Because of this, they do not require deep pots.

Is it better to root snake plant in water or soil?

Yes you can propagate snake plants in water. But it can take a long time, lead to rot, and the babies tend to have a harder time transitioning back to soil. Propagating snake plants may take a long time, but it's very easy to do.

Do snake plants need to be by a window?

Light: Snake plants can tolerate lower light conditions, but they do best near a window. Even a north facing window is fine. They'll grow faster with a little more light, and they tend to droop if they're deprived of light for too long.

How do I know if my snake plant needs water?

Touch the soil every few days to see if it's dry or crumbly. If the soil is dry, it's time to water your snake plant. Generally, once a week works great. Smaller snake plants may last up to two weeks between watering while larger snake plants may require watering every two to three days.

Should you water a snake plant after repotting?

Most snake plants don't need to be watered immediately after repotting. Snake plants grow best in dry conditions and do not thrive in damp, cold soil. Unless the snake plant was extremely dry and brittle during repotting, it's generally best to wait for a few days (or even up to a week) before watering it.

Does snake plant like sun or shade?

Snake plants prefer plentiful sunlight, but will put up with some light shade and continue to grow. They should be protected from the hottest, southern sun in summer. Though they can survive poor light conditions, they will not grow without moderate sunlight and will not flower without more generous sun exposure.

Do snake plants prefer sun or shade?

Because snake plant likes all light types (it will happily withstand full sun as well as low light) you can plant it on your porch in the shade or out by the pool in full sun. Or in a planter with another tall tropical beauty, bird of paradise, like above.

Can I use regular potting soil for snake plant?

Can I use regular potting soil for a snake plant? I don't recommend using regular potting soil for snake plants because it can be too heavy, and easily lead to overwatering and root rot. You can amend it with sand and perlite to make it drain faster.

Can a snake plant live in a room with no windows?

Whatever you choose to call it, a snake plant is going to be one of the simplest (and most common) types of indoor plants for an office with no windows. They do well in indirect sunlight and can manage in low light situations.

Where should I place a snake plant in my house?

Choosing a Location in the Home

• Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight. However, they also grow well (albeit more slowly) in shady corners and other low-light areas of the home.
• Keep the plant in a warm spot with temperatures above 50°F (10°C).

How big of a planter does a snake plant need?

Snake plants need a pot that's 1/3 bigger than the roots to allow the plant to grow properly without giving it too much room. Too big of a pot could allow excess water to sit. Moving the plant too quickly in the size of the pot can put the plant into shock.

How do you break up and repot a snake plant?

Dividing:

1. Brush away as much dirt as possible and lay your plant down on a hard surface.
2. Take your sharp clean blade and cut just about in the middle of the rhizome.
3. Place your little one in new potting soil and give it a bit of water (which should last a while).
4. Wait for soil to completely dry before watering it again.

Should I put rocks in my snake plant?

In general, it's not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn't leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn't aid drainage or improve air circulation.