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Everything you need to know about transplanting snake plants at home
With beautiful leaves and a low-maintenance lifestyle, it is no wonder that snake plants are some of the most popular houseplants. If you own one of these symbolic plants, you are probably interested in how to keep them healthy. Although these snake plants are relatively slow growers, they will benefit from replanting in time. Proper replanting ensures that the roots of your plants have room to grow, leading to a healthy plant! Read on to learn all about how to replant your snake plant.
Pottery of snake plants – the essential
Depending on the growth rate of your plant, you should replant your snake plant every three years. Choose a pot that is a few centimeters larger than the original and make sure that the pot has drainage holes. Inspect the roots and replant with a well-draining pot mixture.
Why transplanting snake plants is necessary
Like all plants, snake plants grow. At some point, they will grow out of their current pot.
When a snake’s roots have nowhere to grow, the plant becomes rooted. In the beginning, you may notice roots circling around the edges of the pot. As time goes on, roots can form a thick mat at the base of the pot.
If plants are rooted, they can present many problems. These include lack of growth, yellow leaves and withering.
Replanting your plant gives the roots new space to grow.
Snake plants are also easy to propagate if you want to expand your collection.
How often do snake plants need to be replanted?
In general, all types of snake plants need to be replanted every three to three years (sometimes more). The exact time you should wait before replanting depends on the growth rate of your plant.
While snake plants can survive in varying light levels, plants that receive more light will grow faster. Therefore, plants that receive a lot of indirect light will need to be replanted more often than plants kept in shaded areas.
If you are unsure whether your plant needs to be replanted, start removing the plant from its container. If you have sown the roots that have been woven together, it is time to replant.
Best times of year to consider repotting
The best time of year to repot is during late winter or early spring. At this point, the light is increasing, and the growth of snake plants is about to pick up speed. Now is also the best time to prune snake plants.
However, you can replant your snake plant at other times of the year.
The best soil mixture when transplanting snake plants
Snake plants have succulent-like leaves that hold a lot of water. Therefore, they do not like that their soil is constantly moist. To keep the snake plants happy, choose a well-draining soil mixture.
The best soil mixture for snake plants will be well-drained and well-aerated. It will also be able to hold water and nutrients.
Ordinary potted plant mixtures can work for snake plants. But they may not drain as well as you would like. To increase the drainage of a premixed pot mixture, add additional perlite or sand.
Soil mixtures intended for cacti and succulents can also work for snake plants. However, these mixtures can not hold enough water. Add a little extra peat moss or coconut to increase water holding capacity.
The best snake plant mixture will be between ordinary potting soil and a succulent / cactus soil. For a superior snake plant mixture, combine some common potted plant mixture with some succulent / cactus mixture.
Of course, you can also make your own potting soil. To do this, combine the following.
- three parts coconut or peat moss
- in part perlite
- some sand
The remodeling process is simple and does not require many tools. But having the right tools at hand will make a seamless process.
- A well-draining pot mixture
- A tarpaulin, old blanket or towel
- A container with drainage holes
Considerations about the size and types of pots
When it comes to replanting your snake plant, you do not want to make any aggressive jumps in pot size. Because snake plants like to sit a little snug in their pots, choose a container that is one to two inches wider in diameter than the original.
You do not need a very deep pot; eight to twelve inches is generally sufficient.
The material of the container does not matter. Terracotta, ceramics and plastic are all suitable options.
Whatever type of pot you choose, make sure it has drainage holes.
How to replant your snake plant
Once you have gathered all your supplies, follow these steps to replant your snake plant.
- Start with a healthy plant
Before replanting your plant, make sure it is healthy and moisturized! Healthy plants can better manage stress with transplanting.
With that said, you can replant an unhealthy plant if you think transplanting will solve the problems.
- Remove the plant from the original container.
Before you begin, spread an old blanket or tarpaulin on the ground. This will help limit clutter and allow for easy cleaning.
Then grab your snake plant near the ground line and pull gently. The root ball should slide easily out of the container. If your plant is heavily rooted, you may need to use a little more force.
- Remove excess soil and inspect the roots
Once you have your bare plant, it’s time to take a closer look.
Carefully tear apart the roots to remove excess soil. You do not have to remove all the soil, but you should remove enough so that you can take a good look at the roots.
Then inspect the roots. If you see any mossy or discolored parts, cut them off with sharp scissors or scissors.
If you want to propagate your snake plant via division or rhizome cuttings, now is the time to do so.
- Place the plant in the new pot
Once you have considered that your plant is healthy, it is time to place it in its new pot. Place a few inches of the pot mixture in the bottom of the container and then add to your plant. The bottom of your plant’s leaves should be level with the top of the pot.
- Add new soil
When the plant is in its container, add more soil. Gently press the soil so that it covers the rhizomes and roots. The bottom of the plant’s leaves should be level with the soil surface when you are done.
Care after transplantation
Once you have replanted your snake plant, water only if the soil is very dry.
In the next few weeks, you want to keep a close eye on your plant (especially for common pests, insects and diseases or signs of hanging) and avoid fertilizing immediately.
Yellow leaves or wilting leaves can be a sign that your soil is too compact. This may be due to incorrect soil mixing or compaction during the transplanting process.
If you suspect compaction, replant your plant with a well-ventilated soil mixture. Remember to avoid compacting the soil when transplanting.
Frequently asked questions about transplanting snake plants:
Should I soak my snake plant before replanting?
There is no need to soak your snake plant before replanting. Because snake plants like their soil on the dry side, they will survive without being soaked.
Should you water snake plants immediately after transplanting?
This depends on the level of hydration of your plant. If it seems dry, you can water the soil immediately. However, it generally does not hurt to wait a day or two before watering.
Do snake plants like large pots?
No, snake plants do not like very large pots. Because they like to sit a little snug in their containers, choose a pot that is only a few inches wider and deeper than the plant’s root ball.
Why is my snake growth lame after transplanting?
A weak plant may indicate overwatering or underwatering. Remember that snake plants like the soil to be dry, but not completely dry.
Should I mist my snake plant after transplanting?
No. Snake plants prefer moderate humidity to that found in an ordinary home. Fogging your plant will increase the humidity and can lead to disease problems.
Ends
When it’s time to repot, remember to choose a slightly larger container than the original and choose a well-draining pot mix. By replanting your snake plant at the right time, you will be rewarded with a healthy plant for many years to come.
If you want to expand your collection, see our important guide to the best plant stores and nurseries that supply snake plants across the country.
