When to Repot a Snake Plant and The best way to Do it Proper

Snake crops are among the many best houseplants to develop and I’ve over a dozen rising in my house. They’ve eye-catching vertical development and pointed, sword-shaped leaves typically with engaging variegations. One of many causes snake crops are so fashionable is that they thrive in a spread of sunshine circumstances – from full solar to low gentle. Though they’re thought of low-care indoor crops, snake crops profit from repotting each 3 to 4 years. In case you’re questioning when to repot a snake plant, maintain studying for my step-by-step directions on repotting in addition to recommendation on dividing. 

What are snake crops?

Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, previously Sansevieria trifasciata), also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is a well-liked indoor plant native to Africa. There are numerous sorts to develop with most having upright, vertical development and sword-shaped or pointed leaves. They’re robust, nearly indestructible crops and thrive in a spread of sunshine ranges – from full, direct daylight to low gentle circumstances. 

There’s a kind of snake plant for each sized house as sure varieties are compact and develop simply 6 inches tall, whereas others can attain heights of 6 to eight ft when mature. Snake crops unfold by way of rhizomes and type dense clumps of vertical leaves. One more reason to develop these superior crops is that snake crops are bothered by few pest and illness points. 

When to repot a snake plant

Snake crops usually have to be re-potted each 3 to 4 years. The most effective time of yr to repot a snake plant is late winter or early spring. Nonetheless, if a plant wants repotting, there’s no want to attend. In case you’re questioning when to repot a snake plant, there are a number of indicators to search for. 

1. The foliage may be very crowded – A snake plant that’s a mass of densely rising leaves is a primary candidate for repotting. As snake crops develop, new crops type round the principle plant. In case your plant is a mass of leaves, it’s possible the roots are additionally cramped. It’s time to transplant it into a bigger container.
2. Progress has slowed – The energetic rising season for snake crops is spring and summer time when there’s ample gentle. Throughout this time, a plant can develop 2 to three new leaves and placed on 2 to eight inches of peak, relying on the kind of snake plant. In case you discover few new leaves or little vertical development in the course of the rising season, it’s possible time to repot the plant.
3. The pot is bulging or cracked – In case your snake plant is in a plastic pot, the container could bulge out and turn out to be misshapen because the plant grows. A root sure plant in a clay pot could crack or break the pot. These are each apparent indications {that a} snake’s crops roots are pot sure and it’s time to maneuver it into a bigger container. 
4. Foliage is wilting, yellowing, or browning – When snake crops run out of room, the foliage reveals indicators of stress. Foliage points could sign overwatering or beneath watering, nevertheless it will also be the results of an overcrowded plant that must be repotted. 

The most effective snake plant soil

Of their native setting snake crops are drought resistant crops that develop in very well-draining soil. When grown indoors, in addition they want a potting soil that drains properly as they’re susceptible to root rot. I take advantage of a succulent potting combine, which is an element peat moss, half sand, and half perlite, however you may as well use a peat-free rising medium made with coco coir, also called coconut coir. Cacti rising combine additionally works properly. 

The most effective pot for snake plant

When deciding on a container for a snake plant, select one with drainage holes on the underside of the pot. You need to use plastic pots, however I desire unglazed clay pots as they’re porous and enhance air and water alternate. The burden of a clay pot additionally helps anchor a tall snake plant, which could be prime heavy. You may as well used glazed terra cotta pots, which can be found in a rainbow of colours at backyard centres and on-line. Once you repot a snake plant it’s best to decide a pot that’s simply 1 to 2 inches bigger in diameter than the unique pot. 

The best way to repot a snake plant

If the reply to the query ‘When to repot a snake plant’ is now, don’t fear, it’s very simple to maneuver this low-care plant to an even bigger pot. Beneath you’ll discover step-by-step directions on repotting a snake plant. 

Step 1 – Collect your supplies

Start by assembling all of the supplies you’ll must repot your snake plant. For instance, you’ll want a bigger pot, ideally one that’s 1 to 2 inches in diameter bigger than the unique pot, in addition to potting combine for succulents, and a canopy to maintain your work floor clear. 

Step 2 – Take away the plant from the pot

This can be a tough step as a really root sure plant could be onerous to slide from its container. You don’t need to tug or pull on the foliage which may break off and harm the plant. If obligatory, use a butter knife to assist ease the plant out of the container. As soon as the plant is out of the pot, lay it on the work floor. 

Step 3 – Loosen the rootball

Take the chance to loosen the rootball, notably if the plant was very crowded in its pot. If there are mushy or rotten roots, clip these out. When you’ve uncovered the roots you possibly can see the brand new rhizomes and pups. If you wish to take away any for propagation, this can be a good time to do it. See under for directions on how you can divide a snake plant. 

Step 4 – Transplant the snake plant into the brand new pot

Add a few inches of contemporary rising medium to the brand new pot. Place the foundation ball on prime of the soil, including extra if wanted. It must be planted on the similar degree it was within the unique pot. Don’t bury the plant deeply. As soon as the depth is correct, proceed so as to add contemporary potting combine across the plant, gently firming to take away air pockets. As soon as it’s transplanted, water with a watering can to settle the soil across the roots. 

Please watch this video to see a snake plant being transplanted.

The best way to divide a snake plant

The most effective time to divide a snake plant is in spring or summer time when the plant is actively rising. Snake crops develop by producing fleshy rhizomes and new crops, or pups, which emerge on the finish of a rhizome. Eradicating a pup or a number of pups from a mature plant is a simple solution to get new snake crops. I typically take away a few pups per plant, by no means taking greater than 1/3 of all the plant as eradicating an excessive amount of can stress the plant. 

To divide or propagate a snake plant you’ll want new pots, a soilless potting combination like succulent combine, and a knife. You need to use a serrated kitchen knife or a hori hori backyard knife. It’s additionally a good suggestion to cowl your work floor with sheets of newspaper or a bit of plastic to catch soil spills. 

Begin by eradicating the plant from the pot, gently inserting the foundation ball on the lined work floor. Loosen the roots along with your arms in order that they’re not a tangled mess. Find the brand new shoots you’d wish to take away. Utilizing the knife, fastidiously slice the rhizome the place it meets the principle plant. This leaves a rooted pup, or small plant, which then must be transplanted into a brand new pot. You’ll be able to plant one pup in a small pot or cluster a number of in a bigger container. After repotting the pup, water the rising medium and transfer it right into a spot with vivid, oblique daylight. 

Snake plant rising ideas

Snake crops are very drought tolerant and thrive in low soil moisture. I water occasionally, grabbing my watering can when the rising medium is dry two inches down. You’ll discover that that you must water extra typically in spring and summer time when the plant is actively rising. In winter when the crops are semi-dormant, I water much less typically. The continuously of watering depends upon elements like plant dimension, soil kind, container dimension, root temperature, and lightweight publicity. 

For extra ideas and concepts on rising indoor crops, try these in-depth articles:

Have been you questioning when to repot a snake plant?