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Repotting snake plants is pretty easy and doesn’t take much time. In this post, I’ll tell you all you need to know, and show you exactly how to do it, step by step.
If your snake plant has outgrown or is cracking its container, then it’s time for repotting.
Learning how to repot snake plants (aka mother-in-law’s tongue) is easy, doesn’t require any special skills, and is an important part of their long-term health.
In this step by step guide I’ll show you how to replant them and answer all your questions. With this knowledge, you can keep your Sansevierias rejuvenated and thriving for years to come.
Table of Contents
When To Repot A Snake Plant
The best time to repot Sansevieria is during the late winter or early spring. That allows it to settle into its new home and spend the summer putting on new growth.
But if it’s severely root-bound, and you notice it’s struggling later in the year, you can replant it in the summer or fall.
How Do You Know When Your Snake Plant Needs Repotting?
You’ll know your snake plant needs repotting when it’s become severely root-bound.
Roots will start coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, or they will bulge, or even crack, their container.
It may be less obvious in sturdier pots though. If a previously happy Sansevieria begins to shrivel, or the water runs straight through the pot, it’s a good sign that they’re out of room.
Here’s the full list of signs that it’s time for a new pot…
- Roots coming out the bottom of the container or above the soil
- Soil won’t hold water, it just runs straight through
- The pot is distorted or cracking
- Container keeps falling over (top heavy)
- Growth has slowed or stopped completely
How Often Should I Repot My Sansevieria?
Growth rate and container size will determine how often you need to repot your mother-in-law’s tongue.
In an ideal environment, they may need it every two years or so. But in containers with plenty of room to spread, they might be fine for 4-6 years.
It’s good to remember that snake plants prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so avoid repotting unless they’re in need of more room.
Preparing To Repot A Snake Plant
Before we get into the steps for repotting a snake plant, first let’s chat about the ideal container. Choosing the right pot and soil will help it adjust much faster.
Choosing A New Pot
While they can do very well in a wide variety of containers, it’s ideal to choose one that’s only 1-2” bigger than the current pot.
Too much space can lead to more water retention and increase the risk of root rot. Select one with drainage holes to help prevent that.
They’re top-heavy too. So choose a pot that’s wide rather than tall, and ideally made from a weighted material like ceramic or terracotta to reduce the risk of tipping.
Best Soil For Repotting Snake Plant
The best soil for repotting snake plants is a loamy, aerated, well-draining medium.
You can purchase a quality mix, or try making your own by combining 2 parts potting soil with 1 part of perlite or pumice, and 1 part coarse sand.
Related Post: How To Choose The Best Snake Plant Soil
What To Do After Repotting Sansevieria
Once your snake plant is potted up into its new container, it’s safe to resume normal care.
Keep it in an area with bright, indirect light, and don’t water again until the soil has dried out several inches down.
I recommend you refrain from fertilizing for at least a month while it settles in to help prevent severe transplant shock.
Related Post: How To Propagate Snake Plants In Water Or Soil
FAQs
Here I’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about repotting a Sansevieria. If yours isn’t on the list, please add it to the comments section below.
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 you water a snake plant after repotting?
Yes, you should water a snake plant after repotting, then wait until the soil has dried at least two inches down before giving it another drink.
Can you plant two snake plants together?
You can plant two snake plants together in a single pot as long as it’s large enough to accommodate their size.
Can you repot a snake plant in fall or winter?
You technically can repot a snake plant in fall or winter. But since it’s entering a rest period, it can cause them to become weak or leggy during the winter. For best results, wait until early spring.
Now that you know how easy it is to repot snake plants, you’ll be able to respond whenever yours have outgrown their pots. Use these tips to keep yours healthy and happy for many, many years.
If you want to learn all there is to know about maintaining healthy indoor plants, then you need myHouseplant Care eBook. It will show you everything you need to know about how to keep every plant in your home thriving.Download your copy now!
More About Houseplant Care
- How To Repot Plants: A Helpful Illustrated Guide
- How To Repot Succulent Plants
Share your tips for repotting snake plants in the comments section below.
How To Repot A Snake Plant
Repotting Snake Plants: Step By Step Instructions
The good news is that repotting a snake plant isn’t difficult. It takes just a few supplies and a bit of time to replant them into a larger pot.
Materials
- A clean pot
- Potting soil
- Drainage netting (optional)
Instructions
- Partially fill the pot - Place drainage netting over the holes in the pot to prevent the soil from washing out. Then create a base layer of potting soil by filling the bottom of the new container about a third of the way.
- Remove it from the old pot - Place your hand over the top, and flip the whole plant upside down. Then either gently squeeze the pot or slide a hand trowel around the inside to loosen it up. Avoid pulling on the leaves to prevent damage.
- Loosen the roots - Carefully tease apart the roots to break up the circular pattern so they can spread to fill their new container.
- Replant at the same depth - Place the rootball into the new container at the same depth it was in the old one, and fill in around it with fresh soil.
- Gently press down - Remove any air pockets and ensure the Sansevieria is stable by gently pressing the soil around the base. Continue to add more until the pot is full.
- Water thoroughly - Give it a good drink to help it settle in. Make sure to drain off all the excess. Then fill in any holes with more soil, if necessary.
Notes
- Always make sure your snake plant is well hydrated before repotting.
- Never repot a brand new or an unhealthy snake plant.
