There are four typical scenarios that determine when snake plant owners should consider repotting their plant. These are: When your snake plant is a new purchase, When it outgrows its current planter, when it’s been in its current planter for 2+ years, and finally, when you simply want more snake plants to enjoy, gift, or sell.
In this article, we will be providing insights on when you can repot your snake plants and it is all too easy to remember. It is important that you are familiar with these few scenarios to ensure that your snake plant keeps its striking foliage.
Further, a healthy plant can create visual interest and breathe life into your space.
1. When you just purchased the Snake Plant
New plants never fail to give us a feeling of joy and excitement. In welcoming a new baby into your home, ensuring that it is up for a good start will reward you with more happiness and satisfaction.
The type of container where your plant is potted is crucial because it can not thrive if the water can not drain fast enough.
It is necessary to place the new plant on a well-draining pot or container.
The water should not stay on the soil for too long, or it may cause the root to rot. Repotting your plant after purchase will also allow you to replace old and poor soil.
Pests and molds frequently penetrate the soil. It is especially true in potted plants. Replacing the old soil can ensure that your new plant will not suffer from these problems.
The best potting soil for these plants is perlite, peat moss, vermiculite, loam, and lava rock. Using the right medium, you can ensure that your plant is supplied with the proper nutrients because the oxygen is distributed evenly on its roots while allowing the water to flow.
2. When the Snake Plant outgrows its pot
The snake plant needs to be repotted, especially if its root is bursting out of the pot.
You may also notice that the roots of your plant are coming out of the holes or leaks.
These plants are easy to grow, and sometimes you can not see the signs that it is already outgrowing its pot. When the snake plant outgrows its pot, it becomes root-bound.
It means that it has outgrown its container and it needs more room to grow. Stunted growth is a sign that your plant may be root bound. When it appears to have stunted or stopped growing, it is then a sign that it is time to transplant to a bigger pot.
But do not be enticed to repot it to a much bigger pot or container because snake plants still prefer to be placed where its root is intact.
Another sign that your plant outgrows its pot is if it is disproportionately heavy at the top. It means that your plant has become root-bound, and that is why it is top-heavy. If the plant is root bound, the container becomes smaller than the plant that it can not support the plant’s weight.
If you notice your plant has toppled by strong winds, that’s one indication that it is root-bound. It is then high time that you repot it to prevent further damage and to allow it to grow larger more quickly.
Also, notice if the water drains quickly than usual through the soil whenever you water your plant. It is also a sign that your plant is already outgrowing its pot.
The water should not be coming straight through without staying a bit in the soil. Giving your plant a new container will grant it a healthy start. It also allows your plant to continue showering your abode with its aesthetic presence.
3. When you had the Snake Plant for over 2 years
These easy to maintain houseplants only needs to be repotted every 2-3 years. Some even transplant their snake plants after six (6) years.
Plants can grow differently depending on the conditions and care that it is receiving. One thing is sure it will not stay small for long. Eventually, the time will come that giving it a new home will be all for the best.
This type of plant does not require much attention, but it grows generously that we may not notice it’s already time for it to be transferred to a new home.
If it has been over two (2) years since you had your plant, you may plan to transplant it in the late winter or early spring.
Winter is when these plants are dormant. It is when their growth is slowed down because of the cool temperature and shorter day lengths.
Repotting your plant while it’s dormant will allow it to adapt to its current condition before it can grow freely in the spring.
The longer days and showery weather of spring will provide it the necessary condition to grow rapidly. Although it is the perfect time to repot, do not restrain from repotting any time of year, especially if it is needed.
4. When you need to propagate the snake plants
The snake plant is an excellent air purifier. Its leaves absorb toxins and emit oxygen, thus purifying the air.
It is also considered a lucky plant.
For these reasons, people would like to have at least one snake plant in their home. And that’s why it will make a perfect gift for your family and friends.
It can serve as a unique and sustainable gift for your loved one.
What is great about this plant is that you can multiply it and get new babies through propagation.
You can grow new plants from the parent stock by taking cuttings, division, or transplanting new shoots. You can repot the new shoots, pot the divided plants, or cuttings. By creating new plants, you can also grow your garden without having to purchase anything.
It will be the most rewarding and satisfying achievement to produce new plants on your own. In the process, you can save money as well as share the plants with others.
Snake plants are resilient succulents perfect for those who have a busy lifestyle.
Without spending too much time and effort, you can enjoy a little bit of nature in your abode with these easy to maintain houseplants. Knowing how to care and when to repot these beauties can be quite overwhelming, especially to new plant parents.