There are certain visual hints your snake plant will give you, indicating it’s time to give it a new home. Repotting can be a stressful time for all plants so it's important to do it right!

Keep reading to learn when and how to repot your snake plant. You're only four steps away from having a happily repotted plant!

About The Snake Plant

Indoor Snake plant

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Snake plants, commonly known as “The Mother-In-Law's Tongue,” are part of the succulent family. They get their name from the snake-like way they grow with thin, elongated, erect leaves. Additionally they have long roots that can grow and spread quickly. Because of this, it’s important to keep these plants in designated pots to limit their chances of becoming invasive.

Snake plants thrive in warmer temperatures -- no less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer indirect sunlight and grow well even if they're left in low-light or shaded areas. They need to be watered about once per month or when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is completely dry. All of these factors make the snake plant easy to care for making them a common indoor houseplants.

When to Repot

Snake Plant

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Keep an eye out for slowed growth and color changes in the leaves. Any of these signs may mean your plant is under stress and its environment needs an upgrade.

If your snake plant’s growth seems to have stopped and it’s filling up its pot quite densely, it’s lacking space. Although, snake plants love being root bound. These plants can remain in the same potted homes for several years. But, if you see your plant bursting out of it's pot, there’s a simple solution - repot.

Another sign your plant may need to be repotted is if you see the leaves yellowing or becoming mushy. In this case, your green friend is sitting in a despised environment. When this happens the most likely outcome is you're overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot which is a call for repotting.

Lastly, take a close look at the soil to check if it’s soggy or if there are any signs of fungal growth. If you find any of these signs, it’s time to get started!

Repotting Your Snake Plant

Repotting your snake plant is fun, just as long as you don't damage the leaves! That being said, there are a few tips to keep handy when doing this task. 

Step 1 - Gather Materials

Repotting Materials for Snake plant

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You’ll want to start your repotting process by gathering a few materials first.

  • Gardening gloves
  • Watering can
  • A new pot (Make sure it’s 1 to 2 inches larger than the previous pot and has good drainage! It’s better to choose a ceramic pot over plastic because it will help the soil drain.)
  • A succulent-friendly potting mix (These contain a portion of porous rock such as perlite, which helps absorb additional moisture.)

Step 2 - Transplanting Tips

Snake plant roots

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Now it’s time to remove your plant from its original pot or container. Snake plants tend to become rootbound, but this is normal. If their roots have interwoven very densely you can soak them to loosen it up. You can also use a chopstick to poke at the soil. 

This step is necessary so your plant can absorb the bounty of nutrients in the new, fresh soil. You can also add a layer of compost for an extra boost.

Be gentle when pulling apart the roots ensuring not to damage the healthy roots or leaves. Make sure to cut off and throw away any rotten roots and mushed leaves.

Pro Tip: You can take this opportunity to divide and propagate your snake plant. Give more greenery to your home or gift a plant to friends and family!

Step 3 - Soil Specifics

Soil for Snake Plant

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When repotting your snake plant, make sure it isn’t buried too deep. Once placed in the new pot, it should sit at the same depth it was in the previous container. There should be 1 to 2 inches of space between the soil level and the rim of the pot.

Step 4 - Plant Care After Repotting

Caring for Snake Plants

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Once your snake plant is sitting comfortably in its new pot, you can lightly water it. If your new pot has a drainage hole or drip tray, it’s best to water it from the bottom. Doing so drives the roots to grow deeper down into the pot. This will help your plant grow stronger over time and also limit the chances of it becoming root bound.

If you’re moving your snake plant to a new area in your house that has more sunlight, do this gradually. This plant does not like sudden, extreme changes in sunlight. It’s also important to adjust how frequently you water your snake plant, depending on where it lives in the house and the season. If it’s located in a brighter spot or it's the heat of summer, your plant will use up more water and vice versa.

Pro Tip: Snake plants have large and long leaves that easily get covered in dust. Use a wet cloth to wipe these down gently whenever it’s necessary.

Don't Hiss Me Off

When it’s time to repot your snake plant, remember that they will always appreciate drier conditions and indirect sunlight. With these four steps, your snake plant will be living large!

Do you have a snake plant at home? Leave a comment with your care tips!