Are you getting confused about how to replant a snake plant? Uh, I can clearly remember my journey last year when I took care of my snake plant. Suddenly I noticed it was looking a bit worse than usual, like leaves were curling, and the pot seemed ready to burst.
No worries, replanting snake plant isn’t that hard. You just gotta-
Replant Snake Plant
- To replant your snake plant, carefully remove it from its current pot, inspect the roots and trim it as needed.
- Check for damaged leaves and pests before choosing a new spot with indirect sunlight and good airflow.
- Prepare the soil for good drainage and clear the area of debris.
- After replanting, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Not enough information right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading for my comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to replant your snake plant successfully, included with my own tips and tricks that I’ve followed then.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
What Is Replant?
Typically, replanting involves digging up a developed plant from its current home and moving it to another place.
It is a common technique that is generally used in horticulture. For example, if it is for the household plant, it involves moving the plant to a larger pot.
Whether it is seedlings, cuttings, or root-bound trees, all need to be replanted to new pots to promote better and healthy growth.
Moreover, if you give the plants new space and new soil through replanting, it will further reduce the amount the water the trees need. Plus, the roots of the trees can do their job better.
4 Reasons To Replant Snake Plant
Now that you know what it means to replant, you might be wondering why exactly or when you may need to replant the snake plant.
To be frank,
I will not say there is only one specific reason, but quite a few indicate replanting a snake plant. Below, I’m going to highlight some of the reasons that are common for many snake plant enthusiasts.
- To Promote Future Growth
- Cracked Plant Pot
- The Leaves Are Cramping
- The Leaves Keep Falling Over
To Promote Future Growth
The most prominent reason for replanting a snake plant is to promote the future growth of it. Snake plants are typically fast-growing. Sometimes, they overgrow in their pots and require more space for further growth. In this case, replanting a snake plant can be a good solution. Replanting involves transferring the snake plant to a larger container, which will enhance its growth.
Cracked Plant Pot
Last autumn, while watering my snake plant, I noticed a crack running down the side of the pot. Upon closer inspection, I found that the roots had grown so extensive that they pushed against the walls, causing the crack.
This is also a clear sign that your current pot is too small and needs to be replaced with a larger container. A larger container will provide the roots with the space they need to grow and allow your snake plant to thrive again.
The Leaves Are Cramping
As your snake plant thrives, it is obvious new leaves will grow. At times, it becomes so messy that it outgrown its current pots. Though you are quite regular in watering and feeding, your plant will still struggle to thrive conveniently due to lower space.
This is the situation where you need to transplant your snake plant to a larger container to make it convenient for proper growth.
The Leaves Keep Falling Over
In extreme cases, you may find that your snake plants with yellowing leaves or keep failing over one by one, even if it seems the top healthy option. So you might wonder what could be the reason here.
The best chances are root rot or a heavy top due to the plant being rootbound. Also, while less common, infestations by pests like mealybugs or diseases can also damage your leaves and cause them to fall over again. Whatever the fact is, you can try replanting your plants with new soil to see how it works!
How To Replant A Snake Plant?
What? Spot some of the signs? Then hurry up and get to replant your snake plant. If you waste your time, then it can take a snake plant life, too. So, here is what you gotta do:
- Step -1: Remove The Plant From Its Current Place
- Step -2: Inspect The Root
- Step -3: Inspect The Snake Plant Before Replanting
- Step -4: Prepare For Replanting!
- Step -5: Water Your Snake Plant After Replanting
Step -1: Remove The Plant From Its Current Place
Now this is the time to separate your plant from the current pot. Take and hold your current pot and start removing the soil from the pot. Don’t just pull on the trunk and branches at once.
Instead, lay the snake plant pot on its side. Then, grab the plant with one hand and hold the bottom of the pot with another hand. It will be easier for you to pull the plant out of the pot now.
I had a plastic pot, so I used a pair of scissors to cut off the soil from the plant.
Alternatively, you can use a garden trowel or knife and carefully run it around the inside perimeter of the pot. Doing this will help you loosen the soil from the sides of the pot.
Step -2: Inspect The Root
After replanting the plant, it’s always advisable to inspect the root for dead, moldy, or rotten parts. It’s better to comb the root to tease out the old and damaged soil from the root mass. But if the soil looks rich, loose, and well-draining, it’s better to comb through or prune the roots excessively.
Step -3: Inspect The Snake Plant Before Replanting
Not just assessing the root will be enough!! You will also need to inspect your snake plant to ensure that it is ready for replanting. Look for brown or damaged leaves. If so, trim the plant to remove any dead or dying foliage.
This process is far more effective in redirecting the plant’s energy towards new, healthy growth after replanting. Additionally, examine the remaining leaves for any pests or diseases that could transfer to your new soil. If you notice any issues, don’t just ignore them!
Make sure you treat your plant properly before proceeding with replanting to stop the spreading problems.
Step -4: Prepare For Replanting!
Before replanting, you need to choose the right placement. But frist I recommend shaking off the old solid from the root and trimming it out about 25%. This is why trimming and refreshing the root system will boost your snake plant’s growth and keep it manageable to a perfect pit in your older pot.
To find a good spot for your snake plant, look for a place with bright, but not direct sunlight. These plants can handle lower light, but they really like indirect sunlight. Make sure wherever you put it has good airflow.
Before you put your plant in its new home, prepare the soil. Make sure it has drainage well. If the soil seems too hard or lacks nutrients, mix in some compost or peat moss. Clean up the area where you want to put your snake plant. Remove trash, weeds, or other plants.
You want your snake plant to have space to stretch out its roots without any competition. Make sure the temperature and humidity in the new spot are right for it. They like temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) and don’t need a lot of humidity.
If you have pets, think about where to put your snake plant so they can’t get to it. While snake plants won’t hurt pets if they nibble a bit, too much can make them sick.
Remember, moving a plant can be stressful. After you move your snake plant, be careful not to water it too much right away. Give it gentle care until it gets used to its new spot.
Step -5: Water Your Snake Plant After Replanting
Once you’ve replanted your snake plant, it needs a little water, but not too much. Let the soil dry a bit before watering again. Giving too much water can cause the roots to rot, which is bad for your plant. You gotta be specific about watering snake plants.
Before watering, check if the soil is dry about an inch down. When you do water, pour it gently around the plant’s base until it starts coming out from the bottom of the pot.
Then, let any extra water drain away and empty the saucer so the plant doesn’t sit in water. After watering, wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. This helps your snake plant settle into its new home and avoids problems from too much water.
How To Replant A Snake Plant In Water?
This would be the most useful section for you to know you’ve just taken out your plant from the older pot and planned to propagate it in water.
Here, I am suggesting some of the simplest steps to follow in this instance:
- Take your parent plant and cut off healthy leaf cuttings using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Make sure each cutting is 4-6 inches long.
- Now, take a container and fill it with water. Place the leaf cutting in the container, submerging up to 25% of the leaf cutting.
- Now, keep the container in sufficient indirect sunlight and allow the root to grow properly.
Additional tips: Replace the water every 1-2 weeks with fresh room-temperature water to prevent bacteria buildup. Always monitor your plant. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, transplant the rooted cuttings into the soil and regrow your snake plant.
Are you aware that replanting and repotting are not the same? If you wish to learn how to repot a snake plant, please read our article on repotting.
Replant Snake Plant By Division
Dividing the snake plant and then replanting it in a new pot is another popular method mostly used while you proceed to propagation. This method allows you to create new snake plants from its mother plant or original plant.
But the question remains, how do you divide and replant a snake plant? Fret not! Here I am providing you with the simplest methods to follow!
- Take your snake plant and take it out from the top.
- Lay it down and start cutting the root clump of your mother plant into your desired number of sections.
- Ensure each section contains at least three rhizomes- a leafy top growth, or an attached snake plant pup.
- Finally replant the snake plant cuttings into fresh, well-draining containers using a succulent/cactus mix. Follow my suggested steps above for replanting or have a quick check video tutorial below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Should I Do With The Roots When Replanting My Snake Plant?
When replanting the snake plants, you should prune the roots. While replanting, make a root control and remove anything from the roots that look rotten or mouldy. But if the roots look healthy, avoid touching the root balls.
Can You Cut A Snake Plant And Regrow It?
Yes, you can cut a snake plant and regrow it. Cut the mature-sized leaves of the established plant and place the cut end of the leaf in a vase or jar. Fill the jar with a few inches of water and place the jar in a bright spot.
Should I Repot My Snake Plant After Buying?
Typically, snake plants do not require replant more often. When you should report your snake plant depends on its growth. However, if you notice that the roots are tightly bound or the soil is compacted, repotting the snake plant may be beneficial.
Conclusion
Although the snake plants do not require frequent replanting, knowing how to replant a snake plant is essential for ensuring their optimal health and growth. I can tell from my experience that, when replanting the snake plants, all you need to do is adhere to the right pot size, go for a well-draining soil mix, and use the right tools to place the plant in the new container. Want more updates like this? Then stay with planttrick.
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