Since Snake Plants (botanically known as *Sansevieria*) aren’t exactly fans of chilly winters, they’re strictly indoor roommates for most of us here in the States. Even though they’re famous for being slow growers, they still need a little room to breathe every now and then.
When to Repot
Snake Plants actually don’t mind being a bit “root-bound” (snug in their pots), but there’s a limit. Depending on the specific variety and its growth rate, you’ll looking at repotting every year or maybe every three to four years. Here are the “tell-tale” signs your Sansevieria is ready for an upgrade:
- Roots are visibly pushing up through the top of the soil.
- Roots are peeking out of the drainage holes at the bottom.
- The rhizomes (those thick, underground stems) are actually deforming or cracking the plastic nursery pot.
The best time to tackle this project is in the spring.
Choosing the Right Pot
When picking out a new home for your plant, the new pot should be:
- Slightly wider and
- Slightly deeper
If you have one of the taller varieties, I highly recommend choosing a heavy pot with a wide base. This lowers the center of gravity so your top-heavy Snake Plant doesn’t take a tumble. Another pro-tip: you can place a few heavy stones at the bottom for extra stability. Just make sure the pot has at least one drainage hole—standing water is a big no-no!
Soil and Drainage
If there’s one thing a Snake Plant hates, it’s “wet feet.” Overwatering or poor drainage is the quickest way to kill one. That’s why a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot is a must. You can use:
- Broken terracotta shards
- Gravel
If you’re already using heavy stones to keep the pot from tipping, those will double as your drainage layer.
As for the soil, the goal is to keep things airy. A high-quality cactus or succulent mix from the garden center works perfectly. If you’re a DIY fan, you can mix your own houseplant soil using:
- 3 parts standard potting soil
- 1 part coarse sand, grit, or clay pebbles
Step-by-Step Repotting Guide
Once you’ve got your supplies ready, it’s time to move your Snake Plant:
- Gently lift the plant out of its old pot.
- Shake off the old, loose soil.
- Use your fingers to carefully loosen any compacted root areas.
- Remove any crusty mineral buildup from the soil surface.
- This is a great time to divide the plant if you want to propagate it or keep it from getting too big.
- Add a thin layer of soil over the drainage material at the bottom of the new pot.
- Center your Snake Plant in the pot.
- Fill the gaps between the plant and the rim with soil.
- Leave about an inch of space below the rim of the pot.
- Give it a light watering.
- Place your Sansevieria back in its favorite spot and let it settle in!
