Does a snake plant like being root-bound? That was the most difficult question for me to answer when I first became interested in snake plants. I wasn’t sure if I should let them grow in a small space or give them more room to grow because of all the conflicting information I could find online.
From all the years I’ve worked with snake plants, this is the best answer I can give you.
Yes, snake plants like to be root-bound. In fact, being root-bound encourages them to grow better. But when they’re excessively root-bound, they will be unhappy, leading to stunted growth or looking somewhat droopy.
That all sounds a bit complicated, doesn’t it? Let me explain by showing you my in-depth research and real-life experience (Table of Contents).
With their upright sword-shaped leaves and nearly indestructible nature, it’s no wonder snake plants are such popular houseplants. But these beauties do eventually outgrow their pots You may wonder, do snake plants like to be crowded? Or is it better to repot them into roomier containers? Let’s explore when and how to repot snake plants
The Appeal of Snake Plants
Snake plants, also called mother-in-law’s tongue or Saint George’s sword, offer some fantastic benefits for indoor gardeners:
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Tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to low light.
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Require very little watering compared to many houseplants.
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Resist most pests and diseases.
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Filter toxins from indoor air.
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Come in compact types perfect for desks or tabletops,
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Offer vertical appeal with sword-shaped, spiky leaves.
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Provide easy, low maintenance greenery.
With over 70 species available, snake plants suit nearly any decor. It’s no wonder they rank among the most popular houseplants.
Do Snake Plants Like Crowded Pots?
Snake plants are rhizomatous plants, meaning they spread by underground stems called rhizomes. New shoots emerge from rhizomes, forming crowded clumps. But do snake plants actually like this crowded growth?
The answer is yes and no. Here’s what to know:
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Crowding is part of their natural growth habit. They will tolerate congested roots and being pot-bound to some degree.
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But extreme crowding can stress plants, leading to reduced growth and yellowing leaves.
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If crowded, air circulation is reduced around roots, raising disease risk.
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Severely pot-bound plants struggle to uptake water and nutrients.
Signs Your Snake Plant Needs More Room
Watch for these clues that your snake plant is too crowded and needs repotting:
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Densely packed foliage or congested growth.
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Slowed growth and few new leaves forming.
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Bulging or cracked pot from enlarged root mass.
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Wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves.
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Stunted, lifeless new shoots.
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Roots visible emerging from drainage holes.
When you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to repot your snake plant buddy into roomier digs.
How Often Should You Repot a Snake Plant?
For the average snake plant, aim to repot every 2-3 years. Here are factors that affect repotting frequency:
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Slow growers like compact types may only need repotting every 4-5 years.
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Faster growing varieties require more frequent repotting, sometimes yearly.
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Older plants need less frequent repotting than younger ones.
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Plants in smaller pots require more frequent repotting.
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Bright light speeds growth, meaning more frequent repotting.
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Use well-draining soil and pots with holes to extend time between repotting.
Get to know your plant’s growth rate and other factors to determine the ideal repotting schedule. Repotting yearly encourages faster growth.
Step-By-Step Guide to Repotting Snake Plants
Follow these simple steps when it’s time to repot your snake plant:
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Select a new pot with drainage holes, just 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot.
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Use fast-draining succulent or cacti soil mix.
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Remove plant from old pot and loosen any tangled roots or root ball.
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Place in new pot at same level as before, filling around sides with fresh soil.
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Water thoroughly once repotted and let drain fully.
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Prune any damaged roots and mist leaves after repotting.
Here is a helpful video showing the process:
Repotting is best done in early spring before active growth resumes. But anytime is fine if needed.
Dividing Overgrown Snake Plants
Another option for congested snake plants is dividing them. This involves:
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Removing the plant and splitting the rooted clumps into smaller sections.
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Each section should have 3-5 healthy canes and sufficient roots.
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Repot divisions in their own containers using succulent soil.
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Water well after divvying and pruning canes back by one-third.
Dividing snake plants helps stimulate fresh growth in overgrown plants. And you gain bonus new plants!
Do Snake Plants Like Crowded Roots?
While snake plants tolerate moderate crowding, repotting benefits the plant by allowing roots room to grow. Repot when signs of congestion arise every few years. Use fast-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to help snake plants thrive between repotting.
How Much Root Bound Is OK for Snake Plants?
Snake plants prefer to be crowded root-bound, which encourages better growth. At the same time, excessive root-bound can hamper growth. So, how much root-bound will balance the benefit and harm? In short, a moderate level.
There are clear signs that can help you tell if the roots of your snake plant are moderately or highly bounded. One of the most obvious signs is that you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes.
This can mean that the snake plant’s roots are finding space to expand. That’s why they may need larger pots so that the rhizomes and roots have more space to grow.
Moreover, if your snake plant has a plastic container at home, it can be a good indication. When there is excessive rootbound and needs consideration, the plastic pot will begin to be a bit deformed. You may notice the bulge of the plastic as the pup rhizome may push against it.
In my case,
I noticed that one of mysnake plants is looking somewhat sad or droopy. Moreover, it is also overgrown, has really big foliage, and feels overcrowded. The plant has been in that pot for almost 2 years. So, basically, it was overdue for the consideration of the root-bound snake plant.
What Is Root Bound?
What does it mean for a plant to be root-bound, and when does that happen? It has to do with the roots and the pots.
In simple terms, it means that the roots are spread out in the pot, making it too small for the plants’ roots.
Root-bound plants have roots that are too big for their pots and have wrapped around the root ball, making the roots tangled and squished together inside the pot.
When snake plants have too many roots, they can’t take in nutrients from the soil. This can make them starve, which stops them from growing. Because of this, you may need to untangle snake plants’ roots from time to time to help them grow well and let them live on their own.
Do snake plants like to be crowded?
FAQ
Can snake plants get too crowded?
Do snake plants like bigger pots?
How do I know if my snake plant is overcrowded?
What makes snake plants happy?
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?
Do snake plants need pots?
However, when plants reach maturity, some plants require pots that have particular properties to help them thrive and grow. As a succulent, snake plants require pots that have water wicking properties – which means the material is able to draw water out of the soil. Believe it or not, plastic can absorb water.
Do snake plants need more water?
Big pots require more water more frequently to maintain the correct moisture levels in the soil for your snake plants. When you water your plants, gravity kicks in and most of the water drops to the bottom of the pot. Only when the soil at the bottom is sufficiently saturated, will the water begin to stay at higher levels.
Will my snake plant outgrow my new pot?
If you feel your snake plant is going to outgrow your new pot within a year, go for a slightly larger pot or try splitting your snake plant into two smaller planters. Make sure your pot comes with a water drainage tray at the bottom to catch any excess water from the drainage holes.