How to Know That Snake Plant Root Bound

Usually, snake plants are plant in smaller pots. So, the roots will be able to hold the soil well. However, it can be worse if the roots have grown densely and displaced most of the soil where it leaves behind roots ball. If it happens and you find that the root of your snake plant bound, you have to fix it. What are the signs that our snake plant root bound? Then, how to fix it? We have the explanation about these things here.

The Signs of Root-Bound Snake Plants

At least there are two ways that you can do to know whether your snake plant is root bounded or not. First, you are able to find visual cues and the second one, you can take the root ball of your snake plant out of the pot to examine it.

The signs of root bound that you are able to find visually are listed below.

• The plant is dehydrated.
• Soil can dry up fast.
• You will see that water drains out too fast.
• The leaves are droopy.
• There is no new growth.
• The leaves become yellow.
• The roots spiral all around the pot.

If any of these signs are found in your snake plants, and there is no any reasonable cause, there is a possibility that your snake plant is root-bound. So, you have to examine further by checking the roots of your snake plants. How to check the roots of snake plants? You are able to follow the steps below.

• The first thing that you have to do is to lay the container of your snake plant on its side.
• After that, you have to take the plant out. When you do that, make sure that you do it carefully and do not apply any force.
• By using a long thin serrated knife, run it around the edges of soil to loosen it up.
• After the soil loosens up, then you can slide the plant out. Make sure that you do it gently.
• After your plant is out, then examine the root ball for finding the signs of possible problems.
• If you find that the root of your snake plant is all tangled up densely and it has the shape of the pot leaving behind little or even no soil in the pot, it means that your snake plant is root-bound.

If the roots just started wrapping around the root ball, it means that it is slightly root bounded. If the roots began forming mats around the root ball, it means that root bounded. How about roots which have formed a solid mat and there is no soil which can be seen?  It means that the roots of your snake plant is severely root bounded.

If after you examine the roots of your snake plants you find that your snake plant is severely root bounded, the thing that you have to do is to repot your snake plants immediately.

Fixing a Root-Bound Snake Plant

There are two ways that you are able to do to fix your snake plants which are root-bound. The first option is to repot your snake plant and the second option is to divide your snake plant. Here are the explanation of each method.

Read also: The best soil for snake plant

How to Repot Snake Plants

If you find that your snake plant is root-bound, the best option to fix it is to repot it. By moving your snake plant to a bigger pot, it will give your plant more space to grow its roots. So, the additional space can be filled with fresh soil which will give your snake plants water and nutrients as well.

How to repot a snake plant? The steps are very easy and you are able to follow the steps below.

• First, you have to choose a container with the suitable size.
• After you choose the container, then you have to take the plant to a sink or table and then lay the pot on its side.
• Now, you have to try to remove the plant. Make sure that you do it slowly and do not give any force to it.
• After the plant is out, the next thing that you have to do is to get rid of old soil.
• In this step, you need to examine the root damage and then cut the damaged section.
• After you examine the root damage and cut it, now you have to add fresh potting mix up to 1/3 of the new container that you have chosen.
• At last, plant your snake plant in it and make sure that you fill it with the soil from all sides.

How to Divide a Snake Plant

Dividing a snake plant into two can also be a good option. By applying this method, you will have two plants and you are able to keep them in the same size pot. You are able to do this method if you do not want to keep a bigger size pot at your particular room of your house. or else read this for more details of propagating.

How to divide a snake plant? You are able to follow the steps below.

• Before divide your snake plant, it is better for you to water it thoroughly a day or two. By doing it, it will loosen up the soil.
• Now, you have to take the plant out of the pot and then put it on a flat surface.
• By using a clean knife or clippers, you have to divide the roots and stems.
• Then, you have to try to separate the roots and plants into two or three equal halves carefully. And then, you must prepare to repot them in separate containers.
• Load your new container with a potting mix and then repot your plants.
• After you finish to repot your snake plants, now you can water them to decrease the stress.

After you repot and water your snake plants, now you are able to place them in a bright area. So, they will get enough light. As a result, they will grow and proliferate.