Keeping your snake plant's roots healthy will help the plant thrive. It must also be strong and firm. In addition, you can also see healthy root systems in natural white and brown colors.
- 1 Root problems in snake plants
- 2 rootless snake plant
- 3 snake plant root rot
- 4 Propagate the snake plant from the roots.
- 5 How Long Should Snake Plant Roots Be Before Planting?
- 6 How to keep snake plant roots healthy
- 7 snake plant roots come out of the pot
- 8 Related Questions
Snake plant root problems
Snake plant root rot is a big problem when it comes to thissnake plantsroot problems.
Problems related to the watering process, particularly overwatering during the cooler months, contribute to root rot.
Most likely, the roots of the snake plant will die off due to lack of oxygen or due to fungi spreading in the soil.
Soggy, moist soil conditions would be very attractive to fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia or Fusarium.
These conditions would suit them better for their growth and also for their propagation purposes.
Once these creatures are present on a snake plant, they can spread to the roots and start infecting the plants.
Once this happens, healthy roots can change their normal color to brown and mushy as they die. They will no longer be able to absorb essential nutrients for their growth.
Rootless snake plant
There might be some snake plants that have no roots due to various factors.
This can occur as a result of overwatering and also from a fungal attack. Once a fungus invades your snake plant, it could damage the plant's underground root system.
However, you have the option to share them if you follow the steps below.
- You can cut any edges where damage has occurred.
- Try applying an antifungal like cinnamon to the leaves.
- Make a potting mix mix to which you could add peat moss and perlite.
- Place the remaining snake plant leaves upright in the pot.
- Continue your regular maintenance with the equipment and you will be rewarded with a successful result.
Snake plant root rot
Snake plant root rot could occur as a result of bacterial and fungal infections.
Once the snake plant roots have rotted, you can see them turn brown. In addition, they would also be soft. These pests like soggy, damp soil conditions.
These pests could be as bad as they could have so many effects on the plant.
You may see healthy roots of a brown snake plant covered with soil. Having a healthy root system in your snake plant will help the plant thrive.
It must also be a strong and solid root system. In addition, you can also see healthy root systems in natural white with tan colors.
Overwatering is another key factor that causes root rot in snake plants.
Once you give the plants too much water, it will result in a soggy and damp condition of the soil and consequently attract the harmful fungi and bacteria mentioned above.
Once root rot has set in on your plant, it can also become smelly. This is due to the deterioration of the root system of the plant.
Another concern regarding root rot is that since the roots are underground, you can't make any guesses without looking closely at the roots of the plant.
However, if you notice discolored leaves or foliage, it is mostly due to root rot.
Propagating snake plant from the roots.
First you need to choose a healthy snake plant.. Then look for a branched corner of the plant or a small seedling that has emerged from the large plant.
Carefully remove the selected part without damaging the large plant. Then place the plant in the potting soil that you have prepared. You could water it easily.
Always remember not to overwater them as the cuttings have a high potential to take root. if you leave them wet.
You can check the plant regularly once a week or every two weeks to see if the top surface of the soil has dried out.
After a while they will start to root and produce pups. They will take more time than propagating cuttings in water.
Alternatively, you can plant multiple cuttings in one pot, which could reward you with different varieties of snake plants.
However, it can be a bit difficult to grow cuttings accurately if they have stripes or variegated borders.
How long should snake plant roots be before planting?
You need to wait until the roots are at least two inches long.before planting them in a new potting soil.
How to keep snake plant roots healthy
irrigation
As with other succulents, watering snake plants is a crucial factor in keeping their roots healthy.. Snake plants don't need a lot of water.
The main principle when watering snake plants is that you need to make sure the soil is dry enough before watering it.
Snake plants generally do well without water for about 6 weeks. If your snake plant is in the shade and the temperature level is low, you should water it less frequently.
If you water them, do so thoroughly and sparingly.
In spring and summer it could ideally be every two weeks during the summer season. In winter it might be once a month.
Do not give extra water in winter as this could affect the leaves of the plant. Allowing your soil to become soggy and damp can contribute to root rot.
fertilizer
It is important that you fertilize snake plants appropriately to keep snake plant roots healthy.
Once you've used excess fertilizer on your snake plants, it can likely creep in as they try to soak up water.
The fertilizers would cause the snake plant's roots to expand and seek out additional nutrients.
However, over-fertilization will cause the snake plant's roots to shrink and eventually die.
Snake plants have generally adapted to growing in poor, rocky soil. Therefore, you should avoid over-fertilization.
You can also use a fertilizer designed for succulents and cacti to fertilize snake plants.
If you want to choose a fertilizer that is specially formulated for snake plants, you should choose a fertilizer with a strength of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
You can feed them once in the spring and feed them again in the summer. If your plant is in a healthy condition, fertilizing it once a year is enough.
If absolutely necessary, you can feed him once a month, both in spring and in summer. Don't give snake plants fertilizer during the winter as it is their dormant season.
pot and soil
Choosing the right size pot and soil mix is important to keep snake plant roots healthy.
Remember that if you have chosen a larger pot to grow snake plants then it could have a negative impact on the plants.
In fact, it would be attributed to root rot. When growing snake plants, don't go with unnecessarily large pots.
Instead, you should proceed with pots that are slightly larger than your plant. It could be max 1-2 cm bigger.
In other words, if you grow snake plants in large containers, you will retain excess water in the pot and cause the plant to stay in humid conditions for too long, which would contribute to root rot.
The roots of the snake plant cannot reach all the nooks and crannies of the pot and as a result excess water is retained in the pot.
Eventually you will get root rot on the plant. Because of this, you need to choose a pot that is the right size for growing snake plants.
It's important that you provide a well-draining soil mix for snake plants to thrive. Once you use a well-draining soil mix, water can flow through the soil faster than using regular soil mix. Does not keep the plant in humid conditions.
Avoid using clay-based soil as it holds water for a long time and this could be due to wet conditions in the soil.
Instead, you should use sandy soil that drains quickly and doesn't hold excess water. In addition, you can add elements such as perlite, pumice to improve soil drainage.
Transplantation
I would recommend transplanting your snake plant into a new pot along with some fresh soil. It will always be refreshing to have a fresh start and new growing conditions.
If you keep the plant in the same soil for a long time and a fungus develops, you can get rid of it.
When transplanting, you can cut off the oldest and most damaged leaves, which will help you assess the health of the plant and also the condition of the plant's root system.
Under these circumstances you would be able to correctly identify if your plant has developed root rot and if so, you can also prune those parts.
Snake plant roots come out of the pot
Once you see your snake plant's roots have formed outside of its pot, it's timeYou need to transplant the plant.
related questions
Do snake plants have deep roots?
Snake plants contain no deeper roots.They include flat rhizomes for roots.
They could typically grow up to 24 inches deep in larger pots along with heavy soil. However, the roots of the snake plant could only grow half as deep or less.
Can snake plants grow without roots?
You could use them to regenerate snake plants from them.
They could be growing without roots mainly due to problems related to excess water or due to fungal infestation.
However, you could use them to propagate and create new plants.
Can You Cut the Roots of Snake Plants?
You can proceed with regular trimming of the snake plant roots..
Snake plant roots are quite large compared to the size of the plant. If you want to keep the plant the same size and don't want to transplant the plant, you can prune the roots of the snake plant.
Continue reading:10 important facts you should know about snake plant leavesFAQs
What does a snake plant need to thrive? ›
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight. However, they also grow well (albeit more slowly) in shady corners and other low-light areas of the home. Tip: Try to avoid moving your plant from a low-light area to direct sunlight too quickly, as this can shock the plant.
Where do snake plants thrive? ›Snake plants prefer plentiful sunlight, but will put up with some light shade and continue to grow. They should be protected from the hottest, southern sun in summer. Though they can survive poor light conditions, they will not grow without moderate sunlight and will not flower without more generous sun exposure.
What are some quick facts about snake plants? ›Snake plants are on the top of the list of air purifying plants. The unusual thing they do is that they actually release oxygen at night though a process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (cam). They only open their stomata at night, to avoid dehydration.
What does a snake plant do for your house? ›Snake plant medicinal benefits include removing indoor air pollutants (such as formaldehyde and benzene) and helping to filter out impurities such as xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, and ammonia. The snake plant can remove up to 87% of these harmful toxins at night. It can also reduce the level of nitrate ions.
How do I make my snake plant happy? ›- Water fortnightly, or when the top two inches of soil feels dry.
- More sunlight is better, but anything is fine.
- Keep your snake plant in a warm spot, ideally above 10°C.
- Repot in spring, if needed, using houseplant compost.
- Wipe the leaves once in a while with a clean, damp cloth.
In fact, too much water will kill a snake plant by causing root rot. This plant's toughness makes it a top choice for offices and homes alike. It can survive long stretches of neglect and will thrive when treated with bright indirect light and proper watering. It's the perfect starter houseplant.
What happens when you sleep with a snake plant? ›Snake plant
The snake plant (also known as 'mother-in-law's tongue') is a natural air purifier. It emits oxygen at night that helps you sleep better. It's also known to remove some harmful chemicals from the air such as xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, benzene and formaldehyde.
Most snake plants live up to 10 years, although some have been known to live as long as 25 years with proper care.
Do snake plants purify the air? ›Another popular houseplant, the snake plant (also known as mother-in-law's tongue) has a multitude of air-cleaning tricks up its sleeve. It removes formaldehyde, xylene and nitrogen oxides from the air, and at night continues its hard work.
Can snake plant live in water only? ›Yes, Snake Plants can be grown in water alone! Providing, of course, you keep the water clean and place them in a location where they get the right amount of sunlight.
Do snake plants bite? ›
Cats who are more curious natured or who are still kittens may be more prone to sampling the snake plant. Most animals do not return for a second bite, as the plant is bitter in taste and results in an immediate burning sensation to the mouth.
Do snake plants have a lot of roots? ›Anatomy of a Snake Plant
The roots of snake plants are called Rhizomes. This means that that growth can happen on multiple places on the root system at the same time. They are easy to divide, and when planted outside will spread. The roots are very shallow, especially considering how tall the plant can grow.
Snake plants love to stay in bright but indirect sunlight. These plants thrive in moderate light conditions. They need sunlight for photosynthesis and thus grow faster when provided adequate light, but exposure to direct sun for a long time may affect the plant's growth.
What is the soul for a snake plant? ›Soil for Snake Plants
Snake plants do best with a free-draining soil mix because they are easily prone to rot. A soilless potting mixture is best to ensure adequate drainage. Also, be sure to use a terracotta pot that won't trap water inside and promptly remove any standing water from the saucer.
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is one of the lowest maintenance bathroom plants out there, and one of the most popular for that exact reason. They filter and purify the air, thrive in any humidity level and while they prefer bright light, they can happily live in low light too.
What happens when a snake plant dies? ›The symptoms will be that the roots first, causing them to become mushy and black, two classic signs of rot. The leaves begin to yellow, wilt, or droop as the root rot progresses, eventually turning mushy. If symptoms start to show on the leaves and are no longer treatable, the entire plant may be at risk.
Can I use Miracle Grow on snake plant? ›Plant your snake plant in a container with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. Feed with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food. Divide when your snake plant's roots have completely outgrown the plant's container.
Is coffee good for a snake plant? ›There are so many benefits of coffee grounds in snake plants that we can get. The soil is fertilized when coffee grounds are added to snake plants. Coffee grounds can assist in the addition of nitrogen, potassium, and other vital nutrients.
Do snake plants like to be crowded? ›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.
What bugs do snake plants repel? ›Dracaena trifasciata is commonly known as a Snake plant and is the most popular among indoor plants. It is a low-maintenance plant that produces an effective mosquito repellent called Saponin. This chemical can repel annoying mosquitoes and a wide variety of insects, like spider mites.
What plant is snake afraid of? ›
What will naturally keep snakes away? Snake-repellent plants, such as marigolds, allium, lemongrass, mother-in-law's tongue, garlic, wormwood, pink agapanthus, snakeroots, basil and yellow alder will all keep snakes away naturally.
Is vinegar good for snake plants? ›You can put a bit of vinegar in as well when you clean the leaves; the vinegar protects the snake plant against bugs and the shine of the leaves is restored, with brighter and livelier color.
Should I shower my snake plant? ›Putting your plants in the shower helps remove dust and pests. The occasional shower helps counteract the low humidity and indoor heating that's prevalent in winter, removes dust and dirt that may have accumulated on the leaves, and allows the plant to “breathe” and photosynthesize more efficiently.
What happens if you touch a snake plant? ›Are snake plants toxic to skin? Snake plant has low-severity toxicity for humans due to the presence of saponin chemicals, which can poison anyone who ingests its leaves. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. It does not cause any adverse reaction from physical contact.
Can a snake plant make you sick? ›Snake Plant
They've even been used as herbal remedies in some parts of the world. But the plants are also poisonous if ingested. Large doses can cause nausea and vomiting, and the poison found in the plant has a numbing effect that can cause the tongue and throat to swell.
Bamboo. Lucky bamboo is a symbol of good fortune and wealth, and it's easy to grow in pots. This is the ideal choice for people who want to attract some good fortune into their lives but who don't want to have to care for a demanding plant.
Which plant is unlucky for home? ›Cotton Plants
Therefore, they are considered unlucky in Feng Shui. Cotton plants are also believed to have negative energy, making them a bad luck plant to place inside homes.
Pachira money plant is usually used to bring good wealth and attract money. There is a famous tale about this tree is a poor farmer from Taiwan who prayed for money and found this plant on his way home.
How long can a snake plant go without water? ›While some plants are fairly high-maintenance and borderline dramatic (cough, cough: the fiddle-leaf fig) sansevierias, known also as snake plants or mother-in-law's tongues, are the quite the opposite. In fact, these trusty greens are so resilient they can go up to two weeks without water.
How many times do you water a snake plant? ›Your Snake Plant only needs to be watered fortnightly, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to only water your snake plant once a month if the soil is still moist after 2 weeks.
When should you throw away a snake plant? ›
Snake Plant leaves often wrinkle, fold, and curl when they're dehydrated. They may also get crunchy and brown at the edges. This looks bad, but it's usually possible to save them. It's much more serious when the foliage gets soft and squishy, which can be a sign of root rot.
Do snake plants help with odor? ›The snake plant is a very effective indoor air cleaner against formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.
Which plant gives oxygen 24 hours? ›An Indian household is usually incomplete without the presence of a sacred Tulsi plant. Every day, Tulsi gives out oxygen for 20 out of the 24 hours day. It absorbs toxic pollutants from the air such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide.
Is it OK to sleep with plants in your bedroom? ›It's totally true that many houseplants do this. But the reality is that the amount of Carbon Dioxide released and Oxygen absorbed is minimal (figures will be given and explained a little later). This means that it's absolutely safe to have plants in your bedroom.
Can you put ice cubes in snake plants? ›Generally, it's best not to water snake plants using ice cubes. Because they are tropical plants, they will easily be shocked by the cold, especially if the ice cubes are touching their leaves or roots.
Is my snake plant thirsty? ›If the tips of your snake plant leaves start to brown, that's a sign of overwatering. Before you water your snake plant, check that the top layer of soil (2-3 inches deep) is dry. If it is, your snake plant needs water. If not, wait a few days and check again before watering.
Can I water my snake plant with ice cubes? ›According to Reader's Digest, all it takes is placing two large ice cubes or several small ice cubes at the base of your plant once a week to keep them happy and hydrated. This way the plant gets to suck up all that H₂O slowly, but surely.
What happens if a cat licks a snake plant? ›The plant: Snake plant
Snake plants contain chemical compounds called saponins, which result in feline nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if consumed or chewed on.
These flowers sometimes appear out of nowhere or for no reason. Snake plants require little care to thrive, and some even theorize that neglect helps the plant bloom. Ultimately, patience and meeting this plant's light needs, with a bit of healthy stress added in, can result in the sweet, elusive white blooms.
Can you drown a snake plant? ›But as any snake plant or succulent owner can attest, not all plants require constant attention. In fact, many prefer to be ignored altogether. Our Grow-How Team of plant experts agree that plants can and will die from overwatering—if the roots are in waterlogged soil, they won't be able to breathe and will drown.
Do snake plants like shallow or deep pots? ›
No, snake plants do not need deep pots. In fact, they prefer wide, shallow containers to help promote proper drainage and discourage root rot. Make sure you choose a pot that is at least two inches wider in diameter than its current size to give the roots adequate space to develop and expand.
Do snake plants like small pots? ›Do Snake Plants like small pots? Yes, they do. As the taller species & varieties grow bigger, they need larger pots. The lower growing varieties do fine in smaller pots.
Can you start a snake plant from a cutting? ›Rooting snake plant cuttings is as easy as placing a leaf into a jar of clean water. Begin by cutting a mature-sized leaf off an established plant. Place the cut end of the leaf in a jar or vase filled with a couple inches of water. Put the jar in a bright spot and refresh the water, rinsing out the jar, once a week.
What is the best food for snake plant? ›Fertilizer – Because snake plants are native to poor rocky soil, avoid overfertilizing. A premium plant food such as Pennington UltraGreen All Purpose Plant Food 10-10-10 fed once each spring gives your snake plant the primary, secondary and micronutrients it needs. Then it keeps gently feeding for up to four months.
How do snake plants get bigger? ›Snake plants generally grow slowly in indoor light, but increasing its exposure to light will boost growth if it receives a few hours of direct sun. Planting and repotting is best done in the spring.
How do I make my snake plant vibrant? ›If you want your snake plant to grow like crazy, your best bet is giving it a little more sunshine. "Often positioned as a 'low light plant,' snake plants actually prefer medium to bright indirect light. That being said, they'll tolerate low light if they need to," Marino says.
How often should you water a snake plant? ›Water. Your Snake Plant only needs to be watered fortnightly, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to only water your snake plant once a month if the soil is still moist after 2 weeks.
How should a snake plant be potted? ›- Fill a container two-thirds full with potting mix. ...
- Remove the sansevieria from its nursery container and loosen the roots. ...
- Place the snake plant in the container and press in the soil. ...
- Place the snake plant in a location with indirect light.
- Lightly water the plant.
Snake Plant Light Requirements
These tough plants thrive in any light level, from low to high. Typically they grow more quickly in brighter light, but strong direct sunlight burns leaves, especially when plants are outdoors. An ideal spot indoors is about 10 feet away from a west or south window.
The snake plant (also known as 'mother-in-law's tongue') is a natural air purifier. It emits oxygen at night that helps you sleep better. It's also known to remove some harmful chemicals from the air such as xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene, benzene and formaldehyde.
Should I put my snake plant in the bathroom? ›
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is one of the lowest maintenance bathroom plants out there, and one of the most popular for that exact reason. They filter and purify the air, thrive in any humidity level and while they prefer bright light, they can happily live in low light too.
Are coffee grounds good for snake plants? ›There are so many benefits of coffee grounds in snake plants that we can get. The soil is fertilized when coffee grounds are added to snake plants. Coffee grounds can assist in the addition of nitrogen, potassium, and other vital nutrients.
Can I water my snake plant with tap water? ›Can snake plants be watered with tap water? Ideally it's best to use filtered water or rain water for snake plants and other house plants because they're sensitive to the chlorine that is added to tap water.
Can you put a whole snake plant in water? ›Yes, Snake Plants can be grown in water alone! Providing, of course, you keep the water clean and place them in a location where they get the right amount of sunlight.
Do snake plants like tight pots? ›They prefer to grow slightly tight in their pots. When I repot a Snake Plant, I go up 1 pot size. For instance, if yours is in a 6″ grow pot, then an 8″ pot would be the size you'd want to use. Because Sansevierias like to spread out as they grow, I've found that they don't need a deep pot.
Do snake plants like deep or shallow pots? ›No, snake plants do not need deep pots. In fact, they prefer wide, shallow containers to help promote proper drainage and discourage root rot. Make sure you choose a pot that is at least two inches wider in diameter than its current size to give the roots adequate space to develop and expand.
Do snake plants like cramped pots? ›That's because those minerals and nutrients are locked up inside the overwhelming amount of greenery. Snake plant wants a cramped, poor quality home to mimic the soil conditions of its native habitat.
Can a snake plant go a month without water? ›While some plants are fairly high-maintenance and borderline dramatic (cough, cough: the fiddle-leaf fig) sansevierias, known also as snake plants or mother-in-law's tongues, are the quite the opposite. In fact, these trusty greens are so resilient they can go up to two weeks without water.
Can a snake plant live in a room with no windows? ›Whatever you choose to call it, a snake plant is going to be one of the simplest (and most common) types of indoor plants for an office with no windows. They do well in indirect sunlight and can manage in low light situations.