Do Snake Plants Like To Be Root Bound?

Snake plants are one of the plants that can grow big, especially if the condition is favorable. Most people are confused whether or not snake plants like to be root bound. But do snake plants like to be root bound?

In this article, we will discuss this extensively, why they like to be root bound and how to know if they’re root bound. Stay tuned and pay close attention.

What is Snake Plant?

Snakes are plants known to be planted by most people as house plants, they’re kept in the home and give beauty to the home, and they’re equally known to add fragrance to the home. 

Most people believe that keeping a snake plant in a smaller plant will make it grow better, but how true is this? Do snake plants like to be rooted? You’d find out as you read this article.

Snake plants are known to develop fibrous root systems; planting them in a smaller pot will no doubt lead to better plant growth, but when it is fully mature and its fibrous root well developed, the pot will no longer be enough to contain it. 

This will lead to a considerable decline in the growth of the plant. So when your snake plant reaches maturity, you need to report it for effective growth and development. 

The beauty of the snake plant adds to the home, especially when planted in an area of sufficient sunlight or artificial light in the home is something to behold. 

Knowing little about the snake plant, let’s know if they like to be root bound.

See Also: Can Hydrangeas Survive Winter in Pots?

Do Snake Plants Like To Be Root Bound? 

Snake plants, just like other house plants out there, like to be root bound, this is the nature of this plant, and this is due to the fibrous root system it has. 

When the snake plant is in its early growing season, it tends to grow very fast; a time usually comes when its growth rate decreases considerably.

And this is because the plant has become root bound completely, which prevents it from absorbing a sufficient amount of moisture which will lead to a decrease in growth and, in the long run, the death of the plant. 

In a better or layman’s understanding, when a plant is planted in the plain ground, it has all the desired speed for the root to grow and expand. The plant under this condition will develop a very solid root structure that will support its large size. 

But this is not the case for a potted plant. When we restrict a potted plant to a small container, it has limited soil, limited sunlight, and limited resources; this, to an extent, reduces the growth of the plant. 

Then when the plant roots fill the pot, the root of the plant will tend to displace the soil completely, thereby leaving behind the root ball, which does not have access to sufficient water or even good soil for soil nutrients. 

This will slow down the plant’s growth and, if not repotted, will lead to the death of the plant. 

How To Know When A Snake Plant Is Root Bound 

 There are two ways to check if your snake plant is root bounded or not, these includes

• Looking for clues
• Examine the root of your snake plant by taking the plant out of the pot. 

1. Visual Clues 

One of the ways to know if your snake plant is root bounded is to look for clues, visible clues that will let you know that it is root bound. Some of the clues you need to watch out for include the following; 

• If the plant is dehydrated
• If the soil dries up fast
• If the water in the potted plant drains out too quickly when watering the plant
• If the leaves are limp
• If there’s no new growth in the plant
• Yellowing of leaves
• The root is spiraling around the pot

If you see this or notice any of these signs, it signifies that your snake plant is root bound. 

The yellowing of the leaves and the leaves being dehydrated is a certain test, and this happens when the root has become bounded, which usually leads to poor absorption of nutrients, which will, in turn, lead to the yellowing of leaves.

See Also: Will Peony Buds Open After Cutting?

2. Root Examination

However, to investigate further, you will need to check the plant’s root by bringing it out from the pot. To do this, you need to follow the steps below; 

• Lay the container on the side. 
• Try to remove the plant by applying very little force if the plant is not coming out. 
• Use a long thin serrated knife and run it around the edge to lose it 
• Then slide the plant out immediately after the soil loosens up. 
• Your plant should be out, and then you can examine it to know if it is root bound or not.