How to Repot a Snake Plant: A Practical, Trouble-Free Guide

If your snake plant looks crowded, top-heavy, or has roots pushing out of the drainage holes, it's time to learn how to repot a snake plant. I help people with houseplant problems at Jungle Houseplants every week, and repotting is one of the tasks that gives the biggest and quickest payoff — happier plants, healthier growth, and fewer watering problems.

Why repot a snake plant?

Snake plants (often labelled as Sansevieria or Dracaena trifasciata) are famously forgiving, but they still benefit from repotting when they become rootbound, the soil breaks down, or you want to divide and propagate them. Repotting refreshes nutrients, improves drainage, and gives the roots space to grow.

When should you repot?

Every 2–3 years for most healthy plants.
If roots are visible at the surface or coming out of drainage holes.
If the plant is toppling over because it's too heavy for the pot.
When the potting mix has compacted or smells sour — a sign of poor drainage or root rot.
Avoid repotting during active blooming (rare for snake plants); spring or early summer is ideal.

What you'll need

A slightly larger pot — usually 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) wider in diameter than the current one. Snake plants prefer being a bit snug, so don't overpot.
Pot with good drainage holes.
Free-draining potting mix. I like a cactus or succulent mix, or make your own: equal parts houseplant compost, coarse grit/perlite, and a little horticultural sand.
Gloves (optional) — some varieties have sharp leaf edges.
Clean scissors or pruning shears for trimming damaged roots or dividing rhizomes.
Newspaper or a tarp to keep the area tidy.

Step-by-step: How to repot a snake plant

Prepare the new pot and mix: Add a 2–3 cm layer of your potting mix to the bottom to raise the plant to the correct height. The top of the root ball should sit about an inch below the rim.
Remove the plant gently: Turn the pot on its side, tap the rim, and ease the root ball out. If the plant is stubborn, run a knife around the inside edge or squeeze the pot if it's flexible plastic.
Inspect roots and trim if needed: Healthy roots are firm and white-ish. Trim away mushy, black, or rotten roots with sterilised scissors. If the rootball is densely packed, tease the roots lightly — but don’t overdo it. Snake plants tolerate minimal root disturbance.
Divide if you want more plants: If the clump is large, you can split it into sections using your hands or a clean knife. Each division should have at least a few leaves and a portion of the rhizome.
Set in the new pot: Position the plant in the centre, backfill with mix around the sides, and firm lightly. Keep the plant at the same soil depth it was previously growing — burying stems too deep can cause rot.
Water lightly: Give the newly potted snake plant a small drink to settle the soil, but don't drench it. Wait a week before giving a normal watering routine if many roots were trimmed or if the plant was divided.
Place in bright, indirect light: Avoid intense afternoon sun straight after repotting; bright indirect light or morning sun is best while the plant recovers.

Potting size and drainage — the golden rules

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a pot that's too large. A pot much bigger than the rootball will retain too much moisture and increase rot risk. Aim for a pot that's only slightly larger. Also, always pick a pot with drainage holes — snake plants hate sitting in soggy soil.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Root rot: Caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Use a gritty mix and a pot with holes. If root rot has set in, cut away affected roots and let the plant dry before repotting.
Leaf damage during repotting: Wear gloves and handle leaves carefully. Trim any damaged leaves to tidy the plant.
Shock after repotting: Mild shock is normal. Keep watering conservative and avoid fertilising for 4–6 weeks.

Quick tip: If you’re repotting to divide, pot each new piece in its own small container — snake plants grow quickly once they settle and you’ll have a tidy display.

My favourite potting mix recipe

I use this mix at Jungle Houseplants because it balances moisture retention and drainage:

40% good-quality multi-purpose compost
30% coarse perlite
30% coarse horticultural grit or pumice

This keeps the roots aerated without drying out too quickly — ideal for busy plant owners who sometimes forget to water.

Aftercare — what to do in the weeks after repotting

Keep the soil just slightly moist for the first week, then resume a more conservative watering schedule. Snake plants prefer to dry between waterings.
Hold off on feeding for 4–6 weeks so the roots focus on recovery.
Give the plant bright, indirect light and avoid cold drafts for a few weeks.

When not to repot

If your snake plant is healthy and only slightly rootbound, you can leave it be — they often prefer snug conditions. Also, avoid repotting during winter when growth slows; spring and early summer are the best times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I repot my snake plant?

Generally every 2–3 years. If it’s growing slowly and looks comfortable, you can wait longer. Repot sooner if roots are escaping the pot or soil is compacted.

Can I repot a snake plant in a decorative pot without drainage?

It’s possible but risky. If you must use a pot without holes, place the plant in a smaller plastic pot with drainage and then set that inside the decorative pot. Remove it to water and let it drain fully before returning.

Should I fertilise after repotting?

No — hold off for about 4–6 weeks. Fertiliser can stress new or trimmed roots. After that, a balanced houseplant feed during the growing season is fine.

Can I repot a snake plant if it has pests?

Treat pests before repotting if possible. If you're repotting to remove infested soil, clean and sterilise pots and trim affected roots. Quarantine the plant until you’re sure the pests are gone.

Do snake plants like to be rootbound?

Yes — they tolerate being snug and often perform better a bit crowded. Avoid overpotting; only increase the pot size slightly each time.

Summary

Knowing how to repot a snake plant is an essential skill for any houseplant lover. With the right pot size, a free-draining mix, and a gentle touch, repotting revitalises your plant without drama. If you need potting mixes, pots, or personalised advice, we’re always happy to help at Jungle Houseplants — stop by our blog or contact us for plant-specific recommendations. Happy repotting!