How to Get a Snake Plant Out of Its Pot

If you have a snake plant that has outgrown its pot or needs to be repotted, you need to know how to get it out of the pot without damaging the plant. Snake plants are hardy and can tolerate some mistreatment, but you still need to handle them with care. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to safely remove a snake plant from its pot.

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before you take your snake plant out of its pot, you need to prepare the area where you will be working. Choose a clean and flat surface to work on. Ideally, you should be working outdoors, but if you are working inside, place some newspapers or a tarp on the ground to catch the soil and debris that might fall.

Step 2: Water the Snake Plant

The best time to remove a snake plant from its pot is when the soil is moist. So, a day before you plan to repot the plant, give it a good watering. This will help to loosen the soil and make it easier to take the plant out of its pot.

Step 3: Loosen the Soil

To make it easier to remove the snake plant from its pot, you need to loosen the soil around its roots. Place your hands around the base of the plant and gently give it a wiggle. This will help to loosen the soil and free up the roots.

Step 4: Turn the Pot

Now that the soil is loosened, hold the stem of the plant and turn the pot upside down. You may need to give the pot a tap or two to loosen the compost, but the plant should slip out easily if you have followed the previous steps.

Step 5: Remove the Pot and Examine the Roots

Once you have the pot upside down, you should be able to lift it away from the snake plant. Gently inspect the roots and remove any that are dead or dying.

Step 6: Replant the Snake Plant

Now it's time to plant your snake plant into its new pot. Put some fresh potting soil in the bottom of the pot and gently place the plant into the soil. Make sure the plant is level and centered in the pot. Fill the pot with soil, making sure to press it gently around the roots.

Step 7: Water the Snake Plant

After you have replanted the snake plant, water it generously. This will help to settle the soil and prevent air pockets from forming. Place the plant in a shaded area for a few days until it has recovered from the shock of being repotted.

The Bottom Line

Removing a snake plant from its pot requires patience and care, but it's not a difficult task. With a little bit of preparation and some gentle handling, you can safely repot your snake plant so that it continues to thrive.