When to Up Pot Sanderiana Plant

Sanderiana plant, also known as Sansevieria, is a popular houseplant due to the beautiful foliage and easy-to-care nature. As the plant grows, it requires more soil and space to flourish. It is essential to determine the right time to up-pot the sanderiana plant to ensure its healthy growth. In this article, we will discuss the signs to look for and the steps to follow when up-potting a sanderiana plant.

Signs to Look for

The first step in up-potting a sanderiana plant is determining when it needs repotting. Some of the signs include:

Root Bound: The sanderiana plant has outgrown its existing container, and its roots are visible on the soil surface. The roots may also be tightly packed together, which stops them from absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

Slow Growth: If you notice that the plant is not thriving, has stunted growth, or leaves are turning yellow, it may be a sign that it needs more space and soil.

Roots Are Pushing Through the Drainage Holes: If you see roots growing through the holes at the bottom of the pot, it's time to up-pot the sanderiana plant.

The Steps to Follow When Up-Potting a Sanderiana Plant:

The process of up-potting involves removing the sanderiana plant from its existing pot, cleansing its roots, and repotting the plant in a larger container. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

When up-potting a sanderiana plant, ensure you have a container that is at least 2 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot. This will provide enough room for the plant to grow its roots and expand its foliage.

Step 2: Prepare the New Pot

Clean the new pot, ensuring it has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. Add fresh potting soil to the new pot, filling it a third of the way up the container.

Step 3: Remove the Plant from the Existing Pot

Turn the existing pot on its side and gently pull the plant out. If the plant is root-bound, use a pair of scissors or a knife to loosen the roots gently. If the plant is stuck in the pot, tap the sides of the pot or squeeze the pot's sides to free the plant.

Step 4: Cleanse the Roots

Remove any dead or brown roots by cutting them off with scissors. Inspect the remaining roots for signs of damage or disease, such as rotting or soft roots. Healthy roots should be creamy white and firm to the touch.

Step 5: Repot the Sanderiana Plant

Place the sanderiana plant in the new pot and fill it with fresh soil. Ensure that the top of the plant's root ball sits level with the soil surface. Press the soil gently around the root ball, eliminating any air pockets.

Step 6: Water the Plant

Water the sanderiana plant until the soil is damp but not waterlogged. Allow excess water to drain away, then place the plant in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Avoid watering the plant for the first week or two after repotting to allow the plant to adjust to its new container.

Conclusion

Up-potting a sanderiana plant is crucial to ensure its healthy growth and thriving. It's essential to keep an eye on the plant and observe the signs that indicate it needs repotting. Following the steps outlined above will help your sanderiana plant thrive in its new pot, giving you a beautiful foliage plant that will brighten up any room.