Can I save this snake plant?
Hiya. This is my 1st ever post… totally unsure if I’m even doing this right. I’m relatively new to plants… went somewhat nuts, getting multiples, not really knowing what I was doing. But I have fell in love with them…. I try really hard to keep them alive. This is part of a larger snake plant. I felt that I had it in a pot that was too large, seemed to stay wet for a very long time. (Ive snoozed it more times in the past year than Ive watered it) So I transplanted most into a terracotta pot. This section came out of the old pot without any roots. Can I save it? If so, what would be the best way to save him? 🪴
2ft to light, indirect
8” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 week ago
8
I would believe you should be able to repot him in a quick draining soil and he should be able to grow. You can propagate the snake plant just from a piece of cut leaf that you let callous a little and then put in the dirt and give it six months, but he’ll eventually make babies and roots and grow and become a fuller plant. The pictures are just leaves that I had cut and put in the dirt and they have been growing. He’s a little light in the chlorophyll right now because I had him in the wrong spot with a little too much Sunshine but he’s starting to darken up now he’s hiding out in the bedroom with a south facing window, but about 5 feet from it . I’ve probably had this plant over a year plus a few months, but he seems to happily be growing now.
Take what I say with a grain of salt, because I am newly self taught. I had the same thing happen to me due to overwatering. I rinsed and gently rubbed off any slimy, soft bits, sprayed with half peroxide half water, and potted in half Miracle Grow cactus mix / half pumice in a well draining pot (I cut a water bottle in half and drilled holes in it, then placed that in another pot for stability. I wanted to keep the pot very small). I didn’t water for an about a week, then did so thoroughly until it ran thru the well draining soil. In 2 weeks I could see roots forming in the clear container! I also rinsed all the roots well on the main the plant, trimmed off any slimy bits, and sprayed with peroxide, and disposed of all the old soil. Not worth reusing and risking spreading bacteria or fungus. For the larger plant I used half MC cactus / half orchid mix for extra drainage. If you use the same type of soil and simply switch to a smaller pot, you might only be fixing half the problem.
@StableJicaro hi welcome to Greg’s. By all means it can be saved. I had to repot and clean mine up a couple yrs ago.
Here’s a breakdown
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Assess the Damage:
Carefully remove the snake plant from its pot.
Gently brush away the soil to expose the roots.
Look for signs of rot: mushy, brown, or black roots.
2. Remove Rotting Roots:
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut away any damaged roots.
Make sure to remove all the affected parts to prevent the rot from spreading.
3. Repotting:
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball and has drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti.
Gently place the plant in the new pot and fill it with soil, making sure not to pack it too tightly.
4. Adjust Watering:
Snake plants are succulents and prefer to dry out between waterings.
Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry, allowing excess water to drain out.
Avoid overwatering, as this is a primary cause of root rot.
5. Prevention:
Ensure proper drainage in your pot and use a well-draining soil mix.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
6. Possible Additional Steps:
You can soak the roots in a hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water) to kill fungus and bacteria before repotting.
Consider using a fungicide if you suspect a fungal infection.
If the rot is severe and has affected most of the plant, it may be difficult to save, according to the BBC Gardeners World Magazine.
You can also propagate healthy leaves by cutting them off, letting them callous over, and then rooting them in water or soil. . Hope that helps such a beautiful plant.
Here’s a breakdown
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Assess the Damage:
Carefully remove the snake plant from its pot.
Gently brush away the soil to expose the roots.
Look for signs of rot: mushy, brown, or black roots.
2. Remove Rotting Roots:
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut away any damaged roots.
Make sure to remove all the affected parts to prevent the rot from spreading.
3. Repotting:
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball and has drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti.
Gently place the plant in the new pot and fill it with soil, making sure not to pack it too tightly.
4. Adjust Watering:
Snake plants are succulents and prefer to dry out between waterings.
Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry, allowing excess water to drain out.
Avoid overwatering, as this is a primary cause of root rot.
5. Prevention:
Ensure proper drainage in your pot and use a well-draining soil mix.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
6. Possible Additional Steps:
You can soak the roots in a hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water) to kill fungus and bacteria before repotting.
Consider using a fungicide if you suspect a fungal infection.
If the rot is severe and has affected most of the plant, it may be difficult to save, according to the BBC Gardeners World Magazine.
You can also propagate healthy leaves by cutting them off, letting them callous over, and then rooting them in water or soil. . Hope that helps such a beautiful plant.
Thank you all, for your support and knowledge. Also for the quick responses. They’re all so helpful. Nice to meet you all.
