注意事项 for Repotting Snake Plant
As the 'air purification master' in the indoor green plant world, the snake plant is deeply loved for its upright form and drought-resistant characteristics. Repotting is a crucial step in its maintenance, and improper handling may lead to wilted leaves and root rot. This article systematically analyzes the complete operation process and maintenance skills of repotting a snake plant through four core points.
1. Timing for Repotting
1.1 Safer Operations During Dormancy
The best repotting window is from November to the following February, with a stable ambient temperature of 15-20°C. During dormancy, the plant's metabolism slows down, and its root damage repair ability is stronger, reducing the stress response caused by repotting.
1.2 Avoiding Active Growth Period
Avoid repotting during the new leaf germination stage from March to October, as the plant is concentrated on photosynthesis and sudden root cutting can cause growth stagnation or leaf tip browning. If repotting is necessary under special circumstances, it is recommended to retain 80% of the original soil ball.
2. Scientific Soil Mixture
2.1 Analysis of the Three Soil Elements
An ideal soil mixture should meet: air permeability (30% coarse river sand) + nutrient retention (50% decomposed leaf soil) + drainage (20% perlite). It can also incorporate 5% bone meal as a slow-release fertilizer, avoiding heavy garden soil or pure nutrient soil.
2.2 Disinfection Treatment Plan
New soil needs to be steamed at high temperatures or exposed to sunlight for 3 days, or mixed with carbendazim solution at a ratio of 1:1000 to effectively kill eggs and pathogenic bacteria, preventing root rot disease after repotting.
3. Detailed Repotting Operations
3.1 Water Control and Pot Removal Skills
Stop watering 7 days in advance to allow the soil to shrink, tap the pot wall until the soil separates. In severe compaction cases, insert bamboo sticks along the pot edge to loosen the soil, avoiding violent pulling that can cause the flesh roots to break.
3.2 Root Treatment Standards
Trim and retain healthy white roots with a diameter >2mm, applying wood ash to the cut edges. Rotten roots must be thoroughly removed to expose fresh tissue, and the treated roots should be dried in the shade for 2 hours before potting.
4. Post-Repotting Maintenance Points
4.1 Environmental Transition Management
Keep it in a fully shaded environment for the first 3 days, starting the 4th day by increasing 1 hour of scattered light daily. Maintain a day-night temperature difference of <8°C and control the air humidity between 50-60%, using a humidifier or wet gravel tray to adjust.
4.2 Gradual Watering Plan
Water 50ml along the pot edge on the 5th day after potting, increase to 100ml after 10 days, and return to normal after 15 days. Initially, root growth can be accelerated with rooting powder (at a ratio of 1:1500).
By precisely controlling the repotting timing, scientifically mixing soil, standardizing operations, and gradually maintaining, the survival rate of repotted snake plants can reach over 95%. It is recommended to change the potting soil every 2-3 years, combined with spring and autumn applications of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, to effectively promote the plant to sprout side buds and form a lush, dense landscape effect.