What pot depth is best for snake plants?

Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Choosing the proper depth of container is very important to the health of snake plant, because their rhizomes grow laterally rather than deep. Shallow pots will not retain unnecessary wetness in unused soil while giving space for the roots to breathe. I found this out after losing plants to root rot because they were in too-deep decorative pots.
Shallow Pot Benefits
- Matches natural horizontal root growth pattern
- Prevents water accumulation in deep soil layers
- Improves soil aeration around rhizomes
- Reduces root rot risk significantly
Deep Pot Risks
- Creates anaerobic zones below root level
- Traps moisture leading to fungal infections
- Delays soil drying between waterings
- Causes nutrient leaching from unused soil
Select breathable materials such as terra cotta for optimal moisture control. The porous pots wick moisture away from the root zone. Glazed ceramic is appropriate in dry climates but requires careful watering. Plastic containers should be carefully avoided unless they have excellent drainage.
Avoid typical errors by always having the width be greater than the depth. Measure roots before repotting to verify sufficient horizontal space. I leave a one- to two-inch gap between the rhizomes and the pot wall, allowing their roots to grow horizontally without promoting rot.
To meet the drainage necessities let's add several holes to the pot bottom. Raise the containers using feet or stands wherever possible to increase the air circulation under the pot. I put in a thin layer of gravel under the planter in the saucers. This keeps the water from being reabsorbed after it has been drained.
Read the full article: Repotting Snake Plants: Essential Guide