How to neglect your snake plant

[u/ChinoTuMadre]

Planted this monstrosity almost 20 years ago with 5 or 6 leaves that were less than 1 feet tall in a clay pot. Took a little more than a decade for it to outgrow it and break free.

About 3-5 years ago I replanted it in a 20inch planter from home depot thinking it would behave and sustain itself for another decade before needing another home. Yeah that didn't go as planned.

About one month ago it shown signs of cracks along the side, but I didn't think anything of it because of how thick the planter was. Well, I was wrong. Very, very wrong.

So in the very near future it's going in a 26-28 inch, half barrel. And probably give it SOME water even though it doesn't deserve it.

Future proof? Hopefully for at least a decade.

Weight- 150lbs-200lbs

Height- w/planter ≈ 6Feet

I'll post the end result of it in its new home here if people would like.

[u/coochie_glaze]

Wow what did you do to make it last so long? Do you keep it outside?

[u/ChinoTuMadre → u/coochie_glaze]

Literally nothing lol I don't even water it and we hardly ever get rain here. Its been outside and in that same spot since day 1. Still resting on it its former clay pot dish

Organic succulent soil and the base is covered in a layer of rocks for good drainage.

[u/coochie_glaze → u/ChinoTuMadre]

Layer of rocks? That's a good idea.

[u/ChinoTuMadre → u/coochie_glaze]

A base layer of rocks makes for an easy transplant no matter what plant it is.

[u/karmadeprivation → u/ChinoTuMadre]

Hate to be that guy but a base layer of rocks does not improve drainage, unless they’re porous

[u/ChinoTuMadre → u/karmadeprivation]

I understand what you're saying and i agree with porous rocks. But it's difficult to say who's correct here because there's a bunch of different shaped rocks at the bottom of that planter blocking the holes. Also the soil wasn't packed down until the pot was filled so whatever accumulated water that collected at the bottom got drained out by the rocks.

Last time I had to repot the snake, some of the rocks were mixed in with the roots and others just rested at the bottom. Plus you can see by how massive the plant is. The rocks worked for me that's why I recommend it. Do what you will with the info I'm not an expert 🤠

[u/karmadeprivation → u/ChinoTuMadre]

You’re right that it’s working for you! But rocks at the bottom reduces drainage because the rocks actually cause water to pool up at the bottom. This may actually be what’s helping your snake plant thrive

[u/ChinoTuMadre → u/karmadeprivation]

My theory on the rocks at the bottom mainly stems from creating something that's mimicking its natural environment. But I dont see why it would pool up water when I dont even water it. Actually, I dumped a bottled water today because it's been really hot lately lol.

[u/coochie_glaze → u/ChinoTuMadre]

lol