The Best Potting Soil for a Snake Plant

Potting Soil Properties

• The best potting soil for a snake plant drains well and has the ability to dry out between watering sessions. Soil that stays wet causes root rot in a snake plant. The soil must stay loose and not compact when watered frequently. By feeding the snake plant once or twice during summer, it can stay in the same container for three to five years. When the plant becomes overcrowded, transplant it to a larger container that has a fresh potting soil mixture created with equal amounts of soil, peat moss and sand.

Soil Component

• Snake plant grows best in a potting soil mixture that contains one part soil. Commercial potting soil or topsoil can be used. Another option is to dig up some rich garden soil and sterilize it in an oven. Sterilizing soil requires leaving it in an oven that is 200 degrees Fahrenheit until the soil's temperature is 180 degrees Fahrenheit. After the soil cools, it can be used in the potting soil mixture.

Peat Moss Component

• The peat moss portion of a potting soil mixture adds a source of slow-release nutrients. It also keeps the mixture's texture loose and improves the mixture's drainage. Peat moss holds some moisture while letting excess water drain. Well- rotted compost can be used in place of peat moss.

Sand Component

• Sand creates a quick-draining potting soil mixture that is suitable for plants that do not tolerate wet soil. Sand does not hold moisture; it allows water to flow through a potting soil mixture. It also helps to create a potting soil mixture that has a loose texture.

  If the potting soil mixture leaks out the snake plant container's drainage holes, then cover the drainage holes with wire mesh. The wire mesh allows water out of the container but keeps the potting soil mixture inside the container.