Snake plants, often called Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are some of the easiest indoor plants to care for. But even the toughest plants can face trouble, especially when they lose their roots. If your snake plant has no roots left, it may look like there’s no hope, but don’t throw it out just yet. You can still bring it back to life with the right steps and a little time.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to revive a snake plant that has lost all its roots and help it grow back healthy again.
If you’ve noticed your beloved snake plant is looking a little droopy and sad lately, it may be dealing with a serious issue – root loss. Snake plants are famous for being hardy, nearly indestructible houseplants. But even these tough plants can sometimes lose their root system entirely due to overwatering.
Finding your snake plant has no roots left can be an alarming discovery. The roots serve essential functions like anchoring the plant, absorbing moisture and nutrients, and storing energy. Without a healthy root system, the snake plant cannot survive long-term.
While a rootless snake plant is a dire situation, don’t give up hope! With prompt action, you may be able to rescue your plant and help it regrow new roots. Here’s what to know about why your snake plant has no roots, signs to look for, and how to attempt to revive it.
Common Causes of Snake Plants Having No Roots
The #1 reason snake plants end up completely rootless is due to root rot. Root rot can occur when:
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The plant is overwatered – too much moisture leads to fungal or bacterial infections that cause the roots to rot away. This is the most common trigger.
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The soil drainage is poor – snake plants need loose, airy soil that drains well Densely packed or overly moist soil encourages pathogens
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The plant sits in water – if left in standing water, the roots quickly start rotting from being waterlogged.
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The light is low – insufficient light weakens the plant, making it prone to infections and rots.
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Repotting stresses the roots – damaging the roots during transplanting increases vulnerability.
Without healthy roots to take up moisture and nutrients, the remaining roots die off from disease or drying out, leaving the snake plant with no root system left.
Signs Your Snake Plant Has No Roots
How do you know if your snake plant has lost all its roots? Here are some telling signs to look for:
- Wilting, drooping, floppy leaves
- Wrinkled, shriveled leaves
- Very slow growth or no new growth
- Plant is top heavy and tips over
- Soil pulling away from edges of the pot
These symptoms indicate the plant can’t absorb water or nutrients through its roots because it has no viable roots left.
To confirm, gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect for roots. If you see no roots or only black, mushy remains, the root system has been completely lost.
Can a Snake Plant Survive Without Roots?
Snake plants are very hardy, but they can’t live forever without a root system. The roots have crucial jobs like:
- Anchoring and supporting the plant
- Absorbing moisture and minerals
- Transporting nutrients
- Storing energy reserves
Over time, a rootless snake plant will weaken and eventually perish if it can’t regrow new roots. However, with quick care, many can generate brand new roots after old roots have rotted away.
How to Rescue a Snake Plant With No Roots
If caught early, you may be able to revive a snake plant with no roots and help it regrow a healthy new root system. Follow these emergency steps:
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Trim off any dead or rotting roots until only healthy white tissue remains. Wash away old soil.
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Dip the cut end in diluted hydrogen peroxide to sterilize and encourage new root growth.
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Repot in a sterile, well-draining mix – either cactus mix or a peat/perlite blend.
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Water very sparingly, just moistening the soil. Too much moisture causes more rot.
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Place in bright, indirect light to energize growth. Direct sun stresses the plant more.
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Enclose in a plastic bag or terrarium to increase humidity. Higher humidity promotes rooting.
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Stake for support while new roots establish. The plant will be unstable without anchor roots.
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Prune some leaves to reduce transpiration needs while the plant is rootless.
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Be extremely patient! It takes weeks or months for new roots to regenerate.
With dedicated emergency care, a snake plant with no roots can potentially regrow a whole new healthy root system. But you must address what caused the initial root rot to prevent it happening again.
Preventing Root Loss in Snake Plants
While you can sometimes rescue a rootless snake plant, prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your snake plant’s roots healthy and avoid root rot:
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Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Check with a finger probe before watering.
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Water less frequently in winter when growth slows.
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Ensure pot has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Avoid overcrowding plants together in one pot.
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Repot carefully without damaging the root ball.
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Provide bright, indirect light.
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Check for pest issues like fungus gnats that can damage roots.
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Let water sit out overnight before use to dissipate chlorine.
Catching root problems early and adjusting care is key to prevent a snake plant from losing all its roots. But even snake plants with no roots left can sometimes make a comeback when given proper emergency care and time to regenerate new roots. With dedication and patience, you may be able to rescue your rootless snake plant.
Use Drainage Holes
Always use pots with holes at the bottom so extra water can escape.
Step 1: Clean the Plant
Start by gently removing any dead or rotting parts. Cut away soft, black, or mushy sections using clean scissors or a knife. Make sure your tools are sterilized before and after cutting to avoid spreading any disease.
Let the cut areas dry out for 1–2 days. This helps the wounds form a protective layer and reduces the risk of rot when you try to regrow the plant.
My Adorable Snake Plant Has No Roots! Is It Dying? (2022)
FAQ
How to revive a snake plant without roots?
I would pot them back up into well draining soil and give small amounts of water to allow new roots to grow. Keep them extra warm as that will Help them grow new roots. Slowly acclimate them to high light and water when they are dry. Don’t let them sit dry for long periods.
What to do if your plant has no roots?
There’s no point in watering it if there are no roots, it’ll just rot the plant. Give it as much sun as you can and wait until roots itself again before watering – give the plant a little tug every so often to see if it feels anchored into the media.
How to replant a snake plant with no roots?
Repotting snake plants is pretty simple, just give the plant a good shake to remove the soil and gently untangle and tug the plants apart until you have whatever size plant you want. It’s okay to loose a little bit of roots during this process, it happens and they will recover.