I was going to give you a tip, but almost in the same sentence you had already figured out the stress issue in your plant’s roots. Besides pots, there are biodegradable bags that can be placed directly into the soil. I don’t know if you’re talking about exactly those kinds of bags, but that’s it, they help a lot. And wow, it’s the first time I’ve heard about that snake. Around here, rattlesnakes are very common, but since winter is coming, they don’t show up as much.