Snake Plant Problems And Ways Of Fixing Them

Snake plant is an easy-to-grow plant and the plant requires minimal care. Snake plant problems may arise when growing or taking care of this plant but if you can quickly and accurately identify the problems, then there may be solutions to the issue you’re facing with the plant.

But why does it seem like one of the toughest and most durable plants to nurture also comes with some issues? We will find out soon.

Another name for snake plant is mother-in-law’s tongue and this plant is one of the most popular house plants on the market. Snake plant is a common houseplant that their leaves tend to grow upright and their leaves appear like sword-like shaped leaves.

This snake plant may appear easy to grow and even require little attention when taking care of them; but there may still be some issues that can affect the growth and development of this plant. Snake plant problems are what we will be discussing in this post and we will be discussing how you can solve these issues.

Characteristics Description Of Snake Plant

Here are some characteristics of the snake plant for you to identify the plant:

• The leaves of the snake plant are inclined to grow upwards and the leaves are stiff and broad.
• Their upright leaves can range from around 6 to 8 feet high.
• The color of the snake plant may vary. But the majority of these plants are characterized by green-banded leaves that feature a yellow border.
• Snake plants are pretty easy to grow and care for and they are almost indestructible.
• They are great for houseplants.
• Snake plants have been known to survive in most unsuitable growing conditions.

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Snake Plant Problems And Fixing The Them

Because this plant is known to be extremely carefree in nature, it may surprise you that snake plants can still face some issues. The plant is known to handle plenty of neglect, so it’s difficult to imagine that anything can go wrong with the plant.

Snake plant problems can indeed arise, but the good part is that most of these issues can be solved easily and your plant should return to its normal conditions.

So, here are some problems that may arise with snake plants and some solutions to resolving the issues:

1.    Drooping Of Leaves Or Bending Of Leaves – Snake Plant Problems 

The leaves of the snake plant are known to be firm and upright in shape and this is what we most love about this plant. Now, once these firm and upright leaves begin to bend or fall over, they begin to lose their striking look and we begin to wonder what might have gone wrong.

The common cause of drooping or bending leaves is usually over-watering. The leaves of the snake plant tend to be succulent and the leaves can store up water for weeks which is why it is easy to neglect this plant, especially in terms of watering.

2.    Potting System – Snake Plant Problems 

An inappropriate potting system can cause damage to the leaves of the snake plant and cause it to fall off.

Therefore, the pot size has to be just right because a huge pot gives room for fungi and bacteria breeding while a small-sized pot causes root-bound (a situation where the plant roots are bounded together thereby affecting the nutrient and water intake).

3.    Overwatering

The snake plants’ leaves are thick and succulent so they can store a lot of water. This is why they can withstand a little bit of nonchalance and go a while without a drink.

But waterlogging conditions affect and reduce the chances of the snake plant’s root from absorbing the needed nutrients for proper growth and development. It’s the same rule that applies to humans who suffer from a lack of balance between water and sodium in the blood due to overhydration.

This can also lead to root rot and fungal infection and to avoid this, don’t allow the plant to sit in water especially during winter because, during this season, the plant enters its dormant state where it needs little water. They can stay up to a month without requiring water during this time.

It should also be known that overwatering of the snake plant can lead to droopy or bent leaves and stunted growth among others.

4.    Poor Drainage System – Snake Plant Problems 

Since it’s been known that the snake plant gets overwatered quickly, an inadequate drainage system for the plant pot can cause it to be waterlogged thereby depriving it of the nutrients needed for proper growth.

Also, using the common garden soil to replant the snake plant can reduce the soil drainage pattern thereby causing damage to the plant.

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5.    Temperature Sensitivity

The snake plant’s most preferred temperature shouldn’t be colder or lower than 55⁰F. . Although they can withstand harsh weather conditions, they are still liable to sudden climatic and lighting changes.

If they fall below this temperature range, their leaves can turn scarred. And this condition is mostly permanent. Hence, it is best to prevent this condition in the first place.

Therefore, ensure you provide the snake plant with the ideal temperature which should be above 55 degrees.

Final Say On Snake Plant Problems 

Even though this snake plant is quite notorious for being an indestructible plant, the plant may still face some issues once in a while.

So, When you notice your snake plant isn’t growing properly as it should, investigate closely what could be the most likely cause of the problem and rectify it one after the other until all the possible symptoms are eliminated and you have a healthy snake plant again.

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