Snake plants are one of these Easiest House Plants to Care ForBut even this hardy houseplant has its limitations. When the plant receives too much water it begins to wilt – which is one of the common causes for snake plant problems – resulting in leaves turning yellow or taking on a lifeless, droopy appearance.
To help you fix your bent snake plant, we talked to a plant expert who shared his advice on what problems cause bent snake plants and what to do to fix it. Read on for their tips for making your snake plant attractive and beautiful once again.
meet the expert
petar ivanov are the gardening and plant experts at Fantastic Gardeners, a UK-based company of experts who help people with home maintenance matters.
over watering
There is a risk of snake plants falling over due to excessive watering. This is because as a succulent plant, snake plant does not require much water to survive. In fact, too much water will drown your snake plant.
noticeable signs
The first sign to look for is general droopiness in your snake plant, but other signs include yellowing and soft or mushy leaves, says Petar Ivanov, horticulturist and plants expert at Fantastic Gardeners.
How to Treat Excessive Watering
The best way to avoid overwatering your snake plant is to water it sparingly. Ivanov explains that these plants thrive on neglect. When in doubt, Look for Cues When to Water Your Succulent Plant Like when the soil dries out, just like you do with any desert plant.
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root rot
Too much water can cause root rotAs a result, the leaves of the snake plant will bend too much and eventually the plant will die.
noticeable signs
In addition to the bent plant, check for a noticeable odor from the soil. As the roots become waterlogged, they begin to rot and die – hence the foul smell.
How to Treat Root Rot
Remove the plant from its pot, inspect the roots and cut off any that are soft or brown, says Ivanov. Then repot your plant in fresh, well-drained soil and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
growing your pot
When your snake plant outgrows its pot, its roots can become tangled and compressed, stunting growth.
noticeable signs
Some signs include dropping of leaves. Ivanov suggests looking for roots that are starting to poke out of the drainage holes or push the plant upward into its pot.
How to treat pot overgrowth
Luckily, this problem requires a simple solution.
“Repot your snake plant in a pot 1-2 inches larger than the original, loosening the root ball before placing it in new soil to encourage healthy root expansion,” says Ivanov.
Mealybug and spider mite infestations
in common houseplant pests This may cause stress to your snake plant and therefore result in
In the tilted appearance of the plant.
noticeable signs
For mealybugs, look for small, cotton-like clusters, and for spider mites, check the webs on your plant’s leaves.
How to Treat Mealybug and Spider Mite Infestations
The treatment for both these pests is the same. Ivanov suggests isolating the plant, wiping the leaves with mild insecticidal soap or neem oil, and inspecting regularly for any remaining pests.
not enough water
While there are snake plants drought-tolerant plantsThey still need some moisture to stay upright and alive.
observable signs
To see if your snake plant needs more water, check for leaves that appear thin, wrinkled or curled, with drooping as a secondary symptom.
How to Treat Not Having Enough Water
True, snake plants should not be watered too often. Still, when you do water them, water the plants thoroughly until water runs out of the planter’s drainage holes, then let the soil dry out between watering, says Ivanov. you can do it too wet your plant If the air is very dry then lightly.
not enough light
Snake plants tolerate low light but prefer medium to bright, indirect light, says Ivanov. Therefore, too little light can harm your plant, causing it to wilt.
observable signs
Symptoms include leaf drop, slow growth and discolored leaves.
How to cure not enough light
For this problem, treatment involves moving the plant to a location with more light. However, avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, Ivanov warns.
FAQ
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Depending on the problem, the easiest way to quickly fix a drooping snake plant is to repot it or drain out excess water.
“If overwatering is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, check for root rot and replant with fresh, well-drained soil,” says Ivanov.
Alternatively, if water scarcity is a problem, water the plant abundantly. Ivanov suggests that if low light is the culprit, move the plant to a brighter location to help it regenerate faster.
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Water every two to six weeks, depending on the weather and indoor conditions.
“Snake plants require less water in the winter, while in the warmer months, they can withstand more frequent watering,” says Ivanov.
Because snake plant is a desert plant, always allow the top inch or two of soil to dry completely before watering again.
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Yes, if caught early. Remove the plant from its pot, cut off any rotting roots, and allow the plant to dry out before replanting in fresh soil. Ivanov says recovery can take time, but with proper care, it can bounce back.
