Curling Snake Plant Leaves: Causes And Solution Guide [2021]

YouTube video

Curling snake plant happens when something is wrong with them…

… and they need to be fixed immediately to avoid a complete loss.

A problem may be caused by water, root disease, or a combination of both…

The good news is that the plant can be saved with a few simple care measures…

Hear it first from Sam!

My snake plants are curling, I’m shocked…

At first I thought that curling snake plant are just part of growth…

… cause in a way, the curls give more accent to them.

After some research, however, I found that it was not the case.

Turns out that my snake plants got problems…

I can’t seem to identify what cause them to curl…

… since I did all the proper care they need.

In fact, I tend to neglect them and let them grow…

… so that my intervention won’t kill them.

Oh, how wrong I am…

Experienced something alike?

Curling snake plant leaves
Credit: snakeplantcare.com

Well, this article will help you out with that concern!

For an overview…

Underwatering, too much sunlight, pest infestations…

… or transplant stress can cause curling snake plant.

Curling snake plant need to be watered every 2-4 weeks…

… treated for pests, and kept at a temperature between 55-85°F when they are ailing.

Keep on reading for further information!


Why Curling Snake Plant Happen?

Generally, this the point you need to keep in mind…

It prefers warm, bright locations, but tolerates some shade. Protect from hot afternoon sun. Best grown in a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly during the growing season, with significantly reduced watering from fall to late winter. Do not pour water on the center of the rosette. Clay pots that are wider than they are high are often used to make sure this tall and narrow plant is stable and does not topple over.

Missouri Botanical Garden

The reason for curling snake plant must be identified…

… to ensure you provide the best solution.

In order to determine the cause you must look at the symptoms.

There are several causes of fungal infestation such as overwatering…

… underwatering, and inappropriate temperatures.


Underwatering

Despite being drought-resistant, underwatering snake plants…

… over a long period of time can have significant consequences.

If your snake plant is underwatered, it will not be able…

… to perform its normal physiological functions.

When sansevieria does not receive enough moisture…

… it cannot take nutrients from the soil and transport them to the rest of the plant.

If you don’t give the leaves the essentials, such as water…

… they will lose shape and curl to conserve moisture.

They may develop wrinkles if the condition is severe…


Overwatering

A snake plant that has been overwatered will eventually die, if not corrected quickly.

Snake plants’ yellowing and downward curled leaves are signs of overwatering…

If the plant receives too much water, root rot may result…

… rendering its root system ineffective.

Plants with dysfunctional roots cannot supply nutrients and water to the leaves…

… causing the leaves to curl or appear mushy and droopy.


Inadequate Light

Curling snake plant 2
Credit: id.pinterest.com

Snake plants do not require much light in order to thrive…

However, they might display signs of curled leaves…

… when they don’t receive enough light.

In order to perform photosynthesis plants require light…

Plants wouldn’t be able to make their own food without it…


Inappropriate Temperature

An excessive amount of heat is bad for sansevieria plants…

Temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for snake plants…

The process of transpiration is usually accelerated by high temperatures…

The leaves of the plant would likely curl if they lose more water than usual…

When the temperature is low, the water in the leaves freezes…

… forming crystals which permanently damage the leaves.


Too Much Fertilizer

In general, snake plants do not require much fertilizer and they can thrive without it…

It is enough to apply once every 1-2 months in summer or during periods of growth…

In excess fertilizers, these plants suffer from root and leaf damage…

When they are unable to handle the additional nutrients…

… the leaves curl inward or become burnt.


Fungal Infestation

Curling snake plant 3
Credit: gardenforindoor.com

A number of fungi, including southern blight and red leaf spot…

… can damage the roots and leaves of snake plants.

It is possible that your plants are infested with a fungal disease…

… when they develop web-like growths or discolored spots in black, white, red, or brown colors.

The fungus spreads quickly, and if your plant comes in contact…

… with other infected plants, it is likely to become infected.


Shock From Transplanting

There are a number of problems associated with snake plants…

… including transplanting and propagation.

Plants may need some time to adjust to their new surroundings…

… and potting soil after they are repotted.

It is often the roots that suffer the most damage…

During this time period, the snake plant may not be able…

… to absorb enough water, making it difficult for the plant to function properly.

When you have replanted it recently, you may notice…

… that the snake plant’s leaves are twisting from transplant shock.


Incorrect pH

A plant’s pH determines the nutrients in the soil…

… so keeping it in the correct range is vital.

In the case of snake plants, the optimum range would be between 5.5 and 7.5…

In acidic soils, or soils with a low pH, magnesium will be scarce…

In the absence of magnesium, leaves would not be able…

… to produce chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis.

It is therefore likely that the leaves on the lower branches…

… or older leaves will turn yellow or curl.

In some cases Sansevieria plants can suffer…

… from brown spots caused by pH problems.


The Pot is Too Small

Curling snake plant 4
Credit: ourhouseplants.com

The Sansevieria plant thrives in large pots or well-fitting containers…

The size of your snake plant’s pot will need to be adjusted depending on its age…

When it continues to grow roots, the pot will become rootbound…

… if the size of the pot is not changed.

Plants that are rootbound may cause curling snake plant…

… due to not having enough root space…

… which limits their ability to function and to absorb nutrients.


Root Rot

Fungal infections are accelerated by excess or stagnant water…

Root rot causes the foliage to become dysfunctional…

… and the roots cannot supply the necessary nutrients.

This results in curling snake plant…


Insect Infestation

Curling snake plant 5
Credit: gardenforindoor.com

There are several insects that love attacking snake plants…

… including mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. It is difficult…

… to see Thrips without a magnifying glass, as they are tiny black insects.

The leaves of your plants will become rough, uneven when they are attacked…

As Mealybugs and spider mites attack the snake plant…

… they will suck the juices from the leaves, causing curling snake plant.

Leaves of your snake plant can also become wrinkled when infested with pests…

Now, let’s identify…


Types Of Leaf Curl

Depending on the cause of the curl, snake plants curve differently…

Here are some examples of curls you might see:

  • Curling snake plant downwards. It is the plant’s attempt to hold moisture that causes its leaves to curl at the tips or borders. Usually, leaves curl downwards as a result of overwatering or overfeeding.
  • Curling snake plant upwards. It is primarily the environment that causes leaves to curl upwards. Some examples of these conditions include light being too close to the plant, temperature stress, high humidity levels, windburn, and limited air circulation.
  • Curling snake plant margin. If the leaf margin curls downward, this may indicate a root problem. The primary cause is overfeeding the plant. A low oxygen level in the roots, improper temperatures, and any other issues causing leaf tips to curl downwards can also cause this problem.
  • Curling snake plant inwards. A nitrogen deficiency causes leaves to curl inward. Curl variations are most prevalent on lower leaves. Their color will first fade to yellow, then they will curl inward.

Hence…


Solutions For Curling Snake Plant

You can restore the health of your snake plant once you identify the cause of its curling leaves…

The following tips will help you prevent curling snake plant leaves:


Water Sansevieria Once Every 2-4 Weeks

Curling snake plant 6
Credit: homedepot.com

It does not take much water to revive underwatered plants…

One watering every 2-4 weeks is sufficient to meet its moisture needs…

Depending on the potting mix, season, and size of the pot…

… you need to water them according to their needs.

If the soil is compacted, loosen it before you begin watering it regularly…

The leaves will start to unfold after they receive the correct amount of water…

If you suspect your curling snake plant leaves because they are overwatered check their roots…

Make sure the roots are free of soil…

… by pulling out the whole plant and washing them.

A foul smell coming from the roots means the plant has been affected by root rot…

To disinfect the roots, cut them off and use charcoal powder…

… or hydrogen peroxide diluted in water.

Replace the pot with a new one recommended for snake plants and repot the plant…

You can reuse the old pot or wash it to prevent further contamination…

You can protect the plant from dying by propagating cuttings…

… if the roots have been severely damaged.


Provide Bright Indirect Light

Bright indirect light is preferred by Sansevieria. As a result of the increased rate…

… of dehydration, snake plants will brown and curl if placed in burning sunlight.

The plant’s curling leaves can be corrected by moving it to an area…

… where it will receive indirect, bright light.

It will benefit from an east-facing window in your house…

In addition LED grow lights can be used to meet the lighting requirements…


Use Just Enough Fertilizer

Nitrogen-rich fertilizers will ensure a continuous supply of nutrients…

If you don’t want to over-fertilize, opt for organic fertilizers…

… because they are slow-releasing.

Following the package instructions is the best way to supply the plant…

… with the recommended dose and prevent leaf curl, a result of salt-burn.


Maintain Temperature at 55-85°F

If you live in an area where it gets very hot, always place the plants…

… in the shade or somewhere with a lower temperature.

You should avoid leaving the plant outside in areas…

… where temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

As an alternative, you can cover the plants with a blanket…

… or transparent sheet when you decide to leave them outdoors.

If you keep the plant indoors, make sure it remains warm.

You should always try to keep your plants at room temperature…

The Sansevieria plant prefers a temperature range of 55-85°F…

… so make sure you keep the plant at that temperature.


Transplant With a New Potting Mix

Once you have transplanted your snake plant…

… place it in partial shade and water sparingly.

Allow it to adapt to the new environment for a few days…

Using old potting mix can deprive the plant of the nutrients it needs to thrive…

To ensure that the snake plant grows to its full potential…

… choose soil that is nutrient-rich and well-draining.


Amend the Soil pH to 5.5 to 7.5

Sansevieria prefer soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5…

A curled leaf could be a sign that the pH needs to be adjusted…

… in order for the plant to effectively draw nutrients.

To check whether the soil is appropriate for your plant…

… use a soil pH tester that probes the soil surface.

In cases of low soil pH, hydrated lime should be added to the soil to increase its pH…

If your water has a high pH level add lemon juice before watering to help reduce it…


Get Rid of Pests

Snake plants are easy to keep pest-free…

First, ensure that the infested plant is kept away…

… from other plants to prevent it from spreading.

Then, remove any leaves with signs of infection…

Wipe the leaves of the plant with an alcohol-soaked cloth…

Furthermore, neem oil can be applied to eliminate the pests permanently…

Neem oil should be applied once a week…

If you see snake plants’ leaves curling don’t be alarmed…

Once the appropriate measures are taken…

… your plant will be healthy once more.

To sum it up…

Leaves curling in your snake plants aren’t something to be worried excessively…

… since you can still identify the problem and do something about it.

You may identify whether your snake plant experienced underwatering…

… too much sunlight, pest infestations or transplant stress…

After some identification, then find out the next step…

… which is the solution to that specific problem.

Use the guide above to manage your curling snake plant!


Conclusion

Hopefully you’ve figured out the problem in your snake plant…

… after reading this article.

If you do have any further queries…

… comment down below or contact us!

Check out more posts on this website like this one here!

Have an awesome gardening journey!


Related Articles!

https://allthingsgardener.com/why-snake-plant-leaves-curl-causes-solutions/
https://allthingsgardener.com/why-are-my-snake-plant-leaves-curling-causesnext-steps/
https://allthingsgardener.com/snake-plant-leaves-curling-causes-solutions/

Was this helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!