How to cure my snake plant? Left aside the question, all you have to know first is why does it slowly die. 

Growing snake plants is easy, making it one of the most popular houseplants. This succulent is also almost indestructible. However, despite the fact that you have done your best to take care of it, anything can happen. You now notice that the snake plant is dying. Are you able to do anything? 

The Causes

Here are the big 3 causes of why your snake plant dying. While reading this article, try to identify the cause of your snake plant’s unusual appearance and determine what you can do about it. 

Root Rot

During the winter months, snake plants are usually affected by root rot, which is usually caused by being overwatered. In the absence of oxygen or overgrowth of soil fungi, the roots wither away. In wet soils, Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium fungi may grow, which travel to the roots of the plants and destroy them. 

The roots that have started to rot cannot absorb the required nutrients for growth, and they become brown and mushy. Due to its location below the soil surface, root rot is often overlooked. A plant can be killed by root rot entirely within 10 days when the conditions are perfect, for example when not provided with drainage holes. 

Symptoms

Brown roots and mushy appearance are classic signs of rot. Root rot causes the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or droop, and they also become mushy. Once symptoms are visible on the leaves, it may be too late to save the plant altogether, putting it at risk.

Treatment

How to cure my snake plant? The plant should be repotted immediately if it is caught in time. As much as possible, replace the infected soil with new, clean potting soil. In addition to mycorrhizal species, sulfur powder can also be added to prevent reinfection of the roots. Besides mycorrhizae’s benefits, sulfur also acidifies the soil, making some nutrients less available and reducing the food sources for pathogens that cause root decay.

Water your plants once the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are completely dry. It may only be necessary to water plants every 1-2 months when they are doing their dormant phase during cooler, winter months. Snake plants are a great choice for the less attentive gardener. Watering them can be skipped for weeks. If you go on vacation, you won’t need to worry about your snake plant since it will survive in hot and dry conditions for 3 weeks or more without water.

Exposure To Extreme Temperatures

Like other succulent plants native to West Africa, your snake plant prefers warm temperatures. In contrast, cold temperatures cause leaf cell walls to be damaged. This damage prevents nutrients and water from being mobilized, leading to a lack of moisture that causes the root system to die.

Symptoms

The leaves may show signs of scarring, mushy leaves, or yellowing despite not being overwatered.

Treatment

Prune severely damaged leaves to preserve healthy plant foliage. Nevertheless, over-pruning can result in stressed plants.

Prevention

Choose a location where the daytime temperature is 60°F to 80°F and the nighttime temperature is 55°F to 70°F if you want your snake plant to thrive.

Pests

During the feeding process, mealybugs inject a toxin into the leaves, causing them to deform or stunt. A sticky fluid is also excreted by mealybugs in addition to honeydew. Sugar-rich liquids encourage the growth of sooty mold. A healthy plant can withstand a slight infestation if it is in good physical condition. However, untreated leaves begin to yellow, curl, and eventually drop.

Treatment

If you see mealybugs on your snake plant, pick them off manually or use rubbing alcohol and a cloth or cotton swab dipped in water to wipe them away. 

Prevention

If you bring in new plants, be sure to inspect them carefully to prevent the spread of mealybugs. Ensure that healthy plants are protected from contaminated ones by quarantining them.

Conclusion

Snake plants are relatively easy to grow, so a lot of people enjoy them, even those who don’t know much about houseplant care. It is unfortunate that even the most green-thumbed person can still harm their snake plants when they are exposed to these harmful factors. How to cure my snake plant? Now you know how.