Snake Plants Care 101: Why Is My Sansevieria Turning Yellow? (2021)

Why is my sansevieria turning yellow? Sansevieria blades may have turned yellow for several reasons. Here’s where you’ll find the answers to your questions! In this article, we discuss all the possible problems that may arise and how they can be handled. Let’s look into this! Overwatering and root diseases can cause snake plant leaves to yellow and become soft. Additionally, leaves may turn yellow if they are underwatered, over-fertilized, infected with fungal diseases, or exposed to excessive sunlight.


Why Is My Sansevieria Turning Yellow?

Also called mother-in-law’s tongue or a snake plant, Sansevieria is one of the world’s most popular plant species. Basically, this plant requires very little care. Nevertheless, anything is possible, right? You might be taking good care of your plant, but the leaves could turn soft and yellow. Yellow snake plant leaves can be caused by many things. Here are some possible causes. 


Overwatering 

So you are essentially plotting to kill your snake plant when you overwater it. That’s how dangerous it is. Yellowing snake plants indicate that something is wrong! The snake plant needs immediate attention, so change your watering habits! 

  • Yellowing leaves must be identified based on their underlying causes. Good health should be present on the leaves. Green leaves indicate that a plant is in good health. When you notice misshaped or discolored leaves, overwatering might be the first thing you think of. 
  • Roots that are overwatered can rot. Water must be provided in adequate quantities and drainage must be adequate in order to drain excess water. 
  • Make sure you don’t underdo or overdo it! Standing water provides the perfect environment for the growth of fungi. It is certainly not something we want to see.
  • Snake plants should be watered every two to four weeks. It is also possible to observe when it appears that the soil is dry. A plant must be watered according to its needs. 

Sunlight Overexposure

Why is my sansevieria turning yellow? There is a possibility that the plant receives excessive sunlight! You heard it right, that’s for sure. Too much exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. Snake plants can also suffer sunburn if you keep them outdoors or in an area where the sun shines brightly. Also, sunlight from your window can damage snake plants’ leaves. It is because windows can enhance the sun’s rays, causing more water to evaporate. Foliage may turn yellow or have a brown tip as a result.

It is true that snake plants can be easily maintained. The reason people prefer these plants is usually because of this reason. The most important factors that affect the health of a plant shouldn’t be neglected.  Sun exposure should not be too high for a plant. You should give your plants indirect sunlight. Indirect sunlight is best for plants, so find the right place for them despite the extra effort. Do you ever think to yourself, “Maybe this is why my sansevieria is turning yellow”?


Inadequate Underwatering 

Maybe your daily routine is keeping you too busy. It’s possible you’ve heard that snake plants can survive for a long time without water. Perhaps you went on vacation. Regardless of the reason, you may neglect your plants by accident, leaving them thirsty.

There are some similarities between inadequate underwatering and overwatering. In circumstances of underwatering, the root system is unable to absorb enough nutrients and water to perform physiological functions. The soil retains nutrients in soluble form. The soil’s nutrients cannot be utilized by your snake plant without water. 


Excessive Watering

Why is my sansevieria turning yellow? Overwatering causes a plant to turn yellow and become dehydrated. Taking care of your snake plants involves watering them correctly. Knowing when to water your plants can be determined by looking at the soil. If you check your water level, you will know whether it is overwatered or underwatered.


Root Rot 

Root rot can damage the overall functionality of the root system. Providing too much water to the snake plants can cause root rot. Then the root system will get damaged and start to decay. Thus, when the root rot develops the plant won’t be getting enough nutrients that are important for survival and growth. So, the leaves would start turning yellow. When you are giving too much water to your precious plant than it actually needs, a fungus can develop on the roots.

In addition to excessive water, root rot can be caused by contaminants in the soil and containers and a poor drainage system.  The root zone is also very prone to fungal growth due to poor air circulation as well as compact soils and moist conditions. Maintaining hygiene for your snake plant’s soil and container will help you avoid diseases such as root rot. Root rot should be looked at as quickly as possible in snake plants. When you look after snake plants, it’s very easy to observe their color.

A fungus will eventually kill the snake plant’s roots. When you notice the roots are damaged, you may want to repot the plant. You should use dry soil instead of wet soil.  Repotting the plant using potting mix is also an option. The plant must be replanted correctly. It is important to use the right soil mix after repotting and choose an appropriate place for the plant.


More Related Articles

https://allthingsgardener.com/causes-of-overwatered-snake-plant/
https://allthingsgardener.com/fixing-snake-plant-root-rot/
https://allthingsgardener.com/how-to-cure-my-snake-plant-2021/

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