A classic favorite for indoor plants is the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata). The human body can tolerate a great deal of unfavorable conditions and even thrive in them. But that is doesn’t mean there will be no problem such as snake plant cracking.
It does not require so much attention and can certainly survive for a long time. Our snake plants are prone to splitting their leaves, a common problem we encounter while raising them.
The snake plant’s leaves are its main attraction. When your snake plants lose their leaves, it’s a major turn off. The plant will be ugly if it is split because it will lose its variegated appearance. It’s not the end of the world.
If you want to fix them, there are ways to do so. Now let’s move on to finding solutions to this problem.
Snake Plant Cracking Causes
Low Humidity
Leaves of snake plants often crack or split due to low humidity. Low humidity causes more water to evaporate from leaves, causing them to dehydrate more quickly and then it causes snake plant cracking. Therefore, leaves split or crack due to low moisture content.
You can mist the leaves every day when it happens. If you have a humidifier, you can use it. If you want to raise humidity around snake plants, your DIY pebble tray method works fine. Keeping the snake plant pot on top of some pebbles and water (just put some on a tray)
Pets
Unfortunately, your cute dogs or cats might be the culprit, and yeah, they probably caused the snake plant cracking. Indoor plants are definitely threatened by pets. Despite knowing that they are ruining them, they love playing with them.
Cooling plants make them want to hang around them. Your roaming pets should not be able to reach the plant if you keep it in a safe place. Keep your pets away from snake plants as well since they are mildly toxic to them. Protect them with a makeshift enclosure such as a barricade. Plants should be elevated from the floor using large pots and/or plant holders. Don’t let the pets mess with the rest of your household.
If you notice that your pets are damaging your plants, don’t get frustrated. The balance between them will definitely teach you a lot. Keeping trying is the key!
Mishandling
When you move around your snake plants and aren’t careful, you’ll cause them physical harm. It’s best to make a plan before you rearrange and move the books from place to place.
Aim to minimize movements so they don’t get scratched, split, or spilled.
Organize your thoughts accordingly. All the potted plants should be removed from the room, starting with the smallest and working your way up. Rearrange your interior and carefully place each plant in its new location. Overcrowding is not a good idea around your snake plant, especially if you have many other plants indoors.
Handling your plants properly requires certain techniques and methods. As you plant, you’ll learn more about them.
Extreme Temperature
Even though snake plants are easily tolerable, an excessive amount of water would be harmful. Plants generally suffer from stress when temperatures reach extreme levels. Temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 Fahrenheit (15-27 °C) are ideal for snake plants. The skin will be scarred by extremes of temperature.
Particularly not tolerant of cold temperatures, snake plants dislike temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). It’s crucial to keep your plant properly watered during the winter months.
Keep them out of places with extreme temperatures such as heaters and air conditioners where they can be exposed for a long period of time. If you have plants on your window sill, cover them with a shade so they’re insulated. Place them in a new location whenever necessary, especially when it is too cold or too hot. Even if you are wary of temperature changes, your plants can be harmed if you aren’t careful. Keep a habit of checking on them every so often.
How To Prevent Snake Plant Cracking
Now let’s talk about how you can prevent your snake plants leaves from splitting. Good care and ensuring the requirements of the snake plant will help you prevent this problem. Your soil will play a major role in the success of your planting. Ensure that it is rich in organic matter, well-drained, free of fungus, and has an ideal pH (5 to 6.5).
Be sure you mix soil amendments in the right amount before potting. Ensure that your snake plants are in a favourable environment. Choose the place that is partially shaded. Additionally, make sure that the plants are not overcrowded and that they have a stable placement to avoid mechanical damage. Make sure the environment is dry.
Seasonal schedules may differ. It’s best to do it every week if it’s dry. A monthly visit is sufficient in the winter and when it’s cold.
Before watering again, let the soil become dry first. Don’t forget that you’re dealing with living creatures that need your attention. You should always be hands-on with your plants.
Observe their behavior and how they respond to the changing environment. A problem should be diagnosed early in order to prevent further setbacks.
Do your research before making a decision. Once you learn how to plant snake plants, you’ll be surprised at the amount of information you’ll learn.