It is true that snake plants are hardy and can survive in even the most neglected environments, but this does not mean that they are completely disease and pest-proof. In what ways are snake plants afflicted by diseases and pests? This is something we’ve investigated, and we’ll let you know more about it in this post.
The following are the most common snake plant diseases and pests:
- Rotten roots
- The mealybugs
- Spider Mites
- Southern Blight
- Red Leaf Spot
It is important to recognize the symptoms of snake plant disease and pest issues in advance. It’s more likely that you’ll be able to save your snake plant if you catch the first signs of trouble early. Here are a few common problems to look for.
Snake Plant Diseases & Pests
Rotten Root
Root rot is a common problem with snake plants. In the colder months of the year, this usually results from over-watering the soil. The roots of the plants can die when the soil becomes infested with fungus due to room rot.
Soggy soil can encourage the growth of microbes such as Rhizoctonia and Pythium, which cause the roots of the snake plant to become infected.
This fungus causes the roots of the plant to become mushy and brown as they decay. The roots will not be able to absorb nutrients throughout the plant’s base into the foliage during this period.
As a result of the roots’ location below the surface of the soil, root rot can often go unnoticed. Around the base of a plant, root rot can give off a pungent and moldy smell. Snake plants can be killed by root rot in as little as eight days in extreme cases.
It is likely that your snake plant pot will develop root rot if it does not have sufficient drainage holes. If you are unable to buy a new pot immediately, you can create your own drainage holes using needle-nose pliers or sharp shears.
It’s best to keep the soil dry instead of too wet or overwatered for snake plants, but they do thrive on neglect. As soon as root rot spreads to the plant itself, it is extremely difficult to eliminate.
Typical Signs
Typically, brown, mushy roots form around the plant’s base. Over the next few days, your snake plant leaves will begin to yellow, droop, or wilt as the disease progresses. In addition to becoming mushy to the touch, flooded leaves can also get spongy.
How to Get Rid of It
Re-potting the snake plant is the most effective and efficient way to stop root rot. To repot the plant, you need to remove as much of the infected soil as possible before adding fresh soil. It is also helpful to add a mycorrhizal root treatment, as this creates a hostile environment for unwanted fungi and bacteria in the soil.
The new soil can also be supplemented with sulfur powder to help prevent further infection. Acidifying the soil and limiting bacteria and pathogens’ access to nutrients are the two main mechanisms by which sulfur works. Try separating your plant’s leaves and keeping the sections that are still healthy if root rot has spread throughout your whole plant. The sections can be re-potted with healthy soil and the cuttings can be used to start an entirely new plant.
How to Prevent It
Before watering your snake plant again, let the soil dry out completely. This will prevent root rot. Some snake plants may only require watering every 30-60 days, and even less during the winter months.
Mealybugs
Among the most common plants is the mealybug, not only among snake plants but also among many indoor and outdoor household plants. Due to their dry texture and pink color, these insects are covered in a waxy white substance that helps protect them from excessive heat and moisture loss.
When mealybugs populate a snake plant, they form colonies around the plant’s base and on its leaves. In just 5 to 8 days, Mealybugs will begin laying microscopic larvae on succulent plants.
Typical Signs
Your snake plant’s leaves might start to look deformed or develop small white spots if you notice that they have been infested by mealybugs. In case of an untreated mealybug infection, you will notice that the leaves of your snake plant begin to curl up, turn yellow, and eventually fall off.
The mealybugs inject an acidic toxin on the leaves of snake plants, weakening them. In a short amount of time, they can grow in large numbers and feed on the fluid inside leaves.
How to Get Rid of Them
Snake plant mealybugs can be treated by rubbing neem oil on the plant’s leaves or rinsing it in warm water. Alternatively, you can dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and apply it to each of the plant’s leaves.
As soon as the pests are removed, the cotton balls will appear pink and waxy. In order to ensure that the rubbing alcohol does not damage your snake plant leaves, it is always best to perform a quick test before treating the plant with it.
How to Prevent Mealybugs
Make sure your new snake plant is free of mealybugs when you bring it home from the nursery, as these pests can easily crawl from one indoor plant to another.
Keeping an infected snake plant quarantined is also best to prevent other plants from getting infected. Maintaining constant monitoring will ensure your snake plant stays free of mealybug infestations.
Spider Mites
Snake plant pests include spider mites. Pests that feed on the plant’s water inside leaves typically appear on the plant’s underside, and their bite marks and holes leave them weak. The discrete nature of spider mites makes them particularly troublesome. It may take days or even weeks before you notice any visible signs of their damage.
Typical Signs
The most common sign of a spider mite infestation is yellow or discolored leaves with holes throughout. Snake plant leaves and lower base may also be covered in white webbings.
How to Get Rid of It
Spider mites can be effectively eliminated by misting your snake plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Cotton swabs can also be used to clean the leaves individually. Spider mites are known to populate the underside of leaves.
The snake plant can also be rinsed completely with tepid water to remove the pests. Your snake plant may need to be pruned if the infestation is severe.
Preventing Spider Mites
The best way to keep spider mites away from your plants is to dust them periodically. It prevents spider mites from invading the plant and laying eggs on its leaves.
Southern Blight
Sclerotium rolfsii is responsible for Southern Blight, a common fungus found on snake plants. Snake plant stems are attacked by this fungus by penetrating and eating away at them over a period of days.
You will need to eradicate this fungus quickly because of its prolific nature, as it can kill your snake plant within 7 to 10 days.
Typical Signs
White spots, or nodules, often appear on the leaves of plants with this infection. As these leaves age, they will turn deep brown. In addition to wilting and softening of leaves, the fungus also causes tissues to break down, resulting in leaves appearing wet and soggy.
How to Get Rid of It
Fungicides are effective against Southern blight. The fungus can be eradicated with methyl bromide applied to the plant weekly.
How to Prevent It
It is best to avoid pots and containers with this fungus. Make sure to place your snake plant in fresh or disinfected containers.
To prevent fungus from growing at the roots of your snake plant, you also want to ensure that it has good airflow.
Red Leaf Spot
The red leaf spot can also strike snake plants. Drechslera erythrospila is responsible for this disease. When the fungus spores look for moist surfaces on leaves to adhere to, red leaf spots are more common during the warmer months.
Typical Signs
Red leaf spots are typically characterized by brownish-red dots on the leaves. Large liquid lesions may form on the leaves of the plant after the spot expands over days.
How to Get Rid of It
Using copper or sulfur-containing fungicides will also kill this fungus if you remove any affected leaves. Although the chemical treatment won’t eliminate the infection, it will prevent new spores from forming.
How to Prevent It
The best way to prevent red leaf spot on snake plants is to keep them out of standing water. You should also keep the leaves free-standing water and make sure the plant has adequate air flow.