Snake plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow, which makes them very popular among homeowners. That doesn’t mean there will be no problem such as snake plant grow fungus. This hardy succulent is also known as Snakeskin Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue because of its reputation for being virtually indestructible. Nevertheless, snake plants can also succumb to problems, leaving you scratching your head in wonder, trying to figure out why your snake plant is dying and how to fix it.
The snake plant in my house is dying. What’s going on? The most common reasons for your snake plant’s death are root rot, extreme temperature variations, insect infestations, or snake plant grow fungus . The process of troubleshooting snake plants is relatively straightforward and most problems can be identified and treated easily.
Snake Plant Grow Fungus
Many people, even those who aren’t very adept at gardening, are fond of snake plants because of their adaptability to grow. This guide will cover everything you need to get started growing snake plants. Even the best green thumbs can have problems with the following.
Southern Blight
Various houseplants, garden plants and trees can be attacked by Sclerotium rolfsii, a parasitic fungus. Typically, it causes lethal results, particularly in humid, warm conditions. Southern blight infects plants by penetrating the stem and causing them to succumb quickly. After a week or ten days, external symptoms appear, which indicate an infection.
In the beginning, all that can be seen on the leaves is white, but then they change to a dark brown color. The leaves of Snake Plant grow fungus will show wilting and white thread-like growths as well as wet, swollen areas of dying plant tissues. Treatments with fungicides such as methyl bromide are effective in treating southern blight in houseplants, but you should remove the diseased tissue in only one plant instead of using chemical treatment.
When bringing new plants into your home, inspect them for infestation and maintain good airflow around each Snake Plant.
Red Leaf Spot
Drechslera erythrospila causes red leaf spot, another fungal disease. The most common time for this disease to occur is during the spring and summer months when temperatures are warmer, but it can affect houseplants year-round. Leaf spots are caused by fungal spores in the air sticking to damp surfaces.
How Do I Get Rid of the Mold or Fungus on My Plant Soil?
Cinnamon is considered a natural anti-fungal by some gardeners. If cinnamon doesn’t work, Gaumond suggests trying a fungicide spray for houseplants or a homemade baking soda and water mixture. Any solution you are using on your plant should be tested on a small area first. As soon as you have removed and treated the mold, you need to determine what caused it to grow in the first place. Identify the root cause, then adjust your plant care accordingly.
Cleaning Up The Mold
You can often simply scrape the mold off the surface of the soil and place the pot in a well-ventilated area so that the soil can dry. In case the mold returns or the soil remains soggy, you should repot the plant using fresh, sterile potting soil. For the next time you plan to use this pot, soak it for 10 minutes in a solution of household bleach and 9 parts water and then wash it with soap and water.
Wet soil can encourage saprophytic fungi and can lead to more serious problems, including root rot. Watering properly allows the plant to get all of the water it needs without leaving the soil overly wet. Houseplants should only be watered as needed. In general, plant pots should be watered when the soil is dry at a depth of two inches. The soil should be watered 1 inch deep when the soil in small pots is dry. In a pot with holes at the bottom, add water slowly until the water runs out. A bowl should be emptied as soon as excess water drains out.
Even the best watering techniques won’t prevent soggy soil if the pot doesn’t drain well. Plant containers must have drainage holes in the bottom, and saucers should catch the water that drains from them. It is recommended to fill the bottom of the pot with broken crockery or small pebbles to improve drainage and prevent soil from clogging the holes. For a 6-inch pot, one inch is necessary, and for a 12-inch pot, two inches. Make sure that the holes are not blocked periodically.