Snake Plants are less difficult to care for than many other houseplants, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own set of issues! Soft snake plant leaves are one of the most typical problems that Snake Plant parents face. However, there is one advantage to this problem: there aren’t many causes of soft Snake Plant leaves, which makes identifying and correcting the problem quite simple. The most prevalent causes are listed below, along with what to do once you’ve found the issue.
Soft Snake Plant Leaves Cause; Overwatering
Overwatering is the leading cause of mushy Snake Plant leaves in 99 percent of cases. Sansevierias don’t require a lot of water, so even if you’re careful, their soil can rapidly become saturated. The roots will decay, and the leaves will become soft and mushy as a result.
If you notice mushy leaves on your Snake Plant, the first thing you should do is examine the quantity of moisture in the soil and the root system’s health. If the soil is extremely damp, remove it from the plant’s roots and completely replenish the potting mix. Trim away the dead and mushy areas of your Snake Plant’s root system so that it can begin to heal.
This is the most prevalent symptom of a snake plant that has been overwatered. Succulents are what your snake plant is. As a result, it can store water in its leaves for later use.
However, if you give it more water than it can tolerate, the snake leaves will get soggy or mushy. Mold on the foliage or wrinkling leaves are also possible.
Soft Snake Plant Leaves; Drainage Issues
It’s possible that poor drainage of the soil and pot, rather than your watering schedule, is causing your Snake Plant’s leaves to become soft and mushy. By mixing in a small amount of perlite, you can simply improve the amount of drainage and aeration in the pot. Water will flow much more easily in and out of the drainage holes in your pots as a result of this (you should also check to make sure your pots have drainage holes). Another simple step is to place a few small stones or pebbles in the bottom of your pots to prevent clumps of soil from blocking the drainage openings.
Although clay or terracotta pots are more expensive and more likely to shatter, their benefits go far beyond aesthetics. Your Snake Plant will most likely arrive in a cheap plastic container, which is fantastic for nurseries and plant stores but not so great for the health of your plant. Because terracotta plants are permeable, part of the water evaporates through the pot’s sides. This isn’t the case with plastic pots, which makes it much easy to overwater them.
Soft Snake Plant Leaves; Too Much Humidity
Humidity is the only other major factor that might cause your Snake Plant’s leaves to get mushy, aside from watering. Snake plants grow in medium to low humidity environments and don’t require any special care. If the leaves are moist for an extended period of time, they may decay and become mushy.
Make sure your Snake Plant isn’t near a humidifier or isn’t misted on a frequent basis. If your home is naturally humid, consider investing in a dehumidifier or relocating your plant away from high-humidity sources like the stove or showers.
Should I Remove the Soft Snake Plant leaves?
We always advocate cutting any leaves that are ill or dying so that energy and nutrients can be saved for the plant’s healthy sections. It means you won’t be wasting your time attempting to keep these squishy leaves alive. Plus, trimming away the mushy leaves will make your plant seem much better, which is an added advantage!