If we do not take immediate measures to save our snake plant before it develops root rot, it is not likely to make it. Since the majority of us have never seen root rot before, this guide will tell us everything we need to know about this problem.
The primary cause of snake plant root rot is overwatering. Because of a lack of oxygen in the growing medium, root rot takes over the roots. Because the snake plant is a succulent, it prefers dry, well-draining soil. A heavy soil mix and poor drainage can also cause its roots to rot.
Snake plants are most vulnerable to being overwatered easily, and as a result they can develop root rot. Whenever the plant is overwatered, it should not be neglected.
In this guide, we will discuss how we can prevent root rot by avoiding such other situations that cause root rot issues.
This guide will help simplify your problems, including how to recognize the signs, causes, and treatment of snake plant root rot.
Signs of root rot in snake plant
Since the symptoms are similar to other disorders, it is hard to tell if there is a problem with the roots.
Before we can conclude it is with the roots, we need to analyze the situation and list all the possible causes.
Snake plants are sending us some signs and signals that the roots are having problems.
If we want our plant to thrive, then we must act fast, as we might lose our beautiful plants if we neglect them for too long.
See how snake plant roots are affected by root rot.
- Foul Smell from the soil or roots
- Yellow leaves or Brown leaves
- Snake plants not growing
- Brown, mushy and flaky roots
- Droopy or wilted leaves
- Brown tips
Let’s take a closer look at the signs in more detail.
Foul smell from the soil or roots
Did you notice a foul smell from your snake plants’ roots or does your potting soil smell?
Yes, if you answered yes to the question above, you are likely dealing with root rot.
The root rot smell is an indicator that action needs to be taken right away.
You should be able to detect the foul smell of the soil very quickly.
Check the color of the leaves as well. If the leaves look familiar, you might have a chance.
Yellow or brown leaves
Indicators such as the leaves can indicate whether the plant has a disease or if it has a problem.
When it comes to Snake plants, what happens?
Snake plant leaves turn yellow to brown and start falling off when they are overwatered or have a root rot situation.
Check the leaves to see if they are yellow.
It is also possible that pests are feeding upon new leaves, and as a result, the leaves change to yellow in color.
Begin by eliminating the possibility that the plant has been damaged by a pest. Next, check the soil. If it is wet and not on the dry side, then it could be that the plant has been overwatered and is infected with root rot.
Snake plants not growing
The snake plant grows during the spring and summer. Winter is the dormant period for the snake plant.
If the plant does not grow during the dormant period, then it is normal for the houseplant.
The plant may not be showing signs of growth if it has just been picked up from the nursery or garden.
To adapt to environmental situations, new plants require a period of time.
However, if your plants are still not growing despite the fact that you’ve given them feed over the growing season, then it could be stunted growth.
It is very likely that the snake plant has been over fertilized, but if not, it may also be suffering from root rot.
Brown, mushy and flaky roots
When snake plants are healthy, their roots are white and crusty. If a root rot situation is identified, the snake plants must be removed from the stock.
The roots will eventually turn brown or black if they show any sign of rotting.
You will not be able to see the roots when you feel them, as they will feel soft instead of crisp when experiencing root rot.
You may need to dig the soil a bit, which could be a pain. However, what would be more fun, Saving the plant or wasting your time?
Answering the question is the key to the solution.
When the roots have rotted, they will attract pests to your houseplant, which will destroy it even more.
Droopy or wilted leaves
Snake plant leaves that are drooping and wilting are mostly due to stress and environmental conditions.
The leaves of the snake plant begin to droop when they are stressed.
Also, if the plant is moved from one extreme to another, it could cause the leaves to wilt.
Watering issues are a big reason for the leaves drooping, though, not stress.
If the snake plant is underwatered or overwatered, the leaves will droop but if it is overwatered, it will cause root rot.
This is why we must feel the soil, and if it is wet, there has been too much watering and the plant could develop root rot.
Brown Tips
Brown tips develop on snake plants for a few reasons, like leaf burn due to direct sunlight.
Root rot can also be caused by an overfertilized snake plant.
Even experienced professionals can fall prey to this rookie mistake.
Snake plants have a very small requirement for feed, and only during the growing season. If the leaves are fed more for longer periods, they will turn brown.
It is possible that the excess feed will lead to leggy growth or stunted growth of the plants if left unchecked.
Additionally, neglected snake plants may rot from the roots.
Therefore, remember to reduce the dosage.
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