Sansevierias, also known as snake plants, are among the hardiest indoor plants.
Modern and trendy, their sleek, straight-standing leaves complement any indoor decor.
You need to be aware of the snake plant’s most common affliction, which is soft or mushy foliage.
The problem of soft leaves is relatively straightforward, and it is usually caused by a single problem, so it is also easy to identify.
Why Snake Plant Leaves Become Soft
If your snake plant leaves turn soft, it’s likely due to overwatering or root rot.
The following are some reasons why the leaves of your Snake plant may have become soft:
Overwatering
The roots of snake plants can become saturated fairly easily when the plant is overwatered. Sansevierias are extremely sensitive to overwatering, so this is a very common occurrence.
The snake plant’s roots can rot as a result.
You should inspect the roots of your plant when the plant’s leaves become mushy. You can check the moisture levels in the soil after lifting the plant.
It is best to remove the roots from the container if the soil is damp and then lightly dust off any soil that remains.
You should completely replace the soil or potting mix so that there is no moisture left in the container.
A trim of the rotten or mushy roots would be beneficial to your plant.
Your plant will recover and grow normally if you follow the above steps.
Drainage
It is possible that the cause of mushy leaves lies in the way the water is being drained, even when you think you are watering adequately.
The first thing you can check is whether the soil is porous enough and whether your pot drains well.
Adding perlite to your soil mix and planting the Snake plant in a container with holes in the bottom will ensure smooth drainage.
This process is easier if you add small stones or pebbles so that the soil does not form clumps at the bottom of the pot.
Snake plants are usually sold in plastic pots from the nursery, which does not provide sustainability to the plant.
Clay or terracotta are good materials for pots since they are easily breakable and expensive.
Water evaporates more easily from these pots due to the material they are made from.
Humidity
Low and average humidity conditions are favorable to snake plants.
As a result, too much humidity makes the plants mushy and weak.
The Snake plant can be damaged if it is kept near humidifiers or misted frequently.
If your snake plant is kept in a highly humid room, move it or buy a dehumidifier if your house tends to be humid most of the time.
What Can Be Done To Fix Soft Snake Plant Leaves?
Having to deal with soft Snake plant leaves is a common problem for many plant owners since the chances of overwatering the plant are high.
As soon as you find some mushy leaf parts, examine the soil and plant roots.
In most cases, overwatering, bad drainage, or humidity are the main causes of root rot.
You can fix this problem by following these steps:
- Place the plant in a fresh potting mix after removing it from its damp soil. Roots that have gone mushy or damp should be cut off if the rot has spread.
- If your plant is kept in a plastic container, replace it with a terracotta or clay pot so that excess water drains.
- In rooms that get too humid, move the snake plant to a less humid room or buy a dehumidifier so that the leaves do not turn soft.
Let’s learn more about how you can prevent this issue altogether in the next section.
How to Avoid Soft Leaves On Your Snake Plant
Snake plants lose their charm when their leaves become soft, and if not taken care of immediately, may lose all their leaves. You can do a few things to help –
Maintain Regular Leaf Inspections
Check the leaves of your plants regularly so you can determine when root rot or waterlogging has set in. In most cases, you will only lose a few leaves, which you can easily prune back. With a clean knife or blade, pruning can be done quite easily. Leaves should be cut close to their bases, as close to the soil as possible. Plants’ energy is wasted on soft leaves, which are not required. This can also be done with other damaged leaves. Leaves can naturally fall off when they are dry. Pruning a plant once in a while helps to maintain its appearance and conserve its energy.
Clean the Leaves
Make sure the leaves remain shiny by cleaning their surfaces. By cleaning, you can also see if the leaves have changed in texture. It is not only a root rot issue, but also a sign of insect infestation when a change of feel or texture occurs. Wipe down each leaf with dry tissue paper to clean it.
Repotting
Repotting is necessary when your plant has outgrown its container or if it is experiencing drainage problems. The plant grows faster and receives fresh nutrients from it. Snake plants do not require regular potting; once a year or twice a year will be sufficient as long as the plant is healthy.