Snake plants are easy to grow and have a unique look. Both experienced gardeners and beginners love it for this reason. That is why when snake plant die, beginners will wonder why my snake plant die.
This hardy perennial succulent has a reputation for being nearly indestructible, and it’s commonly called Viper’s bowstring hemp or Mother-in-law’s tongue. It can, however, suffer from some problems as well, like any houseplant. Read on to learn about some common problems and remedies to prevent your snake plant from dying if it is showing symptoms of illness and you are trying to figure out what is wrong with it.
Why Snake Plant Die
After you know what symptoms snake plants show when they are ill, let’s look at some underlying problems that can lead to these problems. It doesn’t matter how good you are at gardening, the following can still affect your plants.
I will explain four of the most common problems that can kill a snake plant in this post. Try reading my other posts that cover more symptoms and solutions if you didn’t find the answer here.
Snake Plant Die Cause by Rotting Roots
In snake plants, root rot is one of the most common issues. The chances of this happening are higher during the winter.
Overwatering isn’t always caused by pouring too much water on plants. There is either too much water on the soil or the plant receives too much water. The roots of plants can be suffocated and oxygen intake hampered if wet soil is soaked. Nutrients cannot be absorbed by the roots. Overgrown soil fungi, decaying roots, and declining plant health are the results.
Because of the first signs of root rot occurring beneath the soil surface and out of sight, root rot often goes undetected. The roots of healthy plants become darker in color until they turn dark brown. This can start in some parts of the roots and spread to the whole root system. The texture of the roots also changes from firm to soft and mushy. Foliage begins to turn yellow, mushy, and droop as the rot progresses. Stinky roots and bad-smelling leaves are sure signs of root rot. It is possible for root rot to kill a plant completely within a week in extreme cases.
Snake Plant Caused by Cold Damage
Snake plants grow better in warmer climates since they are native to tropical Africa. However, they cannot tolerate temperatures below 50-55°F (10-12°C). During winter, snake plants may suffer from cold damage if left outdoors.
A snake plant is a succulent whose leaves store water. Plant cells can be frozen with frosting. The cell walls of leaves are damaged when they are exposed to freezing temperatures. The injury disrupts the flow of water and nutrients through the leaf, causing the leaves to perish from dehydration. Even if the soil is dry, the roots will remain safe. While still moist, the plant can die in a few days when it freezes.
Leaf scarring can occur when snake plants are damaged by cold. Frosting can cause leaves to become soft, limp, and mushy. They might develop light brown marks or bruises and start drooping. Affected roots also become mushy and slowly rot away.
Low temperatures permanently damage the leaves, and there is no way to restore them to normal. It is only possible to remove swollen or wilted leaves by cutting them away. Use sterile and sharp tools to prune heavy damage from the leaves. Over-pruning can further stress the plant, so keep healthy foliage intact. Discard the plant if there are no healthy roots.
Snake Plant Die Caused by Fungal Problems
A wet soil/leaf can cause fungal problems, such as southern blight and red leaf spot. Especially the leaves can be used to identify them. Plants of over 500 species, including numerous houseplants, are susceptible to southern blight, a parasitic fungus. The growth of the disease seems to be facilitated by warm, moist conditions. Infected plants become infected quickly by southern blight. External symptoms of infection will appear within seven to ten days.
Snake plant red leaf spot is also a common fungal disease. During the spring and summer, when temperatures are warm, it is common to infect houseplants, but it can happen any time of year. Young leaves grow at the center of a rosette are affected the most by red leaf spot.
Symptoms of southern blight appear as water-soaked lesions on leaves. The soil line is surrounded by a white carpet of cottony growth later in the process. Eventually, it becomes hard and dark brown in color.
There are also wet, softened areas of dying plant tissue on the affected leaves. Red leaf spot is characterized by small reddish brown spots with tan centers on leaves. In time, the spots expand and coalesce to form large, sunken lesions.
In the early stages of infestations, sulfur sprays or fungicides can be used. By preventing spores from germinating, chemical treatments do not eradicate the current infection, but control its spread. A dry plant is necessary to prevent the foliar stage of fungus.. To prevent the spread of infection, remove the affected parts completely.
This is actually the worst possible scenario for snake plants, since snakes are very tough plants. The plants will generally run smoothly, but you need to follow these principles.
Ensure that the soil is dry before watering.
Plants should be kept within their range of temperatures.
Bright but indirect light is best.
Use a free-draining potting