If your once-lush snake plant is looking a little worse for wear don’t fret—with a little TLC you can bring it back to life. Here’s how:
First assess the damage. If your snake plant’s leaves are looking brown and crispy it’s probably due to too much direct sunlight. Conversely if the leaves are looking mushy and yellow it’s likely because the plant is not getting enough sunlight.
Once you’ve determined the cause of the problem take corrective action. If the plant is getting too much sun move it to a shadier spot. If it’s not getting enough sun move it to a sunnier location.
In addition to adjusting the plant’s light exposure you’ll also need to water it more or less frequently depending on the problem. If the leaves are brown and crispy the plant is probably being underwatered. Water the plant deeply making sure that the water runs through the drainage holes in the pot. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If the leaves are mushy and yellow on the other hand the plant is probably being overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again and be sure to reduce the frequency with which you water the plant overall.
Once you’ve adjusted the light exposure and watering schedule your snake plant should start to look better. With a little time and patience it will be back to its old self in no time!
How often should you water a snake plant?
Answer: Snake plants should be watered about once a week allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings.
What type of potting mix is best for a snake plant?
Answer: A well-draining potting mix is best for snake plants.
You can mix your own potting mix by combining equal parts of perlite peat moss and coarse sand.
What is the ideal temperature for a snake plant?
Answer: Snake plants prefer warm temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much sunlight does a snake plant need?
Answer: Snake plants can tolerate low light conditions but they prefer bright indirect light.
How can you tell if a snake plant needs more water?
Answer: The best way to tell if a snake plant needs more water is to stick your finger into the soil.
If the soil is dry up to your first knuckle it’s time to water the plant.
How can you tell if a snake plant needs less water?
Answer: If the leaves of your snake plant are drooping it’s likely that the plant needs less water.
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering the plant again.
What are some common pests that can infest a snake plant?
Answer: Some common pests that can infest a snake plant include mealybugs spider mites and scale.
What is the best way to control pests on a snake plant?
Answer: The best way to control pests on a snake plant is to isolate the plant from infested plants and to keep the plant clean by regularly wiping down the leaves.
What type of fertilizer is best for a snake plant?
Answer: A well-balanced all-purpose fertilizer is best for snake plants.
Apply the fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season.
How can you tell if a snake plant is getting too much fertilizer?
Answer: If the leaves of your snake plant start to turn yellow it’s likely that the plant is getting too much fertilizer.
Cut back on fertilizer applications and flush the soil with water to remove excess fertilizer.
How often should you repot a snake plant?
Answer: Snake plants should be repotted every two to three years or when they start to outgrow their pot.
What are some signs that a snake plant needs to be repotted?
Answer: Some signs that a snake plant needs to be repotted include roots that are coming out of the drainage holes or leaves that are starting to yellow.
How can you revive a snake plant that is wilting?
Answer: If a snake plant is wilting it is likely that the plant is not getting enough water.
Water the plant thoroughly and make sure that the soil is allowed to dry out in between waterings.
How can you revive a snake plant that is yellowing?
Answer: If a snake plant is yellowing it is likely that the plant is getting too much water or too much fertilizer.
Cut back on watering and fertilizer applications and make sure that the soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
What are some common problems that can kill a snake plant?
Answer: Some common problems that can kill a snake plant include overwatering underwatering and pests.
