Snake plants complement modern interior design well, making them one of the most coveted houseplants today.
The sleek, upright, and lush green leaves make them an attractive addition to any home or office. The low maintenance of Snake plants makes them popular as well as for aesthetic reasons.
As with every other plant, however, these plants are prone to leaf damage if not properly taken care of.
There are a few reasons why plants suffer leaf damage, and this guide will explain a few tips to reviving the plant.
Snake Plant Leaf Damage Types
A snake plant leaf shows different signs of damage depending on how it was damaged. Drooping, browning, and curling of the leaves are possible. Damaged leaf tips cease to grow once the tips are damaged. Snake plant leaves can be damaged in a number of ways, which you can avoid once you spot them:
Watering Problems
A snake plant is often overwatered. The roots of the plant are damaged first when the soil becomes waterlogged, which eventually affects the leaves. Snake plants should be planted in tough and coarse soil, such as cactus-friendly soil, in order to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. In the fall and winter, the interval between watering can be increased. During its growing season, the plant should be watered regularly. Before you water the plant again, the soil must be dry. When watering the plant, check the leaves to determine if it is getting enough water. Plants with healthy, green leaves indicate they are properly hydrated. You need to water your plants more if they have dull leaves.
Cold-damaged Leaves
Your plant’s growth is determined by the temperature it is exposed to. Snake plants can be damaged by temperatures below 55F, resulting in leaf scarring.Rather than wait for the leaves to scar, it is better to prevent the plant from such temperatures.During the daytime and at night, the snake plant does best when the temperature varies between 65F and 80F.
Pest Damage
Even if you are extremely careful, you should expect your snake plant to be infested with mealybugs or spider mites at some point. By sucking the sap from the leaves, these pests cause damage to the leaves and weaken the plant. Regularly check your plant’s leaves for damage to prevent these insects from harming it. Approximately every two weeks, wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Pest control is hard work, and it may infect other plants during the process so it is best to remove the entire plant when the infestation becomes out of hand. The mealybugs can be picked out from the plant by hand or by wiping the plant down with alcohol wipes. The presence of spider mites is not readily apparent. Make sure there is enough humidity around the plant to prevent pests. Spray the plant once every two weeks with neem oil or dish soap until all pests are gone.
Fungal Issues
Snake plant leaves with red spots and webbed growth are tell-tale signs that the plant may be suffering from a fungal infection. It is common for plants to die because of fungal issues. If not taken care of properly, the plant can wilt, turn soft, turn brown, and eventually die. Maintaining the plant’s environment in terms of water, temperature, soil, and leaf care is the only way to avoid fungal problems. To avoid fungal issues, the leaves of the plant must always be dry.
3 Tips to Save a Damaged Snake Plant Leaf
You may be experiencing leaf damage for a variety of reasons, as we discussed above. Fortunately, Snake plants are easy to maintain, and the problems that cause leaf damage are relatively straightforward. Similarly, the plant can easily fix the issues it faces. The following tips will help you revive the snake plant leaf:
Water Less Frequently
Snake plants do not like sitting in water and their roots become waterlogged quickly, so it is natural to want to water them regularly. Snake plants do not need to be watered weekly. Make sure you wait for the soil to dry before watering again between waterings. A yellow or brown leaf is an indication that it should not be watered often. To keep the plant hydrated, water it every two to three weeks.
Soil Issues
Watering your plant on schedule may not be enough if the soil doesn’t drain quickly. In addition, the plant is probably sitting in damp soil most of the time, which can clog the roots. Check if the soil is constantly moist with your fingers if you think this is the cause. Replace the damp soil with fresh, well-draining soil after checking it. A well-draining soil specially designed for succulent plants, such as cacti, is ideal for snake plants. Snake plants have evolved in natural conditions, which is why this type of soil is ideal for growing them.
Pot With Drainage Holes
Snake plants must be planted in well-draining soil.
The holes in the bottom of pots are great for draining stagnant water.
Get a well-draining soil for your plant if it isn’t already in one so that the soil and roots aren’t damp.
3 Ways to Prevent Snake Plant Leaf Damage
Snake plant leaves become damaged when they lack something or receive too much of a certain substance. It is important for your snake plant to achieve the right balance so that the leaves will not be damaged! Snake plants are easy to overwater or plant in the wrong soil mix if you are a first-time snake plant owner. Most mistakes are reversible, fortunately. As well as the basics, such as watering on time, sunlight, and gritty soil, you’ll need to take a few additional steps to keep your plant healthy.
- Pruning improves the appearance of the plant. Keeping the plant healthy requires pruning off damaged leaves.
- Cleaning the surface of the leaves periodically with clean tissue paper will help keep them dust-free and free from bugs.
- Ideally, you should repot your snake plant every once in a while, but because houseplants grow more slowly than outdoor plants, you can repot it every 2-3 years to keep it healthy.