In any space, snake plants add stunning architectural appeal to any décor and go well with nearly any décor. Generally speaking, Sansevieria is a hardy house plant and thrives inside.
The leaves of their plants can become wrinkled, curled, or otherwise shriveled from time to time.
The leaves may seem wrinkled, and you may be wondering what caused them to get wrinkled. You don’t have to wonder anymore – we’re here to help you get to the bottom of the matter.
Snake plant leaves wrinkle as a result of environmental and physiological conditions.
Underwatering and/or cold drafts usually cause snake plants’ leaves to wrinkle. Insect infestation can also occur when there is excessive watering, low humidity and diseases. Poor nutrition, low light exposure, and excessive fertilizer use are the less likely causes.
Your precious houseplants should have a real reason for their demise before you attempt to revive them.
Keep reading to discover four easy ways you can restore your snake plant’s healthy leaves once they become wrinkled.
Wrinkled Snake Plant Leaves: What causes them?
Underwatering
Snake plant leaves usually fall victim to extreme dehydration first as is the case with most plants.
Houseplants develop deep wrinkles on the leaves when they aren’t watered as often as they need to. It is possible for these lines to be of various lengths and depths.
Additionally to wrinkles, taller leaves may become limp, leggy, and floppy.
Their tips and edges might become brown and appear lifeless. Generally speaking, this is not much of an issue, which can be rectified with immediate watering.
Getting snake plant leaves to fold and twist in unsightly circles and loops is the last thing you want. However, it can also be caused by underwatering.
In addition to dry potting soil, stunted growth, and dry edges, other signs of an underwater snake plant include those noted above.
Leaves can become brittle, curl up, go brown, or wilt after being dehydrated. First signs of leaf dehydration are usually seen at the lower leaves before spreading upward.
Since root rot is not induced by lack of moisture, if waterlogging is the issue, it will be absent.
Snake Plant Leaves Wrinkled Due To Under Watering
House plants like snake plants are generally tough. To recover from a case of dehydration, they don’t require too much water. You should water your plants at least once every 14-28 days.
Different plants require different amounts and frequencies of watering. You must also consider the size of the pot, the quality of the potting soil mix, and the season.
If your plants don’t receive enough water during the hot summer months, you will have to water them more frequently.
The soil in the pot may need loosening before watering if it has become compacted.
Once you hit the sweet spot, water your plant often, then gradually reduce the frequency.
When watered properly, your snake plant’s leaves will begin to unfurl within days.
Also, the foliage becomes vibrant, free of blemishes, and upright. Keep them from getting too watered, since it can do more damage than good.
Overwatering
The snake plants may suffer if they are overwatered. The leaves of these succulents tend to be fleshy, lush, and thick, so they store a lot of water. Although there may be more than enough of a good thing, there may not be enough of it.
Snake plants become waterlogged when they become overwatered, which prevents them from getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
These problems usually occur in winter when succulents should be watered sparingly.
Occasionally watered snake plants will get edematous leaves, which will cause the twigs and leaves to rupture.
Eventually, leaves become wrinkly, corky brown, and ultimately turn yellow.
The root rot that waterlogged snake plants become is even more concerning.
Root rot is a fungal disease that hinders the plants ability to absorb nutrients, water, and function properly.
Snake plant leaves get wrinkled because they get overwatered.
Make sure the potting mix and roots are healthy. Soil that feels waterlogged (soggy to the touch) should be doused with water until it has dried out a bit on the top inch. If the roots of large plants appear to be rotted, you can remove them.
In the case of rotten roots, they will appear soft, blackish, and commonly emit a foul smell. To prepare for transplant, rinse the roots with antifungal agent and trim off any damaged roots.
Snake plants may be doomed if all the roots are soft, black and completely unraveled.
A fast-draining cactus mix is a good temporary replacement for a cactus plant in a small pot. The top layer of soil (about an inch thick) has to dry out completely before you begin watering again.
Root Rot
Root rot can be caused or aggravated by excessive watering or waterlogging. Root rot is usually characterized by yellowed or wrinkled leaves.
So, the roots cannot absorb enough nutrients, water, and oxygen when the potting mix is waterlogged (funny, right?)
Check the roots for fungal diseases by popping out the plant.
It is very likely that the snake plant will not survive if its roots are black and feel almost jelly soft.
You can still nurture a snake plant back to health if you notice some sturdy, white roots.
Root Rot Wrinkled Snake Plant Leaves How to Fix
Especially if the plant was initially large and healthy, root rot may go unnoticed for a long time. It is either absent or barely noticeable that roots are rotting.
Immediately stop watering the plant if it appears to be causing leaf wrinkling.
It is best to treat diseased roots with charcoal powder or antifungal formula in addition to healthy ones.
A fast-draining pot mix can also be used to transplant your plant. You must wait for the top inch of soil to dry out before rewatering.
Mistake in Fertilizer Application
The leaves of your snake plant can also dry out and curl if sprayed with the wrong fertilizer.
The snake plant is an exceptionally self-reliant species that doesn’t require regular fertilizer application.
A fertilizer application of once a month or two during the summer months should be OK during the fast-growing period. Yellowing leaves are a warning sign to watch for.
To supplement zinc, magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, you may need to apply a houseplant fertilizer.
Excess fertilizer application can damage leaves and roots, however
A wrinkled leaf, brown tip, or a yellowed leaf are typical signs of occurrence. Often burnt leaves curl up inwards and appear curled.
Fixing Snake Plant Leaves Wrinkled Due To Fertilizer Application Mistake
If your snake plant leaves wrinkle because you applied too much fertilizer, you can get rid of the excess by flushing the potting mix with a lot of water. When the soil no longer feels damp or waterlogged, repot the plant.
Organic, all-purpose fertilizers formulated for houseplants are recommended. Almost all home improvement and gardening stores sell quality bags.
Consider applying fertilizer during the growth boom seasons (which are spring and summer). If you wish to apply, you should do so early in the spring and again in the summer.
All-natural alternatives are always preferable (well-drained compost will work).
In addition to being environmentally-friendly, it is also slow-releasing, which means less pressure on the root system.
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