Smooth, shiny leaves on snake plants can withstand a wide range of cultural conditions.
They will have a variety of different problems if the condition remains unfavorable for long.
One of them is white spots. What causes snake plants to develop white spots, and how can we rectify the same?
Among the most common causes of white spots in a snake plant are overwatering,
…pest infestation, and mold.
Take the necessary actions to keep pests away by appropriately watering your snake plant.
The white spots on snake plants can also be caused by inadequate lighting,
…overfertilization, and repeated repotting.
Plants can be vulnerable to pests, insects, fungi, and diseases….
…because of improper lighting, watering, and other cultural practices.
The snake plant needs some attention,
…so you should know about its needs and how to take care of them.
By ignoring them, one can create unwanted problems as well as potentially exterminate them.
To have a better understanding of white spots on snake plants, let’s go through the following.
So..
What Causes White Spots in Snake Plants?
There can be several reasons for white spots on snake plants. They could be:
- Molds
- Pests
- Low-Light
- Poor drainage
- Pruning
- Watering issues
- Repotting
- Fertilizing
In order to avoid white spots in snake plants, let’s learn more about some of the most common problems as well as how to fix them.
Snake plants may develop white spots if their water is too salty.
Watering snake plants with tap water can cause problems..
…in the plant due to fluoride and excess salt.
Salt remains on your plants after you water them, but the water rapidly evaporates.
With time, the salts accumulate and can result in white spots that can even limit the plant’s growth.
They can also lead to bacterial and fungal growth.
This can be avoided or more effectively stopped by watering the plants with filtered water.
The excess salt will remain in the bucket overnight if this is not possible.
Water the plants with the water in the morning.
Snake plant white spots are caused by pest infestation.
Plants like snake plants aren’t too sensitive to pests, but they can get afflicted.
The snake plants could become weaker due to pest infestation.
Pests consume the snake plant sap, which can in turn cause molds on the leaves
…and stunt the plant’s growth.
Snake plants need to be checked regularly because pests can lead to their demise.
Learn what this pest does to your plants and what you can do to get rid of it.
Do you know what are they?
Mealy bugs
A mealybug appears with white cotton masses on the plant and has a soft body.
It is then drawn out by inserting the mouth-string into the plant and sucking out the sap.
In addition to leaf yellowing, white molds, curling, and weak plants,
…a higher number of mealybugs can cause several issues.
Use the following methods to tackle the mealybug invasion on your plant.
- The infected parts of the plant must be isolated and pruned off the plant.
- Cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol should be applied to the insects.
- One tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, one tablespoon of vegetable oil, and one cup of water should be mixed and sprayed every few days until it is controlled.
- After 10 days of soaking in water, the rice has fermented and converted into ethyl alcohol. The liquid is sprayed directly onto the plant with a spray bottle, and after one to fifteen minutes the plant is rinsed with plain filtered water.
- The insecticidal pesticides available on the market are very effective on these bugs. Use these only on the last resort to kill pests and damage their outer bodies. However, they dehydrate and ultimately kill the pests.
- You can mix 1 tsp of neem oil with 1 gallon of water and spray every 7-14 days as required to slow down the growth of mealy bugs.
Spider mites on snake plant
Spider mites are relatives of spiders sucking tissues and spreading their webs on the leaves.
The leaves are oval-shaped and tan, as well as yellow and white spots.
They can continue to possess an infestation for years to come.
We will discuss some ways of controlling and treating the infestation of spider mites.
Plants that are infested should be isolated, infected parts must be removed, and discarded.
A strong stream of water should be used to wash the plant.
These steps will make it easier for you to get rid of large numbers of pests.
A long list of troublesome pests is attacked using biological insecticides.
It provides better protection than chemical pesticides and eliminates population explosions caused by insect pests. Applied weekly.
The infected plant parts should be sprayed with a mixture of pure neem and water.
Re-apply every few days for complete eradication.
They kill pest eggs and disrupt the pest’s reproductive cycle.
In combination with water, hydrogen peroxide will kill spider mites.
You can kill visible pests with rubbing alcohol.
Preventing pest attack in snake plant
By preventing the issue from establishing and sucking the life out of your plant,
…you can save yourself and your plant from the hassle.
You need to check the plant regularly to control any infestations or other issues before they take over.
Make sure your snake plant does not receive too much water or fertilizer and provide it with indirect light.
To keep the pests away from the plants, use insecticides as preventive sprays once a month.
Additionally, keep the snake plant in good airflow and at an average humidity level to avoid pest issues.
Horticulture oils for treatment of scale infection
Using horticulture oil is a non-toxic and efficient way to treat scale infections.
Oils of this kind have an emulsifying agent added so they can be mixed easily with water.
It helps control and treats the scale infection by suffocating the scales…
…and disrupting their metabolic activity.
They should be used only as directed and should not be overused…
…as they can adversely affect the plan too.
Keep applying the mixture every few days for complete control.
Spray the diluted oil directly on the scales. The excess oil on the scales will evaporate rapidly.
Another thing you may find…
White Spots on Snake Plant
White spots that appear on snake plant leaves as reddish-brown spots…
…or white web-like growths, which are unsightly and make the plant look ugly.
Over time, the plant gives up and will eventually die.
Whether the plant is pest-infested, not taken care of properly,
….or subjected to inadequate cultural conditions, this condition is created.
These may be the cause of this fungal disease, which you are unaware of.
A fungal spore spreads in the air and also through the water sitting on the leaves…
…from the fluffy white stuff on parts of the plants.
The problem should be fixed as soon as possible since they are contagious…
…and pose a threat to the plant’s health.
Don’t worry, because you can resolve the problem of snake plant white spots.
Prevent The Mold
White spots can be hurtful to your plants and are an unsightly sight.
If you take the right steps, you can prevent white spots…
..and repel other plant-related problems.
Provide the right amount of light and water to your plant.
To prevent water from sitting in the soil for long, the excess water should be drenched completely.
In addition to attracting pests, this also leads to the growth of white spots.
It is important that your snake plant’s soil mix be well-drained, pasteurized, and that their airflow is good.
Do not mist around them or on them.
Keep plants free of disease by buying disease-free plants
…and disinfecting the pots with a bleach solution and water,
…and keep an eye out for disease symptoms as you monitor them on a regular basis.
You can also avoid molds from coming to your plants by having a pot with drainage or a self-aerating pots!
Is it possible to identify the cause of white spots on snake plants?
Knowing the signs of an unwell plant is essential.
If you have the right information, you can instantly identify the issue and take quick action.
Plants will tell you the following about their needs:
- A foul smell coming from the roots and soil, indicating root rot on your snake plant.
- If you see brown patches in plants, it’s a sign that they are not getting enough water.
- Pruning and lighting routines are needed for plants that are bushy and very dull.
- Fertilizing the snake plant is usually the problem when everything else seems fine, but still, there are white moulds on it.
Preventing White Spots in Snake Plant
Keep in mind these things to prevent your snake plant from suffering from white molds.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial aspect of all snake plants’ health and growth,
…and it’s also necessary for maintaining the conditions that keep them healthy at all times.
Your snake plant will thrive in high, moderate, or low light. However, it will also thrive in filtered light.
The snake plant doesn’t like to stay moist for long. Moistness supports fungal growth, white mold, etc.
The sun’s warmth will help the moisture accumulated to evaporate quickly.
That will prevent the growth of white mold on the plant.
In dry conditions and in the proper light, insects and fungal diseases cannot easily attack the plant.
Put the snake plant in a position where it can receive full-day indirect sunlight.
You can make the plant close to a window and use sheer curtains to block the direct sunlight.
Your snake plant will grow well in windows with east or northerly orientation.
You should keep the snake plant away from the window during winter…
…as cold drafts can attract pests and promote fungal growth.
Repotting
This is a big mistake. Repotting snake plants too often has a bad effect on the roots of the plant.
The roots, leaves, and rhizomes contain water,
…which can make them vulnerable if they’re repotted again and again.
Don’t repot your snake plant every two years or whenever you feel it needs it.
Give them a chance if you think your plant is unwell. Try other ways to fix the issue.
Repotting your snake plant in the winter months is not recommended,
…because it is a period of rest for the plant.
Watch for root elongation in the pot, which indicates…
…that it needs more air circulation and more room to thrive.
When you repot your snake plant, make sure that you use one size bigger pot than the existing one.
To avoid future contamination, spray fungicides into the ground and roots.
Pruning
The Snake Plant is a hardy plant that has thick and firm leaves
..and usually does not become easily affected by external factors.
Plants may suffer due to prolonged ignorance and develop brown, yellow, or curly leaves.
The leaves at this stage need to be cured and pruned to avoid inviting pests and fungi.
The roots may overgrow, looking awkward as well as damaging plant growth and attracting pests and fungal growth.
When you see damaged and dead leaves on your snake plant, prune them right away.
Depending on the damage, you may be able to cut away the dead branches.
Take care when pruning to ensure that the leaves look good.
The entire leaf may need to be removed if the leaves are severely damaged.
Wear gloves when trimming roots and leaves because they can be poisonous and irritating to the skin.
Make sure to periodically check the plant’s leaves and roots for signs of overgrowth for early pruning,
…so as to prevent pest infestations and fungal growth.
You can learn more about pruning your houseplants nicely before you do the deed from Gardening Know How.
Do you know that the correct pruning shears for snake plants are straight since their leaves are looking like knives?
Watering
Rather than following a watering routine, water your snake plant as and when needed.
Your snake plant will become soggy if overwatered, with excess moisture accumulating in the soil.
These conditions can cause fungal growth and root rot, which can lead to white molds on leaves.
The excess water is then deposited in the leaves, which then burst as white spots.
When watering your snake plant, you need to be very careful as they like it dry
…and are vulnerable if the soil stays soggy.
Ensure that your plant is well watered. Excess water should be drained from the drainage holes within two minutes.
Make sure the soil is dry by inserting your finger a few inches into the ground…
…and watering only when it is completely dry.
When the season is dormant, remember to water minimally because the plants are resting…
….and there’s not enough light and heat, so the soil dries slowly.
Tips to Keep Snake Plant Thriving
- To prevent any fungal growth and pest attack, you can spray an organic fungicide and insecticide every few weeks on the plant.
- Check the soil every few days and water the snake when necessary.
- Plants need moderate light throughout the day in order to grow successfully.
- Specify at least a five-year gap between repotting the snake plant.
- You should not mist the snake plant because it keeps the leaves moist, which snake plants do not like.
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Conclusion
There are still many recent and interesting articles about Snake Plants…
…as well as other unique information from All Things Gardener.
Let us know below what you think of this article about the cause and solution for the white spots on your snake plant!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my snake plant may be experiencing a deficiency?
The signs that your snake plant may be experiencing a deficiency could include leaves that are smaller than usual, brown patches on the leaves, and a decrease in plant growth.
To determine if your snake plant is experiencing a deficiency, you can check the plant’s pH levels and nutrient levels.
Can you recommend any remedies or treatments to remove white spots from snake plants leaves?
There is no one specific remedy or treatment that will work for all snake plant leaves with white spots, as the cause of the spots will vary from plant to plant.
However, many gardeners recommend using a fungicide spray to treat the plant.
How can I correct the problem and restore my snake plant’s health?
The snake plant is an easy plant to care for.
One way to correct the problem and restore its health is to water it thoroughly every day and fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
My snake plant is broken, can it be saved?
Broken snake plants can be fixed again.
Broken or damaged snake plant leaves can be pruned without reducing the plant’s overall health.You can also cut away only the damaged parts, use the leaves for propagation, or don’t do anything about the damage and let the plant heal itself.
