Be aware and learn about these 8 hidden signs your Snake plant is crying out for help and act accordingly before it’s too late!
Do you have a Snake plant buddy that hasn’t been doing well lately? Observe closely because there might be something it might be trying to tell you. To start with, here is a list of some hidden signs that indicate it is struggling and crying out for your help.
Hidden Signs Your Snake Plant Is Crying for Help
1. Soft, Wrinkled, or Mushy Leaves
This can be a sign of overwatering, root rot, or sudden temperature stress. Excess water leads to root rot which prevents the plant from absorbing sufficient nutrients and slowly leads to fungal infestations as well. Check the soil and drainage to act accordingly—more important details are mentioned here.
Again, sometimes when you place it near a drafty window or doorway, the plant suffers from the continuous stress of adjusting itself to the fluctuations. If this is happening to yours then change the location and let it heal for a while.
2. The Appearance of Yellow Leaves
One more sign of overwatering! This is a common sign of trouble for Snake plants especially during rainy or humid conditions. Being succulents, they prefer to be on the drier side and need a dry-out period between waterings. The solution is very simple—stop watering for 1-2 weeks, let it revive and always check the soil before watering.
Additionally, yellowing occurs because of sunburns too! If it is receiving too much sunlight, especially in the afternoon hours, try moving it to a partially shaded spot.
3. Curling or Folding of Leaves
Is your Snake plant developing unnecessary folds or curls on its upright leaves? This can be due to extreme temperature fluctuations, pest infestations, watering issues, or sunburns. These problems can stress your plant leading to cell damage and weak foliage.
So, keep your Snake plant in a room with stable temperatures, away from the harsh afternoon sun, and monitor watering cycles. Additionally, avoid placing it near heaters, air conditioners, or drafty windows.
4. Drooping or Leaning Leaves
Are you forgetting to give your Snake plant some sunbathing time? Beware of such a mistake because even if they are adaptable to low light conditions, it doesn’t mean that they don’t require light at all. In fact, they flourish in indirect sunlight and bright spaces.
Too little light can make them stretch out, become leggy, tend to lean and lose their vibrant color. In simple words, it is called etiolation, which weakens the plant, causing the leaves to bend over and lean. The end is drooping yellow leaves.
Place it in bright, indirect light to keep it healthy and looking its best. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary illumination.
Tip: Rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure all sides get equal light, promoting even growth.
5. Brown Tips or Edges
While you try to avoid overwatering, check if the opposite issues don’t arise! It can be an honest mistake but brown tips in Snake plants usually happen due to underwatering, low humidity, or salt buildup from tap water.
Check the soil and water accordingly. If this doesn’t help, try switching to RO-purified or distilled water to overcome the issue.
Moreover, if the brown spots are not confined to the tips and seem to appear on any other parts of the foliage then here is a more detailed guide to the underlying causes and solutions.
6. Soggy Soil or Overly Wet Growing Medium
Always look out for this because overly moist soil conditions are the biggest enemy of succulents! Check if the drainage hole is blocked or if the soil is holding too much water for a very long time.
The best way to fix it is by replacing the potting mix with a succulent or cactus soil mix and repotting the plant in a new pot with a good drainage hole.
Pro Tip: Add some pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage even further.
7. Bad Smell Coming From The Soil
Exactly this happens if you ignore the above indications and do not take measures to overcome them! Because just when there is much untreated moisture in the soil for too long, fungal infestations start to spread, whether you like it or not.
Due to this, the healthy roots beneath the soil turn mushy and soft, leading to root rot. As the fungus takes shelter in the soil, it also feeds on the delicate roots to multiply. This causes the release of a foul odor from the soil. Fix it before it is too late!
8. Stunted Growth—No Growth At All!
Is your Snake plant feeling a bit stuck? Or have there been no new leaves in a while? Then every plant parent’s nightmare is here! Your plant is stuck in a loop of stunted growth. This happens due to a lack of nutrients or when everything gets overcrowded at the roots.
Repotting is the savior here! Take a porous potting medium, add some pebbles to improve drainage, and add all the necessary nutrients. Mix them well and re-pot the plant in a new pot. Take a larger pot in case of a root-bound issues.
So, go and check yours now for any such hidden signs and symptoms. Because the earlier you see them the faster you can prevent the issue. Also, stay calm and don’t panic as there is always a way out of every problem. Let us know if you have any doubts.
