Are your snake plant leaves falling over?
This guide will help you figure out and fix the problem.
are among the easiest houseplants to grow.
Credit: Jacob Fox
They can handle dim light, poor soil, and overall neglect.
Thistough succulentis so forgiving that it has a reputation for being virtually bombproof.
So whats going on when the leaves of your snake plant fall over sideways?
We asked a houseplant pro for some insight and a few tips for fixing the problem.
Paris Lalicatais a plant education expert for the online plant seller The Sill.
But even tough snake plants have specific needs.
Give them the wrong growing conditions, and their leaves will fall over and look pitiful.
Here are the things that could make that happen.
Overwatering
The number one cause of snake plant leaves falling over is too much water.
Like other succulents, snake plants store water in their leaves andneed less water than most houseplantsto survive.
What to look for: Overwatered snake plants have yellow or brown foliage thats squishy and rotting.
The leaves look wilted and may have black, squishy spots on them.
The plant looks mushy and weak, and its leaves fall over.
The snake plant may also have root rot if the soil in its container remains too saturated.
Without enough light, a snake plant can’t make enough energy to maintain itself.
It will slowly weaken and the leaves will flop over.
Similarly, too little water will eventually stress a snake plant until it can no longer support itself.
Most plant parents place snake plants in too low light, and they barely water them, Lalicata says.
That combination will cause your snake plant to become limp and weak over time.
She points out that they originate from Africa and prefer brighter light conditions and more frequent waterings.
Root-Bound Plant
A root-bound snake plant could also flop, Lalicata says.
If those conditions continue long enough, the leaves will fall over.
What to look for:Many pests on indoor plants are very tiny and hard to see.
Their damage is usually localized and looks like paler areas on leaves.
Get up close to where you notice discoloration and look for movement.
If it feels dry, water the plant.
Going forward, onlywater the snake plantwhen its soil is dry to the touch.
The key is providing the snake plant with consistent moisture.
Adjust Light and Temperature Conditions
Snake plants thrive inbright, indirect lightin temperatures between 70F and 90F.
Put snake plants by a southern window where they will get at least 8 hours of bright light daily.
Theyll do fine in average household humidity between 30% and 40%.
Usecompost tea, sea kelp, or other organic fertilizers.
Dont fertilize snake plants in the winter when their growth has slowed.
Its a good idea to dust off the snake plant leaves monthly.
Check for signs of pests or pest damage while you are cleaning those long leaves.
Even hardy plants fail when they dont get the right growing conditions.
Confirm the snake plant receives the right amount of water and sunlight.
Ensure its planted in well-drained soil, and fertilize it twice a year during its peak growing season.
Prune off dead or damaged leaves as needed, and keep the plant warm and moist.
Do all that, and youll have years with your happy, healthy snake plant.
