Let’s be honest, it’s painful to watch any of your plants wither and die. But Snake plants are known for being low-maintenance and relatively easy to care for, so it can make you feel like a pretty miserable Plant parent when they start to decline. 

But don’t feel bad— there are several simple reasons why your snake plant may be dying, but don’t panic. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to identify and address the problem before it’s too late.

A Note About Root Rot In Snake Plants

One of the most common causes of snake plant death is root rot. This occurs when the plant’s roots sit in water for too long, leading to fungal growth and decay. Overwatering is often the culprit, but poor drainage or a pot that’s too large for the plant can also contribute to this problem.

If your snake plant is suffering from root rot, you may notice soft, mushy roots or a foul odor coming from the soil. Fortunately, if you catch it early, you may be able to save the plant. We’ll walk you through how to save your snake plant from root rot later in the article.

But root rot is far from the only issue that could make your snake plant suffer, so let’s take a look at what to look out for. 

Signs of a Dying Snake Plant

How do you know if your snake plant is dying? There are a few pretty clear signs that your snake plant is in trouble. In this section, we’ll look at the most common signs of a dying snake plant, including yellowing leaves, soft or mushy leaves, brown tips, and wilting or drooping leaves.

Yellowing Leaves

One of the most common signs that your snake plant is dying is yellowing leaves. If the leaves of your snake plant are turning yellow, it could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. But overwatering can also cause yellowing leaves too. So while yellow leaves on a snake plant are a clear sign of distress, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper to find what’s causing it.

Soft or Mushy Leaves

Are your snake plant’s leaves soft to the touch? Soft or mushy leaves could be another sign that your snake plant is slowly dying. If the leaves of your snake plant feel soft or mushy, it’s generally a sign of overwatering. 

Snake plants need water (like all plants!) but they don’t like too much water and it’s essential that their roots dry out between waterings so that it can absorb oxygen. For this reason, growing snake plants in LECA with a semi hydroponic setup works really well—it lets you keep an eye on the roots and gives the roots constant access to oxygen.

Brown Tips

If you notice that the tips of the leaves of your snake plant are turning brown, on the other hand, it’s probably a sign your snake plant is not getting enough water. Brown tips on a snake plant can also come from exposure to cold temperatures or overly dry air.

PRO TIP: To avoid brown tips on snake plants, water your snake plant regularly and keep it away from cold drafts.

Wilting or Drooping Leaves

Wilting leaves or drooping leaves on a snake plant is again a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Similarly, wilting or drooping leaves can also be caused by exposure to extreme temperatures or low humidity. Try watering a bit more frequently and keeping your snake plant in a location with consistent temperatures and humidity levels.

In summary, if you notice any of these signs in your snake plant, it could be a sign that the plant is in trouble. Make sure that you are providing your snake plant with the right amount of water, light, and humidity to keep it healthy and thriving.

5 Common Causes of Snake Plant Death

If you’re wondering why your snake plant is dying, you should be aware of several common care issues. Here are the 5 most common reasons why your snake plant may be struggling:1

1) Overwatering

Overwatering is probably the most common cause of snake plant death. Snake plants are very susceptible to root rot, which is generally caused by too much water in the soil. If you’re watering your snake plant too frequently, or if the soil is not well-draining, then the roots may become waterlogged and start to rot.

To avoid overwatering your snake plant, make sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. You can check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels moist, then you should wait a few more days before watering again.

Always use pots with drainage holes for snake plants, to avoid moisture collecting unseen at the bottom of the pot.

2) Underwatering

Underwatering is another common cause of snake plant death. While snake plants are very resilient and can tolerate drought conditions, they still need some water to survive. If you’re not watering your snake plant enough, then the leaves may start to wilt and turn brown.

To avoid underwatering your snake plant, make sure to water it regularly, but not too frequently. You should water your snake plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, but not completely bone dry.

A general recommendation would be to water your snake plant every 2 weeks during the summer and once a month during the winter. But you’ll need to adjust that based on the heat and humidity in your home or local area.

 3) Poor Drainage

Poor pot drainage will also cause your snake plant to suffer. If the soil in your snake plant’s pot does not drain well, then the roots may become waterlogged and start to rot even if you’re taking care not to overwater.

To improve drainage, make sure to use a well-draining soil mix that contains perlite, sand, or LECA balls. Either perlite or LECA will help to retain moisture and aerate your soil. Also, as we mentioned, only plant snake plants in posts with large drainage holes in the bottom, so that excess water can drain away.

 4) Pests

Pests can also cause snake plant death. Common pests that can infest snake plants include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, and can even kill the plant if left untreated.

To prevent pest infestations, make sure to keep your snake plant clean and free of debris. You should also inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and treat any problems as soon as they arise. Growing your snake plant in a semi hydro setup can also reduce pest infections, as inorganic growth mediums aren’t a welcoming environment for them.

5) Plant Diseases

Snake plants are susceptible to a range of plant diseases, including pythium blight, red leaf spot, powdery mildew, and, most commonly, root rot. Be sure to keep your snake plant clean and free of debris and inspect it regularly for signs of diseases. Learn to identify common indoor plant diseases and treat any problems as soon as they arise. 

In summary, overwatering, underwatering, poor drainage, and pests and diseases are the most common causes of snake plant death. By taking steps to prevent these issues, you can help ensure that your snake plant stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.

How to Save Your Dying Snake Plant

If your snake plant is showing signs of dying, don’t worry, there are ways to bring it back to life. Here are some steps you can take to revive a dying snake plant.

Assess the Damage

The first step in reviving a dying snake plant is to assess the damage. Check the leaves and stem for any signs of discoloration, rot, or pests. If the leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign of overwatering. Drooping leaves can also be a sign of underwatering. And if the stem is soft or mushy, it may be a sign of root rot, and you’ll need to assess the damage in the soil as well.

Trimming and Pruning

Once you have assessed the damage, it’s time to trim and prune your snake plant. Cut off any dead or damaged leaves using a clean pair of scissors or shears. If the stem is soft or mushy, cut it back to healthy tissue. Pruning your snake plant will help it focus its energy on new growth, rather than supporting diseased or dying leaves.

Repotting

If your snake plant is root-bound, or suffering from root rot, it may be time to repot it. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and fill it with well-draining soil. Gently remove the plant from its current pot and loosen the roots. Place the plant in the new pot and fill in with soil, using an aerating additive like perlite or LECA. Water the plant thoroughly and let it drain before placing it in its ideal location.

Adjusting Watering and Light

Finally, adjust your watering and light to help revive your snake plant. Make sure the plant is getting enough light, but not direct sunlight. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch, and make sure not to overwater it. Snake plants prefer to be slightly underwatered than overwatered.

By following these steps, you can revive your dying snake plant and enjoy its beauty for years to come. Remember to assess the damage, trim and prune, repot if necessary, and adjust your watering and light to ensure your snake plant thrives.

How to Keep Your Snake Plant Healthy

Once you’ve avoided the worst-case scenario, take steps to ensure you are providing the right care for your plant going forward. Here are some tips to keep your snake plant healthy:

Use An Optimal Watering Schedule

Overwatering is one of the biggest killers of snake plants. Think of your plant as similar to a drought-hardy succulent such as a cactus. The snake plant stores water in its leaves, meaning it needs to be watered well but very infrequently. Consistent overwatering can lead to root rot, which is where fungus gets into the roots and kills the plant. To avoid overwatering, make sure the soil is completely dry before watering again. Check out our guide on snake plant care for more details.

Choose the Right Soil and Pot

Choosing the right soil and pot is also important for keeping your snake plant healthy. Snake plants prefer well-draining soil, so make sure the pot you choose has drainage holes at the bottom. You can also add perlite or sand to the soil to improve drainage. Additionally, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the plant’s root ball to avoid overwatering.

Consider Semi Hydro

Snake plants thrive in semi-hydroponic setups thanks to the easy access to both water and air. If you struggle with watering schedules or your snake plants continue to get sick or die, check out how to grow your snake plant in LECA. It’s super-simple and may actually make your life easier.

Provide Adequate Light

Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. However, too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. To provide adequate light, place your snake plant near a window that receives bright, indirect light for a few hours a day. Be sure that the sunlight doesn’t touch the leaves for more than an hour or two each day. And if it does get direct sun, keep an eye out for signs of leaf burn (browning of the leaves).

Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can also cause snake plant death. To prevent pests, wipe down your snake plant’s leaves with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of diseases such as root rot or fungal infections and treat them promptly.

By following these tips for proper watering techniques, choosing the right soil and pot, providing adequate light, and monitoring for pests and diseases, you can enjoy the calming and air-purifying presence of healthy snake plants in your home.

Snake Plant FAQ

Why is my snake plant dying from the bottom up?

If your snake plant is yellowing from the bottom up, most likely you’re struggling with root rot. If it’s gotten this bad, it’s probably time to remove the pot from its container, trim off the decomposed roots, and repot your snake plant. You can follow our instructions for fixing root rot here to bring your snake plant back to life.

Why are my snake plant’s leaves curling?

We’ll file this one under the same response as leaves turning brown (usually brown tips and curling happen together), so the most likely reason for curling leaves on a snake plant is underwatering. Although exposure to extreme elements could cause it as well.

Is a snake plant a succulent?

Yes, the snake plant, or Sansevieria, is classified as a succulent because it stores water in its leaves. This adaptation allows it to survive in dry environments and is one of the reasons that it doesn’t need to be watered so frequently and is highly susceptible to root rot.

Why is my snake plant falling over?

If your snake plant’s leaves are falling down, I’m guessing they’d also qualify as “soft and mushy.” That means we’re looking at overwatering and/or poor drainage as the culprit. If root rot hasn’t set in yet, it will soon. Try letting the plant dry out completely before watering again. And if it continues to struggle, try trimming the roots and repotting as a last attempt to revive your snake plant.

What’s the ideal temperature to keep a snake plant healthy?

Snake plants thrive at a temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle some fluctuation in temperatures but don’t do well with extreme cold or direct sunlight. They generally don’t require much care. To keep your snake plant alive and healthy, find a location with a consistently mild temperature and not too many cold breezes or direct sunlight.

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