Are the leaves of your snake plant falling off? why is my snake plant falling over? The following guidelines will help you identify and resolve the issue.
Falling leaves on your snake plant can be an alarming sight, especially since the snake plant is one of the easiest houseplants. They can withstand dim light, poor soil, and overall neglect.
This tough sap is so forgiving that it has a reputation for being practically bombproof. So what happens if your snake plant leaves fall sideways?
Causes of Snake Plant Leaf Dropping
Unlike orchids, ferns or ficus plants, which can be fickle and needy, snake plants are sturdy and low-maintenance houseplants.
But even the hardiest snake plants have specific needs. Due to providing incorrect growing conditions, and their leaves will fall and look pathetic. E.g.
Overwatering
Excess water is one of the main causes of snake plant leaf drop. Like other succulents, snake plants store water in their leaves and require less water than most other houseplants to survive.
why is my snake plant falling over overwatering the snake plant causes its soil to become soggy, preventing the roots from breathing and causing root rot and plant death.
Things to Look For
Overwatered plants turn yellow or brown leaves that are squishy and rot. The leaves appear dry and may have black, squishy spots on them. The tree looks weak and its leaves drop.
If the soil in the snake plant’s pot is too saturated, the roots can also rot. Observe that the roots have rotted when they look black and slimy and they may also have a foul smell.
Underwater and Low Light
Watering a snake plant too little and not providing enough light can cause the plant to drop its leaves, says Paris Lalicata, renowned plant educator.
Without sufficient light, a snake plant cannot generate enough energy to sustain itself. It will gradually weaken and drop the leaves.
Likewise, too little water will eventually stress a snake plant until it can no longer support itself. He also said most plant parents keep snake plants in very low light and they rarely water them,
A combination that will make your snake plant limp and weak over time. He noted that “they originate from Africa and prefer bright light conditions and more frequent watering.”
What to Look For
Too little light and water will stunt plant growth, leaving leaves pale and weak. Root-bound plants a root-bound snake plant can also flop, without enough space and soil,
The plant’s roots can’t get the water and nutrients they need to stay healthy. If these conditions persist long enough, the leaves will fall. a root-bound snake plant will have roots that fill the entire pot and circle tightly around the site.
Why is my snake plant falling over and Insects
A bad attack of insects can cause the leaves of snake plants to drop as they sap the plant’s vigor. Snake plants are susceptible to the usual suspects that plague house plants.
scale, spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, and mealybugs. many pests on houseplants are very small and hard to see. Their damage is usually localized and appears as pale spots on leaves.
Get close to where you notice the discoloration and watch for movement. You can try tapping the plant on a white sheet of paper and see if anything falls on the paper.
Prevention and Treatment
When you notice your snake plant’s leaves are drooping, act immediately to give it the TLC it needs.
Water Properly
If you determine that the floppy leaves are caused by overwatering, stop watering the plant until the soil dries out. To test if your plant is dry enough to water again,
Stick your finger in the top 1 or 2 inches of soil. If it appears dry, water the plant. Up front, water the snake plant only when its soil feels dry to the touch.
This is especially important in the winter when snake plants grow more slowly and need less water than in the spring and summer, which are their peak growing seasons.
Adjust The Light and Temperature Conditions
The snake plant thrives in bright, indirect light at temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. Place snake plants near a south-facing window where they will receive at least 8 hours of bright light each day.
While they can take a little direct sun, especially in the mornings, too much direct sun can burn the plant and damage the leaves. They will perform well in an average household humidity between 30% and 40%.
Repot a Snake Plant
Every few years, your snake plant will benefit from repotting to accommodate its growth. In addition to giving your plant’s roots extra space,
Repotting with fresh potting soil that contains slow-release fertilizers will replenish essential nutrients.
Be sure to use a mixture of containers with drainage holes and well-draining containers to help prevent over-soiling conditions. you may be able to save a snake plant that has been submerged in excess water. Here’s how:
Take the plant out of the pot. Cut off all affected leaves at their base. Remove as much excess water as possible from the container.
Allow the soil to air dry within a few days, or throw away the old, wet soil and replace it with new, dry potting mix. Wait for the snake plant’s roots to dry out completely,
which can take up to a week. Restore the plant to dry potting soil. Fertilize at half-strength with a water-soluble fertilizer. Place the plant where it can receive eight hours of bright light a day.
If you can’t get enough light through a window, add a grow light. baby the plant until you see new leaves sprouting, which is a sign that it has survived its near-death experience.
How to Propagate a Snake Plant? Simple Methods
Snake plants are hardy, but once the leaves drop, you need to change what you’re doing. Even the hardiest plants fail when they don’t get the right growing conditions.
Make sure the snake plant receives the right amount of water and sunlight. Make sure it’s planted in well-drained soil, and fertilize it twice a year during its peak growing season.
Trim off dead or damaged leaves as needed and keep the plant warm and moist. Do it all, and you’ll have years of happy, healthy snake plants.
Reference:
https://www.thespruce.com/snake-plant-leaves-curling-7556572