10 Common Sansevieria Snake Plant Problems

Sansevieria, commonly known as the snake plant is a popular indoor plant due to its hardy nature and low maintenance requirements. However, even the most resilient plants can encounter issues if not cared for properly.

Related reading: How to care for Snake plants.

If you’re noticing your Sansevieria isn’t thriving, here are some common problems and what to do to fix them:

1. Leaves turning yellow
2. Brown Leaf Tips
3. Soft or mushy leaves
4. Wrinkled leaves
5. Brown spots on leaves
6. Drooping Leaves
7. Lack of Growth
8. Curling Leaves
9. Propagation problems – cuttings not growing roots
10. Plant Pests

Related reading: Different types of indoor snake plants.

1. Yellowing Leaves

One of the most common issues with Sansevieria is yellowing leaves, which is most often caused by overwatering and or poor drainage. To remedy this, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
Trim away any yellowed leaves to encourage new growth. Yellow leaves won’t turn green again.

2. Brown Tips on Leaves

Brown tips on Sansevieria leaves can be a sign of underwatering or low humidity levels. While snake plants are drought-tolerant, they still require occasional watering. Make sure you’re providing enough water to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Increasing humidity levels by placing a small humidifier nearby can also help prevent brown tips.

3. Soft or Mushy Leaves

Soft or mushy leaves are usually a sign of overwatering and root rot. To save your plant, carefully remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any rotted roots. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and adjust your watering schedule going forward.

4. Wrinkled Leaves

Wrinkled leaves are a sign of underwatering. Give your plant a thorough drink, ensuring the water reaches the roots. Water your snake plant more regularly to keep the leaves plump and healthy.

Related reading: Fascinating Facts about Snake Plants.

5. Brown Spots on Leaves

Brown spots can result from sunburn or fungal infections. Move your plant to a slightly shadier spot if it’s getting too much direct sunlight, and avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent fungal growth.

6. Drooping or Bending Leaves

If your snake plant’s leaves are drooping or bending and falling over, it might be due to insufficient light or overcrowded roots. Move your plant to a brighter location and consider repotting it in a slightly larger container if the roots are cramped.

7. Lack of Growth

If your Sansevieria isn’t showing signs of new growth, it may be due to insufficient light, or in few cases lack of nutrients. While snake plants can tolerate low light conditions, they prefer bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Move your plant to a brighter location, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Feed it once a month in spring and summer with a diluted liquid succulent fertilizer. You can also treat your plant to a specially formulated fertilizer for snake plants. 

8. Curling, Rolled Up, or Twisted Leaves

Curling, rolled up, or twisted leaves can indicate a variety of issues, including pests, nutrient deficiencies, or temperature stress. Inspect your plant for pests, ensure it’s receiving adequate nutrition, and maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.

9. Propagation Problems – Cuttings Not Growing Roots

If you’re trying to propagate your snake plant but the cuttings are not rooting, it usually is simply a matter of time. Snake plants are easy to propagate, but not the fastest. Patience is key!

Related reading: How to propagate snake plants in water.

10. Pests

Despite their resilience, Sansevieria plants can still fall victim to common indoor pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Watch out for signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, or tiny crawling insects. If detected early, pests can often be removed and your plant saved!

Related reading: Are Snake plants toxic to cats?