Brown spots on Snake Plant leaves can be as troublesome as a dropped call in the middle of an important conversation. Lets get down to brass tacks and figure out what these spots are telling us.
When you spot brown areas on your Snake Plant, take note. Size and shape matter. Are they tiny specks or large patches? Perhaps theyre ringed with yellow, suggesting a fungal fiesta, or they might be dry and crispy, hinting at sunburn.
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, are hardy indoor plants that can thrive even in low light conditions. However, like any plant, they can develop issues like brown spots on their leaves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons for brown spots on snake plants and provide solutions to treat them.
What Causes Brown Spots on Snake Plant Leaves?
There are several potential causes of brown spots on snake plant leaves:
Fungal Diseases
Snake plants are prone to fungal diseases like southern blight red leaf spot and rust which can cause brown spots on the leaves. High humidity and overly moist soil create optimal conditions for fungal growth. Red leaf spot causes reddish-brown lesions while southern blight leads to yellowing and wilting of leaves.
Irregular Watering
Both overwatering and underwatering can cause brown spots on snake plant leaves. Excess moisture from overwatering promotes fungal growth leading to leaf spot diseases. On the other hand, underwatering causes the leaves to dry out and become brittle.
Poor Drainage
Excess moisture gets trapped in the soil due to poor drainage. This leads to root rot and promotes fungal diseases that create brown spots on the foliage.
Pests
Common snake plant pests like spider mites and mealybugs can infest the leaves causing small brown spots These insects penetrate the leaves and suck out sap.
Too Much Fertilizer
Excessive fertilizer application can burn the leaf tips turning them brown. It also leads to salt buildup in the soil causing damage.
Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to very high or very low temperatures can stress the snake plant. This results in sun scorch that creates brown crispy patches on the leaves.
Low Humidity
Insufficient humidity causes the snake plant leaves to dry out excessively and develop brown tips and edges.
Too Much Sun
Intense direct sunlight burns the snake plant leaves leading to brown sunburnt patches on the surface.
How to Treat Brown Spots on Snake Plant?
Here are some effective solutions to treat brown spots on your snake plant:
-
Control watering – Allow the topsoil to dry out completely before watering again. This prevents overwatering issues.
-
Improve drainage – Repot in a pot with drainage holes using a well-draining soil mix.
-
Treat fungal diseases -Trim off infected leaves. Apply copper-based fungicides like Bonide Copper Spray or Serenade Garden Disease Control.
-
Increase humidity – Use a humidifier or pebble tray. Mist the leaves occasionally.
-
Adjust sunlight – Place in bright indirect light, away from direct sun.
-
Control pests – Wash off insects with water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
-
Regulate fertilizer – Fertilize only during the growing season using a balanced diluted fertilizer.
-
Monitor temperature – Keep away from AC vents and radiators. Maintain room temperatures between 65°F to 80°F.
-
Treat sunburnt leaves – Gently wipe with a damp cloth. Move to a shadier spot. Apply fungicide if infection occurs.
How to Prevent Brown Spots on Snake Plants?
Here are some tips to keep your snake plant healthy and prevent brown spots from developing:
-
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water only when required.
-
Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and use well-draining soil.
-
Keep the plant in a spot with bright indirect sunlight. Rotate the plant periodically.
-
Maintain a room humidity between 40%-60%. Mist leaves occasionally.
-
Inspect leaves regularly for pest infestations. Isolate and treat infested plants immediately.
-
Apply balanced fertilizer only during spring and summer. Never overfeed.
-
Repot when required into a pot one size larger. Disinfect pots before reuse.
-
Keep the snake plant away from AC vents, heaters, and drafty windows.
-
Provide winter protection for plants kept outdoors in cold climates.
-
Prune off any severely infected or damaged leaves using sterilized shears.
Brown spots on snake plant leaves are usually caused by overwatering, underwatering, fungal diseases, pests, and environmental factors like light, temperature and humidity. By monitoring soil moisture, providing adequate sunlight, maintaining room humidity and temperature, and applying fungicides or insecticides when required, you can treat and prevent brown spots on your snake plants. With a little care, your snake plant can continue thriving without any leaf spot issues.
Low Light Conditions
Snake Plants arent vampires; they cant thrive in the dark. Low light weakens their defenses, making them targets for the dreaded brown spots. Brighten up their day with indirect sunlight, and watch those spots fade into a distant memory.
Humidity can be a cruel mistress—too much or too little, and your Snake Plant suffers. Aim for that Goldilocks zone of just right to keep brown spots at bay. A humidifier or pebble tray can work wonders, and so can moving your plant away from that arid radiator.
️♂️ Distinguishing Brown Spots from Other Issues
Dont mix up brown spots with other leaf dramas. If the leaf feels mushy and the brown is spreading like a bad rumor, youre likely dealing with rot. On the flip side, if the spots are dry and localized, you might just have some sun-scorched leaves on your hands.
Snake Plant Troubleshooting | Brown Spots, Brown Leaves, Falling Over, & MORE!
FAQ
How do you fix brown spots on snake plants?
Proper Humidity
Low humidity in their place of living may cause the snake plant tips to turn brown. To take care of them, you can mist your snake plant every week with a spray bottle if your place has dry air to prevent and fix brown tips on your snake plant.
Can plants recover from brown spots?
In mild exposures, an exposed plant usually recovers. (Damaged leaves cannot heal, but subsequent new growth should look more normal.) In more drastic exposures, recovery does not happen, but that does not appear to be the case here. For now, no treatment is recommended, and just keep an eye on the trees.
Should I cut the brown off my snake plant?
A: Yes, a snake plant can recover from browning leaves. Trim away the affected parts, address the cause (often overwatering or underwatering), and ensure proper care practices. New growth will emerge with time.
What does an overwatered snake plant look like?
