We grow snake plants because we love their rich green leaves. But brown leaves affect the plants beauty and health. We should address the issues and cure them as early as possible so that the disease does not spread to the other parts of the leaves. In this article, I will talk about why snake plant leaves are turning brown and drying out and guide you on how to cure them.
Of all the indoor plants Ive grown, the snake plant has been the one with the fewest issues or none at all. Almost 6 months back, I found that the tips of my snake plant leaves are drying out and turning brown as well. Not only the tips, but the side of the leaves started to turn brown. But hopefully, I found the reason why this is happening to my snake plants and how to cure them.
If you notice the tips of your beloved snake plant’s leaves turning brown, don’t panic! This is a common issue that all snake plant owners deal with at some point. The good news is, there are some simple things you can do to fix it. In this article, we’ll go over the various causes of brown tips on snake plants and how to treat them.
What Causes Brown Tips on Snake Plants?
Here are the most common reasons your snake plant may be getting brown tips
Underwatering
Snake plants are succulents, which means they store water in their leaves and stems. They don’t need frequent watering like some other houseplants. If you don’t water enough, the plant can’t take up sufficient moisture which causes the tips to dry out and die. This is probably the #1 cause of brown tips.
Overwatering
While it’s less common, brown tips can also be caused by overwatering. Snake plants don’t like soggy soil. Too much moisture prevents oxygen from reaching the roots and causes rot. As the roots suffer, the leaves start to brown.
Low Humidity
Snake plants prefer a humidity level of 40-60%. In dry indoor air the leaf tips lose moisture faster than the rest of the leaf, leading to browning. This happens especially in winter when indoor humidity is very low due to heating systems.
Sunburn
If the plant gets too much direct sun, the leaves can actually get sunburnt! This shows up as brown scorched patches, usually on the sides facing the light source. Filter the light or move it to a shadier spot.
Salt Buildup
Over time, salts and minerals from fertilizers and tap water can build up in the soil. This creates a toxic environment for the roots and leads to browning tips. Flushing the soil every few months removes the salt buildup.
Pest Damage
Spider mites are common pests on snake plants. They suck nutrients from the leaves, causing small spots and eventually drying the tips out. Check closely for webbing and tiny moving bugs. Wipe leaves down with insecticidal soap to kill mites.
Cold Damage
If temps dip too low (below 50°F), the leaves can freeze. This damages the cells, causing the tips to turn mushy and brown. Don’t place the plant too close to drafty windows in winter.
How To Treat and Prevent Brown Tips
Now that you know what causes the problem, here are some tips to fix and prevent brown tips on your snake plant:
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Check soil moisture – Stick your finger in the soil to gauge moisture. Water only when top inch is dry. In winter, you may only need to water every 3-4 weeks.
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Use well-draining soil – Re-pot in a mix made for cacti and succulents if needed. This prevents soggy roots. Add perlite to regular potting mix to improve drainage.
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Water less in winter – As growth slows in cooler months, the plant needs less frequent watering.
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Mist leaves – Misting raises humidity around the leaves. Do this a few times a week.
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Move plant – Find a spot with moderate sunlight and adequate airflow. Avoid drafty areas.
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Wipe leaves – Use a damp cloth to gently wipe leaves. This removes dust and pests.
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Flush soil – Once every 3-4 months, water heavily until it flows from the drainage holes. This removes built up salts.
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Fertilize correctly – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength every month only in spring and summer. No fertilizer in fall and winter.
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Trim browned tips – Removing the damaged parts improves appearance. Sterilize shears before each snip.
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Repot when necessary – Re-pot every 2-3 years in fresh potting mix. This refreshes the soil.
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Check for pests – Inspect closely, especially the undersides of leaves for signs of mites. Treat any infestations found.
When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Tips?
As you can see, brown tips are usually an easy fix and not a major cause for alarm. However, if the browning is severe and rapidly spreading, it likely indicates a more serious cultural or pest issue that needs immediate attention.
Here are some signs your snake plant is in trouble and needs help:
- Brown, mushy spots spreading from the tips to the center of leaves
- Multiple leaves browning at the same time
- Yellowing or drooping of leaves
- Evidence of pests like webs or swarms of bugs
- Foul odor coming from mushy roots
- Very rapid leaf browning over just days or weeks
If you notice these more serious symptoms, identify and address the underlying problem right away before the damage becomes fatal. With quick action, even severely distressed plants can often recover.
Tips for Keeping Your Snake Plant Happy and Healthy
Caring for a snake plant really couldn’t be easier. Just remember these simple tips and you can enjoy your low maintenance snake plant for many years:
- Water only when soil is partly dry. Check with finger.
- Use well-draining cactus/succulent mix. Add perlite if needed.
- Water less in fall and winter. As little as every 4 weeks.
- Mist leaves to boost humidity.
- Keep in moderate light near sunny window.
- Wipe leaves every few weeks with damp cloth.
- Flush soil every few months to prevent salt buildup.
- Fertilize monthly only during growing season.
- Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil.
- Watch for pests like spider mites.
- Trim off any browned tips for best appearance.
Snake plants are native to arid regions and have adapted to thrive with minimal care. By understanding what causes the tips to brown and adjusting just a few things, you can have a gorgeous, healthy snake plant that lives for many years. Pay attention to its needs, stick to a proper watering routine, and with a little TLC you’ll be enjoying your snake plant for a long time!
Watering issues and the solution
If you overwater your snake plant, the leaves will turn brown and mushy. Just water your plant once when the top two inches of your soil is dry. It may look like the soil is dry, but please consider using your finger to check the moisture in the soil if you dont have a moisture meter with you.
In case of overwatering, the leaves might get brown but will not dry out. Heres a picture of an overwatered snake plant:
If you leave your plant without taking any care for a long time, this can happen.
If the climate is too dry then misting water on the leaves will help you to cure this quickly.
snake plants dont like direct sunlight and they can perform really well in indirect sunlight.
My plant was left in the sunlight for 3 days. (It was the window from where I was getting direct sunlight) And my snake plants leaves started to turn brown and dry within a week.
I do propagation and I was out of station for a few days. This was the time I faced the issue.
Reasons and treatment of brown leaves of snake plant
I will talk about the most possible reasons and their solutions here.
These are the most common reasons:
- Watering issues.
- Not maintaining proper light.
- Fertilizing issues or chemical damage ( This is something serious )
- If the damage is from scratch on the leaves, do nothing. You cant fix that mark. It will turn the spot brown but not that much harmful at all.
Snake Plant Troubleshooting | Brown Spots, Brown Leaves, Falling Over, & MORE!
FAQ
Should I cut brown tips off a snake plant?
Yes, you should cut off the brown tips of your snake plant. Brown tips are usually caused by environmental factors like overwatering or low humidity.
Do brown tips mean overwatering?
Yes, brown tips on plant leaves can indicate overwatering, but they can also be a sign of underwatering or other issues. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing enough water and nutrients, resulting in brown tips.
How often should a snake plant be watered?
Snake plants should be watered infrequently, only when the soil is completely dry. Depending on environmental conditions, this could be every 2-6 weeks, according to Ambius.
What does an overwatered snake plant look like?
An overwatered snake plant will typically exhibit mushy, yellowing, or brown leaves, and the soil may be soggy or have a white, moldy appearance. The leaves may also droop or feel soft and squishy, instead of firm and rigid like a healthy snake plant.