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You may know mother-in-law plant (Sansevieria) as the snake plant, appropriately nicknamed for its tall, slender, upright leaves. If your snake plant has droopy leaves, it’s an indication that something isn’t right. Read on for suggestions about possible causes and fixes for a mother-in-law tongue with drooping leaves.
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or viper’s bowstring hemp, are resilient indoor plants well-known for their sturdy sword-shaped leaves. Their ability to tolerate low light and irregular watering is why they are so popular as houseplants. However, even hardy snake plants can show signs of distress. If you notice your snake plant’s leaves drooping, yellowing, or appearing limp and lifeless, your plant is likely wilting from stress.
Don’t despair if your snake plant starts wilting! With some detective work and care you can nurse it back to health. Read on to learn the most common reasons why snake plants wilt and how to revive your plant.
Why Is My Snake Plant Wilting?
Here are the most frequent causes of snake plant leaves drooping or wilting:
Overwatering
Too much moisture is the number one reason snake plants wilt Their fleshy leaves and roots easily succumb to root rot if overwatered. Without healthy roots to uptake water and nutrients, the leaves will start to weaken and bend Severely rotten roots can even cause outer leaves to yellow, shrivel and fall off.
To avoid overwatering, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Only water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. A general rule is to water a snake plant once every 2-3 weeks in the summer and once a month in the winter. Reduce watering frequency if your plant is in a small pot or dark location.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, leaving your snake plant too dry for too long can also cause wilting. If the soil dries out past the point of being bone-dry, the roots will dehydrate, fail to function, and be unable to supply the leaves with moisture. This stress causes the leaves to droop.
Check the soil moisture before assuming you need to increase water. Feel 1-2 inches into the soil, or use a moisture probe if unsure. Only water if the soil is completely dry. Otherwise, the issue may be due to a different problem.
Insufficient Light
Snake plants can tolerate very low light conditions. However, all plants need some light to photosynthesize and grow properly. Without adequate sunlight, snake plant leaves can become elongated, weak and start drooping over time as they overcompensate in trying to reach light.
Direct sun for at least a couple hours per day is ideal for snake plants. If that’s not possible, provide bright indirect light from a southern or western window. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get light exposure.
Pests
Insect pests like mealybugs, scale and mites can infest snake plants and cause wilting leaves. They puncture the leaves to feed on sap, damaging tissue and depleting the leaves of moisture. Spider mites in particular cause stippling, yellowing and drying of leaves.
Check along the leaf undersides for tiny crawling insects or webbing. Use a magnifying glass to spot them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as soon as detected, before they multiply and worsen wilting.
Root Bound
A pot bound snake plant can show wilting leaves due to the stunted root system. Without adequate space for roots to expand, they are unable to take up sufficient water and nutrients. Leaves will eventually droop and plant growth slows.
Repot snake plants into a container one or two sizes larger if the roots are crowded against the pot sides. Trim any damaged roots before replanting into fresh potting mix. Provide good drainage with gravel at the pot bottom.
Cold Damage
Exposure to freezing or near-freezing temperatures can damage cells in snake plant leaves. This injury causes the foliage to weaken, bend over limply, and eventually turn mushy and brown or black.
Keep snake plants above 50°F, as lower temperatures can harm leaves. Move container plants indoors before frost arrives. Keep indoor plants away from cold windows and drafty areas.
How to Revive a Wilting Snake Plant
If you catch leaf drooping early, it is possible to nurse a snake plant back to health. Follow these tips to revive a wilting plant:
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Identify and fix the underlying issue, whether it’s overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, pests, etc. This will stop further stress and damage.
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Remove any rotted roots or dead/damaged foliage, which can harbor pests and disease.
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Repot into fresh, well-draining soil if root bound or affected by root rot.
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Move to a brighter location. Acclimate it gradually if going from low light to direct sun.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to stimulate new growth. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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Stake up drooping leaves using bamboo stakes and plant ties. Support encourages recovery.
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Maintain proper growing conditions. Water only when soil is partly dry. Keep in warm spot with adequate sunlight.
With attentive care and time, a wilting snake plant can bounce back and return to its upright glory. But prevention is key—catch problems early before significant wilt occurs. Check your snake plant frequently and address any cultural issues right away. Pay careful attention to its water, light, and other needs so it stays happy and healthy.
Help! My Snake Plant is Drooping!
If your snake plant has droopy leaves, there are a few likely possibilities.
Mother-in-law’s tongue is a succulent plant with thick, moisture-holding leaves. This built-in watering system allows the plant to survive in its native environment – dry, rocky regions of the West African tropics.
Like all succulents, the snake plant is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions, and droopy snake plant leaves often result when the plant is overwatered. Water the snake plant only when the top 2 or 3 inches (5-7.5 cm.) of soil is completely dry, and then water deeply until water runs through the drainage hole.
Although conditions vary, a plant near a heat vent or a sunny window will need water more frequently. However, many people find that watering every two or three weeks is adequate. Water around the inside edge of the pot to keep the leaves dry, and then allow the pot to drain freely before replacing it on the drainage saucer. Don’t water again until the top of the soil is dry.
Water sparingly during the winter months – only when the leaves begin to look slightly wilted. Once a month is usually enough. Also, be sure the plant is in a pot with a drainage hole.
Use a fast-draining potting mix such as a mix formulated for cactus and succulent, or a regular potting soil with a handful of coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage.
10 Common Snake Plant Problems & How To Fix Them
FAQ
How to fix a wilted snake plant?
The quickest path to recovery is to replace the soggy soil with fresh potting mix. However, if root rot has set in, you’ll need to treat the plant with a fungicide. Snake plants require effective drainage to prevent issues like root rot and salt buildup.
How to revive a snake plant?
Remove your plant from its pot. Clear away soggy soil and trim all rotted roots. Repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil. Place in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
What does an underwatered snake plant look like?
Although snake plant is a low water plant, underwatering it will normally result in browning, dry leaves, which sometimes also curl inwards. The soil in the pot will also be dry and crumbly.
How often should a snake plant be watered?
How often to water your Snake Plant. Snake Plant needs 0.8 cups of water every 12 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot.