If you have a snake plant (Sansevieria) and the leaves are drooping, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
Here’s what to do with droopy snake plant leaves:
1. Droopy Snake Plant Leaves Cause#1: Soil Moisture
One of the most common causes of droopy snake plant leaves is incorrect soil moisture.
Snake plants are hardy and tolerant plants, but they do have specific needs when it comes to watering.
First, this plant prefers well-draining soil. The soil should not be overly saturated with water. If the soil is too wet, the roots of the plant will begin to suffocate, leading to drooping leaves.
To avoid overwatering, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
When watering, only water the plant when the top inch or so of soil is dry to the touch. And as you do so, give the plant a thorough watering, making sure to saturate the soil. Allow the excess water to drain away.
On the other hand, if the soil is too dry, the leaves of the snake plant will also droop. This is because the plant is not getting enough water to support its growth. To fix this problem, simply give the plant a thorough watering, making sure to saturate the soil. Be sure to check the soil moisture regularly and water when necessary.
Additionally, snake plants are sensitive to water with high levels of chlorine, fluoride or other chemicals. It’s best to use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water.
2. Droopy Snake Plant Leaves Cause#2: Low Light
Although snake plants are considered low-light tolerant plants, they can survive in low-light conditions but they will not thrive.
In low light, they will grow slowly and may have smaller, less vibrant leaves.
To avoid this, it’s best to place them in a location where they will receive bright, indirect light.
If the plant is in a location that is too dark, move it to a location with more light. This can be a windowsill that gets bright, indirect light or a room with a skylight.
Also, do not place your snake plants in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. If the plant is in direct sunlight, move it to a location with indirect or filtered light.
If you’re unsure about the light levels in your home, you can use a light meter to measure the intensity of the light in different locations. This will help you find the perfect spot for your snake plant.
3. Droopy Snake Plant Leaves Cause#3: Too Much Fertilizer
While it’s important to provide your snake plant with the right amount of nutrients, overfeeding can lead to leaf burn and drooping.
When it comes to fertilizing snake plants, it’s important to use a balanced fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Snake plants are slow-growing and do not require frequent fertilization. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize your snake plant once a month during the growing season, which is spring and summer.
If you notice droopy snake plant leaves, check the amount of fertilizer you have been using. If you suspect that you have been overfeeding the plant, stop fertilizing and wait for the plant to recover.
In addition, snake plants are sensitive to water with high levels of chlorine, fluoride or other chemicals. It’s best to use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water when fertilizing.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this plant is sensitive to salt build-up, which can happen when you over-fertilize. Salt build-up can cause the leaves to droop and turn yellow. To avoid this, make sure to flush the soil with fresh water every 3-4 months.
4. Droopy Snake Plant Leaves Cause#4: Pests
These hardy plants are relatively resistant to pests, but they can still fall victim to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
One of the first signs of a pest infestation is drooping leaves.
If you notice droopy leaves on your plant, inspect it closely for any signs of pests.
Common signs include small, discoloured spots on the leaves, webbing, or sticky residue on the leaves or surrounding surfaces.
If you suspect that your plant has been infested with pests, it’s important to act quickly to get rid of them. The easiest and most effective way to get rid of pests is to use a pesticide specifically designed for houseplants.
You can also use a mixture of water and dish soap as a homemade pesticide. Spray the solution on the leaves, making sure to cover the entire plant. Repeat the process every few days until you notice a significant decrease in the number of pests.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home, as pests thrive in dry conditions. Snake plants prefer humidity levels between 40% to 60%. You can increase the humidity around your snake plant by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.
