With its long, elegant foliage, the hardy, low-maintenance snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) is a go-to for homes, offices, and public spaces. But a common issue is the leaves turning yellow. While the occasional yellow leaf is not of concern, more than that can be a sign of stress, especially if your plant hasn't had the proper care conditions. Here are seven reasons your snake plant's leaves could turn yellow and how to fix it.
Snake Plant Growth and Maturity
Snake plants grow at different rates depending on the variety. Some dwarf cultivars grow to be less than a foot tall, while others can rise up to several feet. Snake plants that are just babies grow at a fast rate and can reach full maturity in about six months in optimal conditions. Once mature, they grow much more slowly but still faster than several other types of houseplants. The tallest type of snake plant is Sansevieria stuckyi, commonly known as mother-in-law's tongue. Its leaves grow as tall tusks up to 10 feet. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii', a dwarf variety that only reaches 6 inches in height.
Causes of Yellow Snake Plant Leaves
Several different plant problems can cause yellow leaves or chlorosis. Chlorosis occurs when plants don't have the micronutrients they need to produce chlorophyll, which makes foliage green and allows plants to convert sunlight into food. As you figure out why your snake plant's leaves are turning yellow, consider these potential causes.
Too Much Water
Snake plants are drought tolerant thanks to their succulent leaves. These plants grow best in loose, well-drained soil that can dry out completely between waterings and may only need water once per month during winter. Overwatering can prevent roots from absorbing moisture and nutrients that the plant needs, turning the leaves yellow, and can even cause root rot.
Too Much Light
Versatile snake plants can adapt to full sun or lower-light conditions but grow best with bright, indirect light. Pale, yellow, or brown spots on otherwise healthy green leaves can indicate sunburn from too much direct sunlight. Snake plants can move outside when temperatures permit, but ensure that the sun exposure remains filtered or indirect.
Inconsistent Temperature
If your plant has recently experienced a sudden temperature change, or if it's by a drafty door, window, or air vent, inconsistent temperature could stress the plant and cause its leaves to turn yellow.
Pests
Several common houseplant pests can affect snake plants. As insects like scale, mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites suck sap from the plant's foliage, leaves can turn yellow and die.
Too Much or Not Enough Fertilizer
Snake plants generally need little fertilizer, but if it's been a few years since you fed your plant or gave it fresh soil, a nutrient deficiency could cause leaves to turn yellow. On the other hand, overfeeding can cause dry, pale leaf edges and wilting.
Root Bound
A potbound plant can't absorb nutrients from the soil. If your snake plant is overcrowded or outgrowing its pot, it may cause yellow leaves.
Normal Leaf Growth
An occasional yellow leaf is completely normal for a snake plant. As the plant ages, old leaves yellow, die, and drop off as they're replaced with new ones.
How to Treat Yellowing Leaves on Snake Plant
Once you narrow down why your snake plant has yellow leaves, you'll want to address the issue quickly to keep your snake plant healthy. However, yellow leaves won't turn green again even if the problem is remedied, so it's best to cut them off with sharp, sanitized pruners or scissors at the base of the plant.
- Water: Check your plant's soil moisture. If the soil feels soggy and you've been watering frequently, overwatering could be blamed. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In extreme cases, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil and inspect the roots for signs of rot.
- Light exposure: If your snake plant's leaves look sunburned and the plant is getting direct sunlight, move it further away from the light source or use a sheer curtain to filter the light and make it less intense.
- Temperature changes: Address inconsistent temperature by keeping the plant away from drafty areas or heat sources and putting it in a space with a more consistent temperature.
- Insect activity: Inspect your snake plant regularly for signs of pests. Remove insects with blasts of water or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then use neem oil or horticultural soap to prevent them from returning. Keep your plant healthy going forward to lessen pests' likelihood of attack.
- Nutrients: If you haven't fertilized or refreshed your snake plant's soil in a few years and other causes don't apply, repot it with fresh soil. If you suspect overfertilizing is the issue, flush your plant's soil several times with water to remove excess nutrients. In the future, fertilize your snake plant only twice yearly in spring and summer.
- Container: If the plant seems potbound, use a larger pot or divide it and repot it in its original container.
Tips for Snake Plant Prevention and Care
The best way to keep your snake plant's leaves from turning yellow is to give it the proper growing conditions and basic care.
- Give eight to 10 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
- Ensure it has a well-draining potting mix in a pot with ample drainage holes.
- Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, at least two inches below the surface. Use a moisture meter to ensure the soil is dry before watering.
- Keep the plant warm, between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ensure the plant is not exposed to drafts or temperatures dropping to 50 F.
Tip
Although soil dryness should be your ultimate guide, seasons, climate, and temperatures determine how quickly the soil dries out. Generally, water once a week in spring and summer and once every two or three weeks in fall and winter.
FAQ
Why do snake plant leaves curl?
Snake plant foliage can curl for a number of reasons, including extremely low temperatures, overwatering, or lack of proper sunlight. Pests such as aphids may also cause the leaves to curl as they feed on sap.
What can I do about a drooping snake plant?
Drooping leaves can result from underwatering or leaf scorch. Make sure your plant is getting enough water and not receiving too much direct sunlight.
How can I fix skinny snake plant leaves?
Snake plant leaves may appear too skinny due to a lack of nutrients. Test your soil to ensure there are no deficiencies and try moving your plant to an area that receives more sunlight. Skinny foliage may also be a sign that you need to repot your plant to a larger container. Check the roots to make sure they're not too crowded.
How Often to Water a Snake Plant
