Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are popular houseplants known for their upright leaves and low-maintenance nature. They tolerate various growing conditions, making them suitable for many plant enthusiasts. Despite their hardiness, snake plants can show signs of distress, like leaves falling over, indicating an underlying issue with their care or environment. Addressing these concerns helps restore plant health.
Understanding Why Your Snake Plant is Falling Over
Several factors can cause a snake plant’s leaves to lose their upright posture and fall over. Identifying the cause is the first step to revival.
Overwatering and Root Rot
Overwatering is a common cause of snake plant leaves falling over. As succulents, they store water in their leaves and rhizomes. Excess moisture in the soil leads to root rot, where roots become black and slimy. Affected leaves may appear yellow or brown, feel squishy, and develop black, mushy spots.
Underwatering and Dehydration
While snake plants are drought-tolerant, prolonged underwatering can also cause leaves to fall over. Dehydrated leaves may become wrinkled, dry, and brittle, sometimes curling inwards. They lose rigidity and droop. The soil will typically be completely dry and crumbly.
Insufficient Light
Snake plants tolerate low-light, but thrive in bright, indirect light. Inadequate light causes the plant to stretch or etiolate, resulting in weak growth. Leaves may lean excessively towards the nearest light source, eventually flopping over. Very low light also slows soil drying, increasing root rot risk even with infrequent watering.
Root-Bound or Improper Potting
A snake plant that has outgrown its container can become root-bound, with roots filling the pot tightly. This hinders water and nutrient absorption, leading to instability and flopping leaves. A lightweight pot or poor drainage also contributes to instability and water retention.
Natural Growth and Weight
Some taller snake plant varieties naturally become top-heavy as they mature. Their height and weight can cause them to bend or cinch at the base, leading to a natural lean or fall. This is common in tall varieties and doesn’t always indicate a health problem.
Physical Damage or Weakness
Accidental physical damage, such as being knocked over, can cause leaves to break or weaken. Impacts from pets, children, or moving can result in structural damage. Such damage can make a leaf susceptible to further issues, causing it to eventually collapse.
Pests or Diseases
Infestations of common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, or aphids can weaken a snake plant. Leaves may become distorted, discolored, or fall over as pests feed on sap. Fungal diseases, often linked to overwatering, can also cause leaf spots or a general decline in health, leading to wilting and collapse.
Solutions and Reviving Your Plant
Once the cause of your snake plant’s leaning leaves is identified, specific actions can restore its health. Timely intervention can prevent further damage and promote new growth.
Adjusting Watering Practices
If overwatering is the issue, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Insert your finger about two inches into the soil; if dry, water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring drainage holes. During winter, reduce watering significantly, often to once a month or less. For underwatered plants, provide a deep, thorough watering.
Providing Adequate Light
Relocate your snake plant to a spot receiving bright, indirect sunlight for 8 to 10 hours daily. East or north-facing windows are ideal, or filtered south/west-facing light. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with artificial grow lights. Rotating the plant every few weeks promotes balanced growth and prevents leaning.
Repotting for Stability
If the plant is root-bound or unstable, repotting provides space and support. Choose a pot only slightly larger, ideally heavy material like terracotta for better stability. Use a well-draining potting mix, like one for succulents or cacti. When repotting, gently remove the plant, inspect roots for rot, and replant at the same depth, ensuring the soil is firm around the base.
Supporting Tall Plants
For naturally tall varieties that become top-heavy, physical support helps maintain their upright position. Staking individual leaves or the entire plant with bamboo skewers, clips, or jute string offers stability. Insert stakes near leaning leaves and gently tie them, ensuring ties are not too tight.
Addressing Physical Damage
For bent, broken, or significantly damaged leaves, pruning is often best. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut the damaged leaf at a 45-degree angle near the soil line. This redirects energy to healthy growth and prevents disease entry. If only a portion is damaged, trim just the affected part with a clean cut.
Managing Pests and Diseases
If pests are present, wipe affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Inspect regularly for early signs of infestation. For root rot, remove the plant, trim mushy or black roots with sterilized scissors, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil after air-drying healthy roots for a few hours. Improving air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues.
Preventative Care for a Healthy Snake Plant
Consistent care largely prevents leaves from falling over. These plants thrive with minimal intervention, making preventative measures effective.
Consistent watering, allowing soil to dry completely between sessions, avoids overwatering and underwatering.
Providing bright, indirect light encourages robust growth.
Ensure the plant is in a pot with adequate drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix.
Repotting every two to three years, or when root-bound, provides space for root development and stability.
Regularly wiping leaves with a damp cloth keeps them clean and aids early pest detection.
Avoid over-fertilizing; a diluted liquid fertilizer once every few months during the growing season is sufficient.
Maintain a moderate room temperature between 60°F and 85°F for optimal health.
What to Do with Fallen Leaves
Fallen snake plant leaves, whether from damage or other issues, can often be repurposed. These pruned or naturally fallen leaves can be used for propagation. Healthy leaf sections can be cut, callused for a few days, then placed in water or well-draining soil to root. This allows you to create new snake plants.