Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, are popular houseplants known for their low-maintenance requirements and ability to purify the air. However, even the most resilient plants can succumb to neglect or adverse conditions, leading to a decline in their health. If your snake plant is looking wilted, yellow, or brown, don't worry – with the right care and attention, you can revive it and restore its former glory. In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to revive a snake plant.
Table of Contents
Identifying the Problem
Before you start reviving your snake plant, it's essential to identify the underlying cause of its decline. Check your plant for signs of overwatering, underwatering, pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Look for symptoms such as:
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Wilted or droopy leaves
- Soft, mushy stems
- White, cottony patches (mealybugs)
- Spider webs or tiny, moving dots (spider mites)
- Fungal growth or black spots
Once you've identified the problem, you can take targeted action to address it.
Pruning and Cleaning
Pruning and cleaning your snake plant is crucial to removing dead or damaged tissue and promoting healthy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to:
- Remove any dead or yellow leaves, cutting them off at the base
- Trim back long stems to encourage bushy growth
- Remove any weak or spindly growth
- Gently remove any dust or debris from the leaves using a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth
This will help prevent the spread of disease and encourage your plant to focus its energy on healthy growth.
Watering and Humidity
Snake plants prefer well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. Water your snake plant:
- Thoroughly, making sure the pot drains well to prevent waterlogged soil
- In the spring and summer months, when the plant is actively growing
- Less frequently in the fall and winter months, when the plant is dormant
Maintain a humid environment around your snake plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier. This will help keep the leaves hydrated and prevent brown tips.
Lighting and Temperature
Snake plants can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright light. However, they prefer:
- Bright, indirect light, such as an east- or west-facing window
- Avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch
In terms of temperature, snake plants prefer:
- Temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C)
- Avoiding temperatures below 55°F (13°C) or above 85°F (29°C)
Keep your snake plant away from drafts, air conditioning vents, and heating radiators to maintain a consistent temperature.
Fertilization
Fertilize your snake plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for indoor plants.
Avoid fertilizing your snake plant during the fall and winter months when it's dormant. This can cause the plant to produce weak, leggy growth.
Pest Control
Check your snake plant regularly for signs of pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. If you notice any pests, treat your plant with:
- Insecticidal soap or neem oil
- A gentle, systemic insecticide specifically designed for indoor plants
Isolate your infected plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.
Repotting
If your snake plant has outgrown its pot or is showing signs of nutrient deficiency, it may be time to repot. Choose a pot that is only one to two sizes larger than the original pot, and use a well-draining potting mix. Repot your snake plant in the spring or summer when it's actively growing.
Prune the roots gently to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming pot-bound.
Monitoring and Prevention
To prevent your snake plant from declining again, monitor its health regularly and take preventative measures:
- Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly
- Inspect your plant for signs of pests or diseases
- Provide optimal lighting, temperature, and humidity conditions
- Fertilize your plant during the growing season
- Prune and clean your plant regularly
By following these steps and providing your snake plant with the right care and attention, you can revive it and enjoy its beautiful, sword-shaped leaves for years to come.
At Botanic Beam, we're committed to providing you with the best and most in-depth information on plant care. If you have any further questions or concerns about reviving your snake plant, feel free to reach out to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of a dying snake plant?
A dying snake plant may display signs such as yellowing or droopy leaves, soft and mushy stems, a lack of new growth, and a general decline in appearance. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to take action to revive your plant.
Why is my snake plant dying?
There are several reasons why your snake plant may be dying, including overwatering, underwatering, root rot, pests, diseases, lack of light, and extreme temperatures. It's crucial to identify the underlying cause to take the appropriate steps to revive your plant.
Can I revive a dead snake plant?
While it's challenging to revive a completely dead snake plant, you may be able to save a dying plant if you catch the problem early. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, adjust its care, and provide optimal conditions to promote new growth.
How often should I water my snake plant?
Snake plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. Water your plant when the soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks during the spring and summer months, and less often during the fall and winter.
What is the ideal temperature for a snake plant?
Sanke plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Avoid placing your plant in areas with drafts, extreme temperatures, or near heating or cooling vents.
Can I grow a snake plant indoors?
Yes, snake plants are excellent indoor plants. They can tolerate low light conditions, making them perfect for rooms with limited natural light. However, they will appreciate bright, indirect light if possible.
How much light does a snake plant need?
Sanke plants can survive in low light conditions, but they prefer bright, indirect light. East- or west-facing windows are ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch.
Can I propagate a snake plant?
Yes, snake plants are easily propagated through leaf cuttings or division. Take 2-3 inch leaf cuttings, remove lower leaves, and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until roots develop.
How often should I fertilize my snake plant?
Fertilize your snake plant during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Why are my snake plant's leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or root bound conditions. Check the soil moisture, adjust the lighting, and consider repotting your plant to resolve the issue.
Can I prune my snake plant?
Yes, pruning your snake plant can help maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and remove dead or damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases.
How do I treat root rot in my snake plant?
To treat root rot, remove the plant from its pot, inspect the roots, and trim away any rotten or damaged roots. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil, and reduce watering to prevent further rot.
Can I grow a snake plant in water?
Yes, snake plants can be grown in water, but it's essential to change the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Use a clear glass or vase, and add fresh water every 1-2 weeks.
Why is my snake plant not growing?
Lack of growth can be caused by inadequate light, insufficient water, poor soil quality, or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil moisture, adjust the lighting, and fertilize your plant to promote healthy growth.
Can I repot my snake plant?
Yes, repot your snake plant every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and a larger pot if necessary. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged soil.
How do I care for a snake plant in the winter?
During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month, and avoid fertilizing. Keep your plant in a bright, cool location, and protect it from extreme temperatures and drafts.
Can I use snake plant as a natural air purifier?
Yes, snake plants are known to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants. They are an excellent addition to any room, especially bedrooms and living areas.
Why are my snake plant's leaves droopy?
Droopy leaves can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of humidity. Check the soil moisture, adjust the watering schedule, and consider placing the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the humidity.
Can I grow a snake plant outdoors?
Yes, snake plants can be grown outdoors in warm, frost-free climates. Choose a location with bright, indirect light, and protect your plant from extreme temperatures and wind.
How do I deal with pests on my snake plant?
Check your plant regularly for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Isolate infested plants, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.
Can I use snake plant as a medicinal herb?
Yes, snake plants have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, consult with a medical professional before using the plant for medicinal purposes.
Why is my snake plant's stem soft and mushy?
A soft and mushy stem can be caused by overwatering, root rot, or a fungal infection. Check the soil moisture, adjust the watering schedule, and consider treating the plant with a fungicide if necessary.
Can I grow a snake plant from seed?
Yes, snake plants can be grown from seed, but it's a slower process than propagating through leaf cuttings. Sow seeds in well-draining soil, keep the soil moist, and provide bright, indirect light.
How long does it take to revive a dying snake plant?
The time it takes to revive a dying snake plant depends on the severity of the problem and the care provided. With proper care, your plant should start to show signs of recovery within 2-4 weeks.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.