Snake Plant Wilt and Old Leaves

Overwatering

• The most common symptom of overwatering a snake plant is leaf wilt. When roots sit in too much water they rot, loosening the plant's anchors to the soil. Older leaves may begin dying at the soil. The next most common symptom is death of the entire plant; over-watering a snake plant will kill it. Use a light, well-drained soil when planting. A commercial cactus mix is ideal. In summer, water every two to three weeks. In the winter, allow the soil to go completely dry before watering again. Never water with cold water as this has been known to cause wilt. Allow tap water to come to room temperature before applying it to the soil.

Light and Temperature

• Snake plants are tolerant of shade, although they thrive in sunshine. The ideal situation for the plant is to have sunshine in the morning and light shade in the afternoon. If your snake plant is heavily variegated, give it bright, but filtered sunlight. The ideal temperature for the snake plant is between 65 to 70 degrees F. at and 70 to 75 degrees in the daytime. Don't allow the foliage to touch glass windows during periods of cold weather. Temperatures below 50 degrees cause leaf wilt and browning and drying of older leaves.

Fertilizer

• Snake plant requires very little fertilizer and too much does more harm than too little. Give it a half-strenght dose of all-purpose houseplant food in spring as the weather warms. Water before and after applying. Older leaves that appear burned may be a symptom of too much fertilizer.

Considerations

• The best way to water the snake plant is through the bottom of the pot. Place the pot in a shallow tray. Fill the tray with water until it reaches halfway up the side of the pot. Allow the plant to remain until it wicks up the water and the top of the soil is slightly moist. All parts of the snake plant are poisonous so keep it out of the reach of children and pets.