Why Is My Snake Plant Not Growing? Quick Fixes
Last Updated on January 18, 2024
It is a frequently asked query why Snake plants while growing start to tilt downwards. It may be due to one of the three main reasons. Watering practices for the plant, undersized potting, and inadequate sunlight.
There are no hard and fast rules to straighten your snake plant overnight. However proper care and change in its environment together can bring positive results in improving its health.
Reasons Why Your Snake Plant Is Not Growing
Overwatering
Snake plants don’t mind even if you don’t feed them water for days. Snake plants are succulents and store enough water in their leaves for later use. Their quench for water depends on the environment they are placed in.
In summer when they are in the growth phase they should be watered once a week. But in winter, their growth is in the declined phase, so feeding them water more often will most probably lean their leaves to one side or the other.
To know how to treat snake plants as a whole read Are SnakePlants Considered Succulents? Complete Guide
Undersized Pot
Undersized pot is another main cause of your curled snake plant. As snake plants are slightly root bound. They need a pot where their roots can firmly hold the soil. A pot too large or too small can cause the problem in appearance of leaves.
Exposure to Sunlight
Snake plants are photophobic. An immense amount of sunlight can sunburn the leaves and eventually, the leaves will lean downwards. They love shady places or spots where filtered light indirectly reaches them.
Bending down of the leaves might be a sign of the insufficient or immense amount of light the plant is placed in.
However, placing them in shady places may also affect their growth. They grow well in medium to low light. Your plant can tolerate the rays of the early morning sun and also the low-intensity rays of the afternoon sun.
Quick Fixes for Snake Plant Not Growing
Watering techniques for snake plants
Droopy leaves of your snake plant are the indicators that you have over-watered it. Similarly under watered snake plants will have curled, brown and crispy leaves. Here are some precautions you must adopt to look after your overwhelmed snake plant.
Before watering your plant, always go for a knuckle test. Put your finger in the soil 5 to 7 cm deep in the soil to check out if the soil is still soggy or not.
Never feed it water until one-third of the soil moisture is dried out. Treat the plant according to the weather conditions. Snake plant is categorized as succulents, so their watering need is minimal if placed in cold or shady areas.
In winter watering it once a month is more than enough for its survival. Similarly, in the warm season, its requirement can be met by feeding it once a week.
Untreated snake plants may lead to root rot. If you observe any such scenario, immediately change the soil of your plant to improve its health.
Rotate the Pot
Snake plants are usually kept indoors. Make sure an even amount of light exposure is given to all sides of the plant.
Exposure to a specific side only will affect the growth of the plant. So to improve your plant’s health, rotate the plant on alternated days to provide even light to the entire plant.
Place the plant near the window which is directed towards east or west. As it will provide the plant with sunlight according to its requirements.
Do not place your plant in an area that is too shady. Likewise, avoid the direct exposure of sunlight to your plant.
Use Well-Drainage Soils
Use a soil type that does not become cloggy. The roots of snake plants like to reside in the soil where they are not closely compact.
A sandy soil is airy and allows oxygen to pass through it. Besides the pot of snake plants must support easy drainage to prevent the accumulation of excess water.
Use the Pot with Drainage Holes
Make sure the pot you are using has well-designed holes at the bottom. These drainage holes will allow the excessive water to pass through them. Eventually, the soil will not become muddy and allow the air to pass through it.
Provide Support to Your Plant
It is also possible that your snake plant is not facing any of the above conditions but is still leaning downwards. It can happen if the leaves of your plant are growing large.
In such a situation you can provide a stake to your plant so that extra weight may be compensated. The use of bamboo is an easy way to help your plant stand upright.
You can also tie the leaves of the snake plant together with the help of a string. This will help in preventing the leaves from leaning back in one direction.
You can also prune the leaves of your snake plant to lighten up the weight carried by its leaves. Make sure that you cut down the drooping part of the leaves only. It will help in redirecting its growth helping it to grow straight.
Maintain Temperature and Humidity
Snake plants prefer growing in warm temperatures. A considerable effect is seen in plant growth when it is placed in temperatures ranging between 50°F and 90°F. Keep your snake plant indoors when the temperature falls or extends the normal range it can entertain.
Try Self-Watering Planters
The most common cause of your bent snake plant is the watering practices. So try watering the plant using a self-planter.
In this technique, water is poured into a container right under the pot of the plant. The plant is allowed to absorb water through its roots.
Bottom watering is an effective method to water your snake plant. Following this method will not only conserve the water but also ensure the provision of water as per the requirement of the plant. It also lowers the rate of humidity as water is not evaporated easily.
Feeding the plant from above may harm its foliage which is the main reason for root damage. This method can also overcome the problem because water is being provided gradually via roots.
You can buy one of your choice from Amazon
Regular Inspection for Pests and Diseases
The leaves of your snake plant are likely to become droopy when it is infested by pests and bugs.
So to prevent massive destruction caused by these creatures, inspect your plant regularly. In case of any susceptible condition treat it accordingly.
Conclusion
In this article, we have briefly discussed the reasons and the inviting conditions that can cause massive insect infestation in your snake plant. Snake plants can thrive in rough and tough conditions.
They hardly feel sick due to their highly adaptable nature. However just like other plants, if neglected they can become a haven for various pests. It is recommended to regularly inspect your plants and treat them using the right remedy.