Overwatering is the main reason for mushy leaves on Snake plants, and it can be devastating for your plant if left untreated.
So, how do you fix this problem? What precautions should you take to prevent this issue in the future? Let's find out in the following guide.
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Why Is My Snake Plant Mushy?
The biggest reason for mushy leaves in a Snake plant is overwatering. Sansevieria plants require very less amounts of water to survive. If they receive more water than needed, the roots get affected by rot issues, and the leaves turn soft and mushy.
Even when you give the plants a precise amount of water, check the soil first to see if it is dry, as water-logged roots in a Snake plant are fairly common. Overwatering then leads to root rot and mushy leaves.
How To Fix Snake Plant Mushy Leaves
Here are a few tips that can help you fix the problem -
1. Don't Overwater Your Plant
This is the most important tip. Water your Snake plant only when the topsoil is dry to the touch. You can check this by sticking your finger into the soil.
If it feels dry, it's time to water your plant. That's the easiest way to know whether your plant needs water or not.
If you are not sure, it is always better to under-water than overwater. It's perfectly fine for Snake plants to go for a week or two without water.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil
Drainage is critical for Snake plants. The soil must be able to drain the excess water quickly. Otherwise, the roots will sit in water, which will lead to root rot and mushy leaves.
You should use a well-draining potting mix or make your own mix by adding perlite, pumice, or sand to regular potting soil. This type of soil mix will help improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in water.
3. Use A Pot With Drainage Holes
Many times we receive plants in pots without drainage holes, and we think it's okay to transfer them to our favorite pots without adding drainage holes.
If that's the case with your Snake plant, it could be the reason for mushy leaves. So, use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water logging.
If the existing pot doesn't have drainage holes, you can drill some holes in the bottom before potting your plant. It will save your plant from root rot and mushy leaves.
4. Remove Mushy And Dead Leaves
If you notice any mushy or dead leaves on your Snake plant, remove them immediately. You can do this by cutting them off at the base with a sharp knife or scissors.
Don't pull them off, as it can damage the leaves and stems. It will also help avoid the spread of fungal issues.
Fungus attacks can be brutal on plants. So, it's always better to take preventive measures. Once you remove these affected leaves, it will help the plant produce new leaves.
5. Maintain Proper Humidity
Snake plants prefer dry conditions. They don't like high humidity. If the humidity is too high, it can cause the leaves to rot.
When the leaves turn mushy, it's a sign that the plant is not doing well. It might already be experiencing root rot. So, you should definitely consider arranging for better ventilation if you live in a humid region.
You can also use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in check. Once the above-mentioned issues are solved, you will need to make sure of a few other things for the plant to return to its usual condition.
- Do not water the plant once you have re-planted it in new soil. Give the roots time to recover, and in the meanwhile, keep the plant in a well-lit and sunny place.
- Trim the infected parts of the roots so that the plant can grow back.
- Use a suitable fungicide to help the roots heal after trimming.
- Regularly examine the root system of the plant for signs of root rot. Do not uproot the plant completely in this process. Gently lift the plant and check the roots if you feel like the Snake plant is turning mushy.
How To Tell If A Snake Plant Is Overwatered
Overwatering a Snake plant does not require carelessness; it can happen to anyone, even if you are extremely particular about watering it. Snake plants are prone to overwatering, and this is something you should know before getting one!
Here are some signs of an overwatered plant:
1. Mushy And Soggy Leaves
Snake plants store water in their leaves, and overwatering causes them to store more water than they need-causing the leaves to turn soft and mushy. Another sign of this is when leaves appear wrinkled and moldy.
2. Brown Spots And Wilting Leaves
Brown spots and wilted leaves are hard to miss. You can notice them appearing on the plant when you water the plant inconsistently.
Overwatering is one thing, but watering inconsistently can also damage the growth of the plant. You might avoid watering for a few weeks and then give the plant too much water all at once. This practice is wrong and can be detrimental to the Snake plant's overall growth.
Learn more about various spot issues on your Snake plant in the following video -
3. Root Rot
Root Rot is not apparent unless it starts spreading to the leaves.
When the plant's roots turn soft and brown, you will know that root rot has set in. Moist roots make excellent conditions for bacteria to thrive.
Bacteria can be good for plants sometimes, but bacteria that are attracted to moist conditions damage the plant. Root rot also has an awful smell when the roots decay further. The fresh roots are supposed to be white and fairly tan, not soft and brown.
4. Soft And Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves are a surefire way to know the plant has root rot.
When the soil is unable to provide nutrients to the plant, the lush green of the plant begins to fade away and give way to yellowing. Yellow foliage is a sign that the plant is stressed and in need of immediate attention.
5. Droopy Leaves
Once root rot sets in, the plant cannot provide adequate nutrients and hydration to the leaves, which leads to the leaves wilting, turning soft, and falling off.
Expert Tips For Watering A Snake Plant
Snake plants do not need a lot of water to thrive. These plants are easily overwatered, so do not go overboard while trying to water your snake plant.
Here are a few things to remember while watering your plant:
- Check the soil before watering. Touch the soil with your hands, and it should feel dry and gritty. If it is not, then wait for a couple of days to water the plant. Moist soil needs to be completely dry before you water the plant again.
- Larger Snake plants require more water than smaller-sized ones. Water these accordingly.
- Do not mist your plant at any time. You might be tempted to mist or water the plant during hot or dry days, but this will only lead to root rot.
FAQs
First thing you should do when the plant shows signs of being overwatered is to change the soil and trim the brown and soft parts of the roots.
Once the plant is repotted, do not water it for some time. It will allow the plant to heal from being overwatered. Also, place the Snake plant in an area where it can get plenty of sunlight.
A rotting Snake plant will have the following symptoms:
1. Mushy leaves with brown spots
2. Yellowing or wilting leaves
3. Brown and soft root system
These signs are easily identifiable because the Snake plant has straight-standing and shiny leaves. When the plant is affected, the leaves will begin wilting and lose their radiance.
When leaves of the Snake plant turn mushy, the reason is most certainly overwatering. Overwatering causes root rot, and that, in turn, leaves the plant mushy and soft.
You can cut the droopy leaves if they are damaged and cannot be revived.
However, if the leaves are merely drooping and looking dull, you can revive the plant instead of cutting them off. It is better to cut damaged leaves for aesthetic reasons but also because they use a lot of the plant's nutrients and energy.
Water the Snake plant only when the soil is dry and feels crumbly when touched. Snake plants thrive in dry climates, so it is better to water them once every two weeks.
Tonya says
Hi, I tried to start a cutting in water and I've started to notice mold on the bottom leaves, does Neem oil help? Thanks in advance.
Harshad says
Hi Tonya,
You may be seeing mold growing on your Snake plants due to a number of factors, such as poor air circulation or too much moisture.
One possible solution is to use neem oil, which is a natural fungicide that can help eliminate mold and other harmful elements.
You can also try increasing air circulation around your plants and allowing them to dry out more between watering.
If you continue to have problems with mold, you may want to consider repotting your plants into new containers that have better drainage or replacing them with other types of houseplants that are more resistant to mold.
Carole says
Why when I try to start my snack plant in water the part in water turns mushy. Please help !!
Harshad says
Hey Carole,
This generally happens when you don't change the water frequently.
The water creates a perfect environment that encourages the growth of bacteria.
These bacteria then break down the plant tissue, causing it to turn mushy.
To avoid this, change the water every few days and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area.
Cindy says
Please help me I lost most of the roots due to having it next to my fish tank i think ,trying to save the top portion so best way to propagate it
Harshad says
Hey Cindy,
Even if your Snake plant has lost its roots, you can still try to revive it through leaf propagation.
Just plant some of the leaves in different pots with moist soil and keep them near a sunny place.
You can also cut the large leaves in half and put them in the soil for propagation.
Do try out this method and see if you can propagate a few new plants from these leaves.
Krista says
This is exactly what’s happening to 2 of my snake plants. We got a lot of rain a couple of weeks ago and the soil wasn’t well draining so they basically sat in water for a while! Poor things. I’m so glad I found your article and so far have done what you’ve suggested. It’s been a week or so of leaving them in a bright sunny area and waiting to water until the soil is dry. I cut a couple of leaves off and I’m hoping they can make a comeback.
Harshad says
Hey Krista,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I really hope that your plants get back to life soon!
You've followed all the steps correctly, so I'm sure the plants will be alright in a couple of weeks.
Do let me know if you need any further assistance.
Cheers!
Debbie Schwantes says
Thank you so much for this article. What you have described is exactly what is happening to my snake plant. Now I know what needs to be done.
Harshad says
You're welcome, Debbie! I'm glad you found this guide useful.