5 Tips To Prevent The Snake Plant Scarring Issue

Snake plant scarring is an unusual issue in this type of indoor plant.

In general, you will see this plant having issues with overwatering, underwatering, pest or fungus infestation, etc.

However, the scarring issue is quite different than what you'd typically see in a houseplant.

So, what is the real reason for this issue on the Snake plant's leaves?

Let's learn more about it in this guide today.

What Is Snake Plant Scarring?

Snake plant scars generally appear on the midsection of the leaves.

You will probably see dark brown or gray-colored scars on the outer layer of the leaves.

Sometimes, the dried layers may come off from the surface, which can cause discolored patches on the leaves as well.

There are many reasons why you'd see such an issue in your Snake plant, but the main reasons are lack of water and unfavorable weather conditions.

There could also be a combination of factors that might lead to the scarring problem on the leaves.

So, let's look at these reasons in more detail in the following section.

Why Do You See Scars On Snake Plant Leaves?

As I mentioned earlier, there are a few reasons that cause the scarring problem in Snake plants.

But thankfully, it's not a significant issue!

You can always fix this problem, and the plant should be alright if you take proper care of it.

1. Lack Of Water

When was the last time you watered your Snake plant?

Think about it because it's one of the important reasons for this issue.

When you don't water the plant for too long, it affects the leaves.

Due to lack of water, the leaves turn dry, and their outer layer starts scarring.

However, this will only happen when the outside condition is not favorable for the growth of the plant.

If the weather is dry and there isn't enough water in the soil, you will see such problems in your Snake plant.

2. Too Much Sunlight

As I said, it's more about the combination of factors than anything else.

If you keep your Snake plant in direct sunlight, it might just find it too harsh to cope with the excess heat.

It will mostly happen during the summer heat.

Even though the Snake plant is a succulent plant, it easily gets used to the slightly humid and cooler environment inside the room.

When the sun shows up in its full strength during the summertime, the leaves feel the heat and come under stress.

If the situation persists for long, the moisture levels go down in the leaves.

Usually, it results in cracks and scars on some of the weaker leaves on the plant.

3. Hot And Dry Weather Conditions

This is one of the combined factors that makes the situation worse for the plant.

If you are living in a place where the weather conditions get too hot and dry for a few weeks, you will probably see the scarring issue on your Snake plant.

When the weather turns unfavorable, the weaker leaves get affected the most by this issue.

As a result, the leaves will have scars and patches of discoloration if the situation remains unchanged for many days or weeks.

4. Lack Of Nutrients In The Soil

Yes, the lack of nutrients can be a factor for such a problem in your Snake plant.

If you have not fertilized your plant in a while, the leaves may show some signs in terms of split or scarred surfaces.

This often happens due to the lack of boron in the soil mix.

When the plant doesn't receive enough quantity of boron from the soil, the leaves begin to show some of these signs.

5. Pets In The House

Do you have pets in the house?

This could be another interesting reason why you see scarring on Snake plant leaves.

When your dog or cat moves around the house and rubs the leaves intentionally or unintentionally, it can cause scars on some of the leaves.

Also, if you have kids playing inside the room, they may scratch the surface of Snake plant leaves.

Since the leaves of this plant are soft in nature, they do tend to get scarred more often than some of the other indoor plants.

So, these are some of the things you need to remember when you wish to address this problem in your Snake plant.

Next, let's check the tips section where I have shared some suggestions to tackle this problem.

5 Tips To Avoid The Snake Plant Scarring Issue

Note: The scarring is permanent damage. 

In most cases, the leaves will not get back to their original look despite trying some solutions and workarounds.

However, you could surely prevent this problem next time using standard plant care methods.

Here's what you should do when you see scars on your Snake plant leaves -

1. Examine The Scars

This should be the first step in the process.

You should always examine the issue on your plants closely.

It gives you a better idea to understand the issue and take further actions against it.

Take a look at the scarring on the leaves and see if you can find anything unusual on them.

You also need to ensure that there are no brown or black spots on the leaves, which could be a cause of concern.

These spots appear due to a typical fungus issue in Snake plants.

So, it's necessary for you to have a closer look at the scars as well as spots on both sides of the leaves.

2. Add Water To Your Plant

Once the inspection is over, you can water the plant adequately.

Whenever you water the plant after a long time, you should water it thoroughly.

Let it drain out from the drainage holes so that it will ensure the roots have received enough water supply.

Note: If you have already watered the plant a couple of days back, you don't have to repeat the same process.

It will help if you maintain a proper watering routine for this succulent.

3. Move It Away From Direct Sunlight

If you have recently moved the plant in direct sunlight, it'd be better if you place it somewhere near a shaded place.

This type of place will allow you to prevent the plant from getting sunburnt.

Eventually, you will stop seeing any new scars on the leaves.

Similarly, if you have kept the plant in a dark place, move it to a place where it can get decent sunlight during the day.

Snake plant does thrive in natural light, so make sure you put it in a well-lit place at your home.

4. Add Fertilizers To The Plant

Fertilizers are essential for maintaining the standard growth rate of the plant.

If you don't provide fertilizers to your Snake plant, it's likely to cause issues over the period.

The scarring issue can be a great example of why you need to provide regular fertilizers to such plants.

Sometimes, we do neglect our indoor plants, as their growth is relatively slower than the outdoor ones.

Still, the indoor plants require a regular supply of fertilizers.

As for the fertilizers, you can add any general-purpose fertilizer to this plant.

It won't ask for any specific nutrients, especially when you are taking good care of the plant.

5. Keep It Safe From The Pets And Kids

Finally, the plant should be kept away from the reach of your pets and kids.

That's the only way you can save the plant from getting such scars on its surface.

Note: If the scars are relatively small, you don't have to do anything else.

It's most likely be a temporary issue and might have happened because of some of the external factors mentioned in this guide.

So, you don't have to think a lot about it.

Simply follow the basic plant care guidelines, and the plant should just do alright.

Now, let's move on to the FAQs section below.

FAQs

Over To You

As you know, the Snake plant scarring problem is not a major issue, and I think the above tips are good enough to solve this problem.

Still, if you have any doubts or questions, please let me know in the comments.

I will try and resolve your queries to the best of my knowledge.

In the meantime, if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share this guide with your friends and family.