Snake leaf curling is a worrying matter, considering how these plants of the Asparagaceae family are some of the most resilient, low-maintenance houseplants.
In this article, we will look at why snake plant leaves typically curl and what solutions you can use to get them standing upright again so that they keep looking their best.
Keep reading as we discuss the possible reasons why your snake plant’s leaves are curling and offer possible steps to bring it back to its pre-problem condition.
JUMP TO TOPIC
What Are the Causes of Snake Plant Leaves Curling?
The causes of snake plant leaves curling are because of too much light, and facing water issues. It could also be due to pest infestation, excess fertilization, or even transplanting shock. Lastly, it could also be due to environmental issues.
– Too Much Light
When it comes to snake plants, they aren’t exactly direct sun-lovers and too much light can have a destructive effect! If your snake plant is enduring long periods of direct sunlight, the leaves will start to curl as they try to protect their delicate cells from sun damage.
You’ll start to notice other signs of stress, such as leaves turning yellow or developing brown spots. In general, these are sure signs that you need to move your plant away from too much light.
– Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are a sneaky culprit when it comes to snake plant leaves curling. Overwatered snake plants can suffer from root rot, wilting, and uneven yellow patches on the leaves. In the long run, they will cause more stress to the plant that it will begin to wilt and the leaves will deform.
If you’re worried about your plant catching the pesky fungal issue, keep an eye out for white-grey spots on leaves and stems – if you notice either of these symptoms, you should react right away. The reason is that they will harm the plant and its beauty.
– Water Issues
When caring for your beloved snake plant, one of the most common snake plant problems is improper watering. If you’ve noticed curling leaves, this could be a sign that you’re over-watering or even under-watering – either one can cause damage.
If too much water accumulates in the soil, the plants may struggle to absorb enough oxygen and will end up with droopy and wilted foliage. On the other hand, not giving your snake plants enough water can cause their leaves to curl inward due to drought stress, which is when you don’t give them the right balance.
– Pest Infestation
Insect infestations from aphids, spider mites, and other sap-sucking bugs can cause your snake plant leaves to curl up and shrivel. It can be difficult to identify the bug source, but signs of an active pest population include unpleasant sticky residues on the leaves, paper-like webs near stems or leaves, and whitish-gray patches on the surface of the plant.
If you suspect a bug situation is happening with your snake plant, it’s best to jump into action right away; the sooner you tackle any infestation, the better chance there is of solving the issue before things get too serious. Fortunately, natural solutions can help you get rid of pests without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive treatments.
– Too Much Fertilization
If you’ve been using fertilizer regularly, try easing back to every other week or less instead. Too much food can result in the burning of the plant’s roots which affects its ability to take up the water and nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
When the soil has abundant fertilizer, it will cause the sodium ions to build up, something those poor snake plants don’t appreciate, so because of this, they will go through stress.
– Transplanting Shock
Poor handling or a sudden shift in light, soil, and water levels can cause these once-happy plants to struggle. The best way to help your snake plant is to identify the symptoms, which include yellowed leaves or wilting stems, and then take the necessary steps to nurse it back to health.
Transplant shock can often be easily resolved with extra care and attention – reducing sunlight, gradually increasing water levels, and adding organic or evem slow-release fertilizer could be all that’s needed. This is because the new enviornment, or the new pot is not familiar to them, and you might have added some more soil, as well, which is why they will go through stress.
– Environmental Issues
Temperature/caused stress is a leading cause for sansevierias to have curled or droopy leaves. When temperatures are too hot or cold, the plant will react in several ways, including snake plant curling and wilting of the leaves, and brown tips. Many snake plant owners notice these symptoms when bringing their plants indoors after being outdoors during the summer months.
Light is another cause of a curling snake plant and leaf discoloration, chances are it’s not getting enough light. While the sun can be a bother for these plants, light isn’t! Caused by insufficient lighting, some of the symptoms you might notice on your snake plant include pale or washed-out coloring and slow growth or even wilting. The answer? More sunshine!
How to Prevent Curled Leaves on Snake Plants?
To prevent curled leaves on snake plants, you should provide the right light for them, and makes sure that you water them correctly. You must also use neem oil to tackle the pests and fungi as well, and lastly, give it the right growing conditions.
– Provide Ample Light
Generally, these plants prefer bright indirect light; however, some can tolerate lower light conditions. Too much sunlight is likely to burn the leaves and cause them to curl up in defense against radiation. Make sure to provide the right amount of light for your particular species and keep them away from hot spots near windows or other areas that receive too many of those harsh rays!
If you don’t need to worry about placement near windows and seeing how the light affects it daily, artificial lighting provides more consistent, appropriate light levels throughout all seasons. This is how it will not go through extreme stress as much as it would when the light is not sufficient for it.
– Water Correctly
To ensure your snake plant gets the right amount of water, only water when your soil is completely dry. It’s also necessary to water evenly and deeply so that all areas of soil get enough hydration. You could also set a schedule, and change it as the seasons gets warmer or colder, and adjust it accordingly.
If your plant’s leaves are already curling from incorrect watering, don’t fear! You may be able to help your snake plant recover with an appropriate balance of light and fertilization. So take a look at ways you can adjust your watering schedule and get back on track with caring for your snake plant.
– Use Neem Oil
Pests and fungal infections are common on houseplants, and neem oil works to prevent both by suffocating the unfortunate critters. As a bonus, neem oil can also ward off future infestations.
It’s easy to apply, all you must do is to mix neem oil with lukewarm water in a spray bottle and directly spray the infected area of the snake plant until it’s saturated.
– Strive for Optimal Conditions
If you’re noticing your snake plant leaves curling, the chances are the soil is a bit off. Ensure optimal soil for your snake plant by making sure it drains well, is aerated, and allowed to dry out between watering sessions.
The goal here is to provide a good base for the proper intake of nutrients for your snake plant, so go for a healthy plant soil mix of pine bark and inorganic materials in your potting soil. When it comes to the temperature of your snake plant, the ideal range is between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the plant veers too far outside these parameters, you will start to notice some symptoms of distress, all of which can be prevented by keeping the temperature within this narrow range. Aiming for a just-right climate is key when it comes to giving your snake plant a healthy, happy home.
Conclusion
There are many potential explanations as to why your snake plants may be experiencing curling leaves.
All of these can cause your otherwise beautiful plant to suffer, so let’s reiterate the key points:
- Leaf curl can happen due to too much light, a fungal infection, watering issues, pest attacks, too much fertilization, root rot, transplanting shock, temperature stress, or lack of light
- Providing the perfect amount of light for your snake plant; watering them correctly; treating any potential pest or fungal infections and ensuring optimal soil are all going to be key.
- For preventative measures against leaf curling in the future, we suggest going for an ideal temperature and taking steps to minimize the chances of disease.
With these tips, we’re sure your snake plants will be thriving in your home.
