White molds are harmless but are an unsightly view of your beloved plants. The most common reasons why your snake plant is dying are root rot, exposure to extreme temperature variations, insect infestations, or fungal problems. Also read: How much light do snake plant need? Using biological insecticides, they attack a long-list of troublesome pests. However, if the condition remains unfavorable for long, they will suffer through a lot of problems, and white spots are one of them. Following are a few ways to treat and control the infestation of spider mites. Spider plants are easy-going and forgiving plants. This condition is supported by unfavorable cultural conditions, pests attack, or improper care. Water your snake plant appropriately and take necessary actions to keep pests at bay. Snake plants usually have thick, rigid leaves that point upward, so if you see them drooping from any angle, you might want to consider cutting back on the water supply. Keep up with the care routine and water your snake plant when the soil gets dry. Then, you also need to check the leaves for any weird spots. Mist your plant with water or insecticidal soap, then using a clean, soft cloth, wipe the leaves down carefully to remove the spider mites. 99 In extreme cases when conditions are perfect, i.e. Over time the plant will give up and can die. Snake plants don’t like to stay moist for long, and moistness can support fungal growth, white molds, etc. Prune the damaged and dead leaves as soon as you see them on your snake plant. Due to the continuation of an infestation, the leaves can turn yellow and have white molds. Check out my article to see how you can grow plants in pots without holes. Water plants when the top 2-4” of the soil has dried out completely. They also lead to fungal and bacterial growth. When southern blight infects a host plant it penetrates the stem and infects the plant quickly. Wait till you see roots coming out of the pot, which signals that the roots need more room to thrive and better airflow. It affects over 500 plant species, typically causing lethal results especially in warm, moist conditions. Spray the diluted oil on the scales directly for better results. The excess water then gets stored in the leaves, that burst as white spots. Let’s see what these pests do to your plants and how you can get rid of them. $39.99. Snake plant might experience fungal problems, such as southern blight and red leaf spot. (Brown Tips+Brown Spots). This Snake Plant is one of the more petite varieties. Fungal spores from fluffy white stuff on the plant parts spread in the air and also through water sitting on leaves. Don’t miss the round leaves of Cylindrica snake plant (Sansevieria cylindrica), which rise from soil like pencils. Spray the liquid part using a spray bottle on the plant and wash the plant with plain filtered water after 1-15 minutes of spraying. Potting your snake plant in a well-draining pot is essential, but you still want your plant to look well and add to the beauty of your home. The flowers point upward and are clear white and tuftlike. The snake plant needs some attention, and you should have some knowledge regarding their care and needs. Before attempting rubbing alcohol, spot test an inconspicuous area on your plant to ensure it won’t damage foliage; the waxy succulent leaves on a Snake Plant are typically strong enough to withstand a little bit of rubbing alcohol, but it’s best to double check before treating your plant. It grows 36 inches tall and is as easy to grow as other snake plant varieties. Avoid reusing potting soil from previously infected containers, inspect new plants for infestation when bringing them into your home, and maintain good airflow around your Snake Plant. Spider mites feed on the fluids found inside the leaves of Snake Plants, piercing the waxy coating to access the internal fluids. One of the biggest challenges with spider mites is their prolific nature; often times a heavy infestation will occur, unnoticed, before plants begin to show physical symptoms of damage. Keep checking the plant leaves and roots every few weeks to prune overgrown parts timely and prevent pest infestation and fungal growth. The most widely known type of Snake Plant is dark green, with pointed leaves that resemble a waxy tongue. You can also turn the plant upside down and carefully rinse the leaves off with tepid water in the shower, washbasin, or kitchen sink. Do not overwater and over-fertilize your snake plant and provide proper indirect light to the plant. However, use them as a last resort only. The rhizomes, along with leaves and roots, store water. My name is Richa and I am here to simplify all your houseplants problems and get you a healthy and thriving plant that adds to the beauty of your home. The fibers obtained from the snake plant are smooth, creamy white and used in the textile industry. A Snake Plant also exhibits wilting of the leaves with white thread-like growths and wet, softened areas of dying plant tissue. If you keep repotting them again and again, they might end up getting weak and vulnerable. Remember to water minimally when the season is dormant as they are in a resting period and there is not enough light and heat, so the soil dries slowly. Spotted leaves occur when fungal spores in the air find a warm, wet, plant surface to cling to. Sometimes your snake plant can become dirty from dust accumulating on the leaves, and this can reduce the amount of light entering the leaves, even if the plant is situated in a bright room. See here for my best ideas for indoor planters. Mealybugs are soft-bodied and appear with white cotton masses on the plant. Healthy roots begin to turn brown and mushy as they perish, unable to take in nutrients needed for growth. The roots may overgrow and will look awkward, and will affect plant growth as well. If your plant isn’t growing during the spring or summer, troubleshoot through the previously mentioned issues that may be causing growth to slow. The excess water should be drenched completely to prevent water from sitting in the soil for long. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Twist’ Like the name, its pointy leaves twist from the top. They should be used as directed and shouldn’t be overused as they can be bad for the plan too. But sometimes, the plants suffer due to prolonged ignorance, leading to brown leaves, yellow leaves, or curled leaves. link to How To Revive Dying Spider Plants? This will help you to get rid of the pests in large numbers. It flowers a bloom that resembles lilies, and the flowers are white or cream in color. A Snake Plant also exhibits wilting of the leaves with white thread-like growths and wet, softened areas of dying plant tissue. Quarantine infected plants from healthy ones to prevent the spread. "Where too little light is generally an issue with several harder to grow houseplants, snake plants tend to thrive in those spots." Keep checking your plants periodically for disease symptoms. Use the following ways to control and treat the mealybugs invaded on your plant. If left untreated, leaves will yellow, curl, and drop. The Snake Plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making it very popular amongst homeowners. Leaves may be stippled with discoloration, or turning yellow overall. Fungal growths first appear as white areas on the leaves, then changes to a deep brown color. Repot the snake plant at least a five years gap. You won’t have to worry about all the ways to water houseplants while on vacation, as your snake plant will easily tolerate 3 weeks or more without water, even in warm, arid conditions. Snake Plant or Mother-in-law's-tongue, is an extremely hardy plant. Lighting is a significant factor that your snake plant needs to grow and to stay healthy, and maintain the perfect conditions they like. With my experience of keeping plants for several years, I have learned a lot about them and how to keep them alive and thriving and so here I am to pen down my experience for all of you. If the leaves are severely damaged, then trim off the entire leaf at the soil line. That affects soil quality and makes the plant vulnerable to pest, fungal, and bacterial growth, which lead to white molds. White molds can be identified on snake plant leaves as reddish-brown, sunken lesions or white web-like growth, which seems unsightly and makes the plant look ugly. The snake plant is a perfect expression of upward, growing ch’i. Then, using a solution of one part alcohol to three parts water with some dish soap (without bleach) mixed in, wash down the entire plant. Fertilizing the snake plant is a must because the soil might not be able to provide all the nutrients to the plant. This condition also attracts pests and fungal growth. The leaves can also lose their typical cross-banding pattern. That will prevent white mold on the plant. (All Possible Problems+Solution), link to Does ZZ Plant Like To Be Root Bound? Mites appear as red, white or black tiny dots visible from the outside and may appear to move quickly. Growth slows down considerably or stops completely during the cooler winter months as plants go dormant to conserve energy. The strong wood energy cuts through negative or stagnant energy. You can read all about the impact of low light on houseplants with this really useful article. (And How To Fix It). Apart from that, under fertilizing, low light, repotting, humidity, and pest problems are a common problem that can affect your snake plant’s growth. Bushy and very dull plants, then pruning and lighting routines need to be looked after. Regardless of how green your thumb is, unfortunately the following can still affect your plants. Following are the signs through which your plant is telling you that they need your support: Go through the following factors that need to be taken care of to prevent white molds on your snake plant. Also, keep the plant in good airflow and keep the humidity level average around the snake plant to avoid pest issues. The light should be moderate but should be given to the plant the whole day long for better growth. Fertilizing is usually the issue when everything else seems right; still, your snake plant has white molds on it. When you water your plant, the water evaporates slowly, but the salt remains. Sansevieria trifasciata, a.k.a. But sometimes, plant owners fertilize their snake plant too much to see fast growth. Southern blight is caused by a parasitic fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii,  that attacks many houseplants and garden plants alike. Sometimes it can become problematic to your snake plants and can also attract more plant-related problems. (Causes And Solutions), Why Are My Rubber Plant Leaves Curling? Isolate the plant and prune out the infected parts of the plant. Yes, all plant parts on Sansevieria trifasciata are mildly toxic. Mealybugs also excrete honeydew — a sugar-rich, sticky liquid — as they feed, encouraging the growth of sooty mold. Why Is My Snake Plant Dying? It is essential to know what signs are telling you that your plant is unwell. Sansevieria 'Bantel's Sensation' Bantel's Sensation snake plant is a patented variety that shows off exceptional thin, dark green leaves elegantly variegated with cream and white stripes. Do not mist the snake plant as it will keep the leaves moist, which snake plants do not like. Snake plant. Small doses of the toxin may not cause any symptoms; consumption of large amounts of the plant cause swelling and numbness of the tongue and throat, leading to intestinal distress. The roots then die back due to lack of oxygen or the overgrowth of a soil fungus. These could be the reason for this fungal disease, which you might be unaware of. Also read: Overwatering vs. Underwatering. Water the snake when required, and check the soil every few days. Once symptoms are visible in the leaves the problem may be past the point of rectifying, endangering the entire plant. The most commonly seen problem with Snake Plants is root rot, caused by overwatering, especially in the winter months. Typically, leaves of the snake plants develop white spots or turn completely white when they don’t get enough sunlight. The green and white banded are long and pointed, as with most varieties of Sansevieria.It typically blooms in late fall and produces clusters of greenish-white flowers. This could mean only watering your Snake Plant every 1-2 months during the cooler, winter months when the plant is dormant. Snake plant’s leaves are thick and firm and are hardy plants overall. You can drown the mites by soaking your snake in warm water. Carefully inspect all new plants when you bring them into your home since mealybugs easily crawl from one plant to a neighboring one. Stunted or deformed leaf growth, especially on new foliage as mealybugs inject a toxin into leaves when they feed on the plant’s fluid. You can save your plant and yourself from the hustle by preventing the issue from setting in and suck the life out of your plant. You do not need to fertilize your snake plant during winter as it might harm the plant and even attract pests and support fungal growth. ZZ — shorthand for the plant’s tongue-tangling botanical name, Zamioculcas zamiifolia — may be the solution for anyone who wishes they could grow something — anything — without much attention and hassle, and better still if it can thrive on neglect. smartgardenguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores worldwide. If you don’t get rid of mealybugs, they can end up killing your plants. Troubleshooting problems with snake plants are fairly straightforward and most problems can be identified and treated easily. However, there are over 70 versions of well-known types of Snake Plant, so this is a list of some of the most common types of Snake Plants. You can add a root treatment containing beneficial mycorrhizal species, or dust the healthy roots with sulfur powder to help prevent reinfection. Snake plants are not too sensitive plants but may get infested by pests. These oils are combined with an emulsifying agent so that it can be easily mixed with water. If the whole base is affected, take cuttings from healthy foliage and root them to propagate a new plant. Prune heavily damaged leaves from the plant, making sure to keep healthy foliage intact as over-pruning further stresses the plant. Visible on the roots first causing them to turn brown and mushy — classic signs of rot. I’ve written a guide to growing and caring for snake plants that covers everything you need to get started. Red leaf spot occurs when fungal spores in the air find a damp leaf surface to adhere to. Repot the plant, if caught soon enough. They are very much like succulents in that they don't require very much water and can handle most environments, with the exception of extreme cold. The main pests to look out for are spider mites and mealybugs, which will both suck sap from the leaves of your snake plant, leaving rough spots or small wounds. To identify these plants, you need to look for small patches of cottony wax on the plants. Some links in the post are affiliate links and I get a commission from purchases made through links in the post. You may have some decorative pots with plenty of drainage that you can plant your snake plant in, but personally, I much prefer to set the pot on a drip tray, or inside a more decorative planter. Insecticidal pesticides available in the market are very effective on these bugs. Like any other plant though it can succumb to problems causing you to scratch your head in wonder, trying to figure out why your snake plant is dying and how to remedy it. Slight infestations can be treated with a sulfur spray or copper-containing fungicide. Snake Plants are very easy to grow, making them a favorite houseplant for many, including those that aren’t extremely adept at keeping plants alive. Hello, My name is Richa, and this is where I share my passion for indoor plants. Water your snake plant as and when required rather than following any watering routine. Remove affected leaves to prevent the spread to other areas of the Snake Plant. The excess oil on the plant will evaporate rapidly. The most effective way to treat a Snake Plant for mealybugs is to manually pick the adults and egg masses off by hand or wiping them with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Dab the insects with cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol. The citrus mealybug is the most common species found on succulent plants like the Snake Plant. Maintain adequate air flow around plants as well and inspect all new plants for infection when bringing them home. Keep the leaves of your Snake Plant dusted, eliminating places for spider mites to nest and lay eggs. Pests suck on the sap of snake plants and lead to white molds on plant leaves and stunt their growth as well. Bantel's Sensation Snake Plant. All Snake Plants like bright light with at least some direct sun for several hours a day, however they will still grow in any position (although a little bit slower) as long as it's not deep shade.. Watering. Check out my article about the best ways to clean indoor plant leaves, to make this a quick and easy process. The best position to place the plants in your office or home is a place that is enriched by the plant's Wood element. These pink, soft-bodied insects are covered with a white, waxy, almost cottony-like material. Isolate the infested plant, prune infected parts, and discard them. If root rot has spread significantly, dissect the plant, keeping only the healthy portions. Neem oil disturbs the growth of mealy bugs and has antifeedant properties. Over time the spots expand and coalesce to form large, sunken, liquidy lesions. Spray fungicide in the soil and roots to avoid any future contamination. ‘Bantel’s Sensation’ — Narrow leaves have white vertical stripes and grow to about 3 feet long. Buy disease-free plants and scrub the pots with soap and water with a bleach solution and water to avoid any contamination. I’m here to share my experience and help you have more success and enjoyment growing plants. No matter what you choose to call it, everything you have ever wanted to know about keeping a happy, healthy Sansevieria plant lies in this article. One mealybug home pest control is to scrape away any white residue and spots on plants leaves that you can find. Mix pure neem with water and spray the mixture all over the infested plant parts. If the white powdery substance is all over the plant, it might be powdery mildew. 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