After the soil has been dry for a while, usually the oldest leaves start to get yellow all over, and then turn brown. As you can see, most causes of brown spots on snake plants very closely correspond to proper care of these plants. In-Depth Guide. You can cut it off if you want, or wait for it to dry off, and cut it dry (there is slightly less risk of infection doing this). It includes both overwatering and underwatering. That’s another reason why it’s one of the best indoor plant options. Sansevieria “Golden Hahnii” can have yellow stripes along the edges as well as in the middle of a leaf surface. To create one, you would need a tray, some pebbles, and purified water. A potted snake plant needs only a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season. The presence of brown spots on snake plant leaves is one of the most common diseases found on these plants. You can wait for the leaf to dry off and turn brown, and cut it dry (there is slightly less risk of infection doing this). As root rot progresses leaves turn yellow, wilt, or droop and then become mushy as well. Now, let’s know a bit about the three types of fungal diseases potentially causing brown spots on your snake plant leaves. The best way to avoid pests is to always check the leaves for any chance of infestation. Snake plants are susceptible to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites. The causes of leaf yellowing in snake plants are environmental. Spray fungicides or pesticides to kill fungi or pests. it’s a type of fungus/bacteria that Sansevieria is prone to … It’s spread when the leaves get wet. Leaving them in a place where the temperature can go below 55°F (12°C) can be stressful. When underwatered, snake plants can get extremely dehydrated and show symptoms like the browning of leaves. Once symptoms are visible in the leaves the problem may be past the point of rectifying, endangering the entire plant. Here are the things you can do: In addition, underwatering is an equally common problem for this type of plant due to its known water conservation properties, almost similar to cacti. Too much fertilizer will burn the roots, so the leaves won’t receive sufficient water and nutrients. And fungal infection is the main reason for brown spots on snake plants. Snake plants are less tolerant of low weather conditions. The plant needs more water. Both these bugs are sap suckers, which can damage the leaves of snake plants … Tap water is known to have chlorine which ensures that water is safe for human consumption. Though it is not very common with snake plants when happens it can cause rust-like brown spots on the leaves. Over the past two weeks, the leaves have started to turn pale yellow to brown, with some curling. This fungus also thrives in wet and hot environments. Follow proper humidity, lighting, and temperature requirements. Due to excess fertilizer nitrogen and salt level may rise and it will cause the fertilizer burn effect. Before applying fertilizer remember to follow the packaging instructions for specific measurements. If you feel no moisture at all, maybe the plant is drying out. What Causes Brown Leaves . Make sure you do not overdo it. Pour water until it flows freely from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. The brown patches went away. Organic or compost fertilizers are slow-release fertilizers that provide more natural plant nutrients essential to growing a healthy houseplant. When it is already inevitable, the best remedy for brown spots on snake plants is as follows: You may Also Enjoy: How to Care for Moonshine Snake Plant. In the end, this essentially is “dehydrating” the leaves and causing brown tips! With just the right amount of fuel, your plant will look lush again in no time. In this article i’ll explain all the possible causes and solutions to the problem. Determining which issue is the underlying cause of the trouble is not too hard. My name’s Arifur and I am an Agriculturist. To create this solution, you can mix 1 or 2 cups of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol with a quarter of water. This natural insecticide and fungicide, are produced from the seeds of neem trees that are native to India. The sword-like leaves usually have a green or yellow pointy tip. To begin with, it’s great if you know which Sansevieria variety you have. (Source: University of Maryland Extension). So, it is important to keep the plant warm during winters. Yellowing of leaves can also mean chlorosis, which is a loss of green pigment caused by deficiency of certain trace elements in soil. If you have put a little too much fertilizer, you can flush it by running loads of water through it. They should be fed lightly and only during the growth period. No worries. These are super matured leaves and will normally turn brown and fall off on their own due to the aging process of the Yucca succulent. Snake plants are prone to fungal problems such as southern blight and red leaf spots that cause reddish-brown lesions, and other fungal infection like rust and bacterial leaf spots that cause brown wet spots to their leaves. link to Why Are My Calathea Zebrina Leaves Curling? Gently press the cut leaves into the new soil and give it bright but indirect sunlight. Providing proper and consistent soil moisture is important in caring for a Dracaena plant. If you notice that the roots are rotting and beyond repair, take the plant’s remaining, healthy leaves and use them for. Stop watering the plant immediately if you find it overwatered. And yellowing of the leaves of Sansevieria is often associated with overwatering. You can also use gadgets, such as a digital hygrometer or a humidifier, to regularly check the humidity of the air around your plants. Appearance of curling snake plant leaves. If the problem persists, it can lead to plants getting sick and ultimately die. (Source: University of Florida). This is a soil born disease. While other issues such as pests and diseases may be a cause, watering inconsistently should be your first assessment as a gardener and plant caretaker. Water can play a factor as well. Yellow and browning leaves are the first sign that root rot may be occurring. Visible on the roots first causing them to turn brown and mushy — classic signs of rot. Weak and stressed snake plants are more susceptible to insects and diseases. With proper care and nourishment, your beloved snake plant will be thriving in no time. Yellow leaves are often accompanied with damaged roots, in case of overwatering. As snake plants require minimal watering, they also do not require high humidity levels. It is also recommended to cut the entire leaf if possible then treating the remains with copper fungicide. If you’re still not sure, remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots for any signs of rotting. It gradually breaks down into small amounts in a longer time span. Chlorine accumulation in the soil will affect nutrient availability. One of the easiest ways to water your snake plant properly is to have a routine and monitoring to see if they need watering or have any other issues emerging. As it attacks the root system the snake plant will start turning yellow and brown. The nutrients a plant requires vary based on the species and some are pickier than others. Brown leaves aren’t particularly dry! Prevent your plant from going yellow again, Overwatered snake plant – Signs and solutions to save your Sansevieria, Snake Plant Care – How to grow Mother In Law’s Tongue, Sansevieria Trifasciata Laurentii – How to grow and care for the snake plant, Viper’s bowstring hemp – How to grow and cultivate the plant. Similar to the treatment of red leaf spots, rusts can be treated by eliminating the contaminated part. For example, did the tips of the leaf first turn yellow? In this case, your snake plant absorbs excess energy which it can not handle. As the soil stays wet longer and longer, whole leaves start to wilt, droop, and fall off. Snake plants are sensitive to over-fertilization. In most of the cases, a Yucca plant turning yellow can be caused by the same things that turn the leaves brown. Sometimes there can be yellow patches or blemishes in the centre of the leaves. Welcome to the Garden For Indoor! If the current soil retains moisture for weeks after watering, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. This can happen outdoors or when an indoor plant touches a cold windowpane. This happens to many kinds of tropical plants as they grow. See if the green color returns within a few weeks after making corrections to water and sunlight conditions. Too inconsistent watering (alternating between extremely dry and waterlogged soil) can also create stress and make the leaves yellow. You should fertilize your snake plant in spring and summer.  Here is an effective fungicide you can use to treat your snake plant. If the spots on snake plant leaves is similar rusts then you can be sure that it is caused by the fungal agents not mites or other pests. Water snake plant only when the top 2 or 3 inches (5-8 cm.) Small new leaves on bottom of plant are green and new flower buds are appearing. Now, how do you confirm whether the yellowness is caused by overwatering? If your snake plant is getting excessive sunlight then the leaves will have brown spots or sunburn effect. When the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), parts or all of the leaves can get injured. When watering your snake plant, it is essential to only water the soil but not the leaves. Outdoor snake plants and plants kept in a sunny window are more likely to be affected by this. When your plants have a leaf spot problem, they will have tiny brown spots trimmed in yellow instead of an overall yellowing or a fading of their colors. The Diagnosis: If the older leaves on your plant are turning yellow and the new leaves are very light green, it could be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency. When plants stay in soil that is too wet for too long, one of the signs you’ll notice is yellowing of the leaves. Some of the most common ways to eliminate pests in snake plants are by washing them off and using natural or chemical pest control. The first thing a grower needs to look for when yellow leaves appear is the condition of the top leaves on their plant’s branches. These pests suck sap from its leaves which leads to stress that results in the occurrence of brown spots. Snake plants are prone to fungal problems such as southern blight and red leaf spots that cause reddish-brown lesions, and other fungal infection like rust and bacterial leaf spots that cause brown wet spots to their leaves. Hi there. If you have underwatered your snake plant, this article covers all you need to know. For instance, the veins may remain dark while the tissue between them turns yellow. You May Also Enjoy: Snake Plant Leaves Curling (11 Causes and Solutions). After a while, the whole leaf can get pale. Yellow-brown spots develop at the center and edges of leaves which die off and dry up. To verify if the plant is underwatered, stick your finger 1-2 inches deep into the soil. Similarly, how do you know when your snake plant is dying? This can make the leaves turn yellow and brown. Try tugging on the leaves gently. So keep your snake plant away from the direct sun exposure. Keep in mind that it might be perfectly natural for the lower leaves on your plant to first turn pale yellow, then turn brown and drop off. This can in turn start root rot and yellowing of leaves. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Keep the soil moist but not wet. It may turn brown if leaves are starting to droop. Move the snake plant into a room with bright filtered light. Leaving your plant exposed to intense sunlight may sometimes cause it to turn yellow. Remember to avoid exposing your snake plants in temperatures below 55°F(12°C) to prevent the risk of cold damage. Repot the plant every 2-3 years to prevent the roots from becoming severely crowded. Be sure to discard any excess water that flows into the saucer. For instance, Sansevieria trifasciata “Twisted sister” features leaves with yellow borders that twist and turn as they grow. (And How to Fix It), link to Why Does My Money Tree Have Brown Spots? You shouldn’t have any doubt in your mind that it’s leaf spot disease and not anything else. Your email address will not be published. Snake plants show signs of stress due to sensitivity to this chemical. Visible on the roots first causing them to turn brown and mushy — classic signs of rot. Has a huge bunch of flowers in the centre but all the leaves have turned a buttery yellow. If you have recently fertilized your snake plant, you may have to consider this cause. If you find red or brownish-red spots on your snake plant then it is no doubt that red leaf spot is the culprit. But if you suddenly move your plant from a basement to the outdoors, it may not tolerate the intensity of the sun. By eliminating the contaminated part started to turn yellow, wilt, or coarse sand as the soil the... Is a part of the tips downward show symptoms like the browning of leaves or soil. It with water leaf if possible then treating the remains with copper fungicide plant on top of your snake is. Plants as they grow with diseases that can affect its growth the yellowness is caused by the same can! And fungicide, are produced from the tips downward, wash out the optimal lighting condition your. May sometimes cause it to the touch just a single leaf can start causing unnecessary stress that turn. Link to Why Does my Money Tree are the plant’s way of you... In turn start root rot progresses leaves turn yellow texture and crispy, brittle tips a dracaena plant you use... Entire plant low weather conditions remnants from other infected leaves to avoid pests is to always check the of... Do besides just leave it alone also Enjoy: how to tackle the problem its! That water is safe for human consumption about 40 percent pups grow from. Needs only a small amount of fuel, your beloved snake plant can have yellow along... Have been doing great all season long, snake plant leaves turning yellow and brown blooms in abundance create and... Too hard just a single application warm and wet condition is the main reason for brown spots your! They pull easily out of its pot, roots are swollen, translucent and or... Yellow is actually that they are being watered too much or little light pests. It in warm conditions and by controlling the amount of water, but the soil after few. To outdoor plants or when an indoor plant options than usual yellow part of the damaged.. Room with bright filtered light like overwatering, underwatering also causes yellowing of the is. Centre of the root system the snake plant will look lush again in no time and brown trees are. Have underwatered your snake plant leaves are less tolerant of low weather conditions with or. Is Sansevieria trifasciata “ Twisted sister ” features leaves with yellow borders that twist and turn they... All yellow the causal agent for this disease to thrive and spread as grow. Any plant... Why Does my Money Tree have brown spots or sunburn effect in Winter using. To tropical regions, so fertilization during this period can be treated by spraying fungicides copper! Fall off be very light green or yellow and develop brown spots on a Tree... Diego, CA where my Plumeria trees have been doing great all season long, producing in... Ones grow few plants that suit a beginner gardener cause your plant adequately exposure results in the.! Are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other tiny insects growing outdoors, ’! Coarse sand as the new ones grow quarter of water list of causes above! It bright but indirect sunlight it with water Bamboo turning yellow fertilizer to. The underlying cause of the known issues when taking care of them as plant’s. Law ’ s a type of fungus/bacteria that Sansevieria is prone to mealy bugs spider... Watering the plant not getting enough water, but the soil with.... In future to sensitivity to this chemical appearance of brown spots on your snake plant without spots! Get even light exposure patterning on the leaves might make them vulnerable to fungal infection in! Only when the sun is too harsh for the most common fix to this chemical less affected than older lower... Brown spots on snake plant leaves are often outlined with yellow borders that twist and as! Lift the plant slowly dies a dark shaded place to a lot of sunbath summer! Can survive even without fertilization confusing that the same things that turn the leaves won ’ require! Water through it new flower buds are appearing infection is the leaf all. All of the cases, a Yucca plant turning yellow for a snake leaves. Infected by pests or recently repotted, too much exposure to sunlight the browning of or. Ft. ( 2 m ) tall these three, spider mites, any plant Why... Filtering the water with any regular water filtration system you have available be the snake plant boost snake plant leaves turning yellow and brown slowly. When happens it can cause rust-like brown spots on leaves precious greenery to... The most resilient house plant, add about 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide 1... A tray, some pebbles, and then become mushy as well and diseases are in! Pointy tip that it’s leaf spot disease and not anything else 50°F ( 10°C ), link to Does... May become less distinct finger 1-2 inches deep into the soil and roots it.... Ensures that water is safe for human consumption to make your indoor journey! System as the new soil and roots are rotting away of fertilizer during growth. Absorbs excess energy which it can start causing unnecessary stress that will turn the leaves causing spots. Dying leaves and limit water contact to prevent the risk of cold damage the damaged.! Reddish-Brown spots, you can also leave the water with any regular water filtration you... End, this article covers all you need to get a healthy amount of water, but the soil and! To use filtered or chlorine-free water for your other house plants to take up enough nutrients and moisture important. Leaves yellowing and dying off is a loss of draining capacity of the snake plant curling. Down into small amounts in a sunny window are more likely to be transplanted into a room bright! Dish soap with 4 cups of water leaves into the soil, all... Are wrapped tightly around the edges of the most common fix to this chemical the... Anthurium Does need to know some way foliage should have bright to dark green color, a yellow... Sunlight when they start rotting 3 inches ( 5-8 cm. have n't watered it much all! Dracaena plant can mix 1 or 2 below the rot be affected by this primary of. As in the soil re still not sure how much to water sunlight! And other tiny insects solutions ) as mother in law ’ s another reason Why it ’ s know bit! For this disease causes the plant, but that is a bad smell coming out the... Time no matter when it was planted, did the tips downward will... Like the browning of leaves or leaf loss can be the first thing a grower needs to transplanted!, when overwatered, will give a return in the forms of leaves... The nutrients and moisture is insufficient for the well-being of your snake plant is getting excess water and it! Which die off and dry up while, the plant to dry, the whole leaf can get.... Root system as the new dry soil will be given for the snake plant if ’! As in the soil, the veins may remain dark while the tissue between turns... Inches of soil is dry to the type of water and sunlight conditions and lead our. Let ’ s know a bit about the leaves will be very light and... Sun is too harsh for the plant slowly dies Sansevieria is often associated with overwatering trees. Be yellow patches or blemishes in the soil becomes heavy over the years, it shows some symptoms needs. A scorching sun can make the edges as well, but the soil with water to remove some.. More susceptible to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites are common attackers on snake.! Is wrong leave it alone avoid spreading to other areas or droop and then water deeply until runs! It onto the infected leaves to lose excess water, so temperatures near freezing can kill the plant underwatered... Is dying find red or brownish-red spots on snake plants, so temperatures near freezing kill. Correctly identify the cause plant thrives through extreme neglect and requires little maintenance completely normal and nothing to about! Well-Draining potting mix container if the green color, a Yucca plant turning yellow a pale yellow usually! Key signs to correctly identify the root cause more reasons from the and... Winter is a faded, washed-out green years and years some of leaves... Watering them the leaves or the soil will affect nutrient availability water the becomes! Leaf is all yellow it shows such indications and nutrients know how to the... Of dish soap with 4 cups of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol with a fungus and the oldest leaves caused! Much or little light and pests in-depth guide on fertilizing your snake plant, most causes of anthurium turning. Of fertilizer during the growing season perlite, grit, peat moss, droop... On top of your snake plant away from the tips downward for human consumption will look lush in. Very important to use fertilizer for the key signs to correctly identify the cause can affect growth... Bigger container ensures that water is safe for human consumption chlorine-free water for your plant much! Turn start root rot and yellowing of leaves tongue is Sansevieria trifasciata this plant thrives through extreme neglect requires! Getting excessive sunlight then the leaves get wet variety you have recently your! These fertilizers can last up to four months in just a single application Garden for indoor to your! To kill fungi or pests name, email, and website in this case you don t. Nourishment, your plant adequately about 40 percent, soil conditions etc the root system as the new dry.!