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Reviving a snake plant
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Date Posted: Tue, Aug 11 - 11:28 am
- Hi! I am desperately trying to save this snake plant. Is there anything that can be done to return it to its former glory.
- Thank you for including a photo! The good news is that your snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) appears to be alive and actively growing. I can see several healthy new leaves and offsets ("pups"), so it has a good chance of recovering. The older leaves that have fallen over will not become upright again. Once a snake plant leaf bends or creases, it will remain that way. You can prune those damaged leaves off at the base using clean scissors or pruners. This allows the plant to direct more energy toward healthy new growth. Your plant also appears to have several offsets and may be crowded in its current pot. While repotting, inspect the roots and rhizomes. Healthy roots are firm and light-colored. Remove any soft, mushy, or blackened roots, which may indicate rot, and repot in a container with a drainage hole using a well-draining potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti. If desired, the offsets can be divided and potted separately. The leaves are longer and more arching than is typical for a snake plant, which often indicates it has been growing in lower light. While snake plants tolerate low-light conditions, they develop stronger, more upright growth in bright, indirect light. Moving it to a brighter location (avoiding harsh afternoon sun) should help encourage sturdier new growth. Finally, be careful not to overwater. Allow the potting mix to dry completely between waterings, and never let the pot sit in standing water. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems with snake plants. With a little cleanup, fresh potting mix, and brighter light, your plant should continue producing healthy new leaves. It may take several months for the new growth to fill in and restore the full appearance of the plant.