Why are my the tips of my Snake Plant turning brown?

Snake plants are notoriously resilient plants, however, like all plants they may experience a little discomfort depending on their environment . There are a number of reasons why your Snake plant might be browning. But not to worry, it's very likely that there are no serious issues at play. Take a look below for causes of browning tips, and find a solution that will help your Snake plant achieve greatness!

Inconsistent Watering

If you find that the tips or stalks of your Snake plant are browning, there's a chance that you could be overwatering or underwatering your plant. A simple inspection will let you know which is happening. 

If the Snake plant’s soil is soggy and waterlogged, that means that your Snake is getting too much to drink! Remedy this by waiting for the soil to completely dry out, which can take between ten days and two weeks, then you may water your plant again.

If the Snake plant’s soil is dry, then it could be that your plant is in need of some water. To test the moisture of your plant, you can use a moisture meter, which will help you maintain a healthy and regular watering schedule, which will aid in keeping your Snake’s tips from browning.

Too Much Sunlight

Snake plants may be hardy, but there is a limit to how much sunlight and heat they can handle. Just like you, excessive heat or sun can make your plant uncomfortable or stressed. If your snake plant sits by a window, or simply in a spot that gets a lot of sun, this could be the reason your plant’s tips are browning. If this is the case, you can move your plants to another spot in your house where your plant will get slightly less direct sun. You can monitor it over time to make sure it’s happy and thriving! 

Pests

The possibility of bugs can be an issue for many plants, but don’t panic! There are multiple ways you can treat a pest issue with your Snake plant.

Inspect your Snake plant’s leaves and soil and look for any signs of bugs in either area. They can be small, so be sure to look closely. One common type of pest you may discover is called a mealybug, which will look like little, white cotton spots on the stalks of your Snake. They are considered to be sap suckers, and can slowly dehydrate your plant and steal its nutrients, which can cause browning overtime. Before treating the plant, we suggest removing it from your other surrounding houseplants while it heals, just to ensure the infestation doesn’t spread to other plants in your home.

There are multiple chemical pesticides and insecticides for treating pests, but if you would like a more natural route, you can use Neem oil. Spray it directly on the infestation sites and they will be gone within days, and you can repeat the routine if needed.

When In Doubt, Reach Out

Browning on your Snake plant is most likely not a serious health issue. However, if you are concerned that your Snake plant is showing other signs of distress, our Plant Doctor Service is here to provide guidance. Simply sign in to your Léon & George account, select “Contact Plant Doctor” and get in touch.

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Snake Plant

A popular, air-purifying succulent with a structural shape and an incredibly hardy disposition.

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Snake Plants & Soggy Spots

The Snake Plant or sansevieria is a member of the succulent family, making it super adaptable to almost any environment and incredibly low maintenance. Despite its easy-going attitude, there are still a few easy traps to fall prey to.

• Soggy fronds and brown tips are a result of overwatering or an inconsistent watering schedule. With shallow root systems, they're susceptible to root rot which will cause fronds to tip over and show soggy spots.

  • To treat, first identify if root rot has occurred. If yes, trim infected roots and change the soil. If no, start decreasing the amount of water you give the plant and get on a regular schedule.

  • Brown tips can be trimmed, but leave a thin sliver of dried edge to avoid further damage to the plant.

• Scars are common but can be easily avoided. Even though Snake Plants are hearty and can survive a wide range of conditions, they don't have the toughest skin. Any bumps or scratches will cause the skin to break and eventually scar.

  • While you can't remove the scars, eventually, they'll appear smaller as the plant grows and therefore less noticeable. Keep your plant in a low traffic area to avoid the risk of more damage.

• Fronds that fold in on themselves is less common, but a crucial problem to remedy as quickly as possible. An infestation of a pest called Thrips is likely the cause. They're nearly impossible to see, but can be harmful to the plant if left untreated. 

  • Remove any fronds that are curled in or are suspect to infection. Wipe down remaining leaves with Neem Oil, check every few weeks and re-apply to avoid re-infestation.

SNAKE PLANT

A large succulent and thus extremely adaptable and low maintenance – the perfect starter plant. It is also a terrific air purifier, making it a healthy and attractive addition to any indoor space.

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