Why is My Snake Plant Turning Yellow (Causes and Solution For You)

If your snake plant turning yellow, don’t worry! This is the plant’s way of indicating that it needs help, just as we might feel unwell at times. 

The yellow leaves could be a sign that the plant is facing some issues. Let’s discuss why this might be happening and what you can do to restore its health and green color.

Causes of Snake Plant Leaves Turning Yellow

If your snake plant is turning yellow, it could be due to various reasons. Let’s break down each possible cause in simple terms:

Watering Stress:

If you notice the leaves of your snake plant turning yellow, it could be due to either overwatering or underwatering. Think of your plant as a friend who enjoys snacks in moderation.

Check the soil’s moisture level by inserting your finger an inch deep. If the top layer feels dry, it’s time to water your plant. However, avoid overwatering, as it is similar to giving your friend too many snacks, which is never appreciated.

 To keep your plant healthy, water it only when the top inch of soil is slightly dry, just as you wait for your friend to finish their snacks before offering more. This way, you can be a responsible plant parent, and your snake plant will remain lush and vibrant. 

Plants can’t communicate verbally, but yellow leaves are a way of letting you know that they need less water. Therefore, maintain a balance and be the best plant friend you can be.

And here’s a little stat: Overwatering is a common cause of yellow leaves. So, by being mindful of your plant’s water intake, you’re already ahead in the plant-parenting game.

Root Rot:

Think of your plant’s roots as superheroes that are underground. However, they do not like too much water.

 If you notice that the leaves of your snake plant are turning yellow, it may be due to the roots becoming too soggy, as if the superheroes are losing their powers in the rain.

To save the day, ensure that your plant is in a pot that has holes at the bottom. These holes act as secret exits for excess water, preventing the roots from drowning. Additionally, give the soil a break between waterings.

This is like giving the superhero roots time to dry off and regain their strength. Therefore, be a hero for your snake plant! Control the water, use a pot with holes, and allow those roots to become healthy superheroes. Your plant will reward you with happy, green leaves instead of sad, yellow ones.

And here’s a little plant superhero fact: Too much water can lead to root rot, making your plant’s underground heroes lose their battle against excess moisture.

Too Much Direct Light:

Think of your plant like a friend who loves sunlight but can get a little too toasty. If your snake plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it’s like it’s saying, “I’ve had too much sun!”

Help your plant out by finding it a new spot with bright, but not too direct, sunlight. It’s like giving your friend a shady spot to cool down on a hot day. Your plant will feel better, and its leaves will stay green and happy.

So, if you spot yellow leaves, it’s like your plant whispering, “Can I have a sun break, please?” Just move it to a cozier spot, and your snake plant will show its gratitude with beautiful, green leaves.

And here’s a simple tip: Too much direct sunlight can make your plant feel like it’s getting too toasty, so finding that sweet spot will keep both you and your plant happy.

Temperature Fluctuations:

If you are observing yellow leaves on your snake plant, it may be due to the temperature fluctuations in its surroundings. Just like us, plants need a stable environment to be healthy and happy.

To ensure your plant’s well-being, keep it in a consistent, room-temperature setting. Avoid exposing it to sudden changes in temperature, as it can be a shock for the plant.

By creating a cozy, comfortable home for your snake plant, you are allowing it to thrive and show its gratitude with lush, green foliage. 

So, if you spot yellow leaves on your plant, take it as a sign that your plant is asking for a steady and comfortable environment.

Here’s a fun fact: Plants, like us, prefer stable conditions. Sudden temperature changes can stress them out. So, by keeping things steady, you’re basically creating a zen space for your plant to thrive.

Fungal Diseases:

When a snake plant’s leaves turn yellow, it can be because of fungal diseases. Fungi are tiny things that can make the plant sick. They live in the soil or on the leaves.

Just like people can get sick, plants can too. When the leaves turn yellow, it means the plant might have a fungal infection. This can happen if the plant is too wet or if the soil is not clean.

To help the plant, you should avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is healthy. If you see yellow leaves, it’s a good idea to ask someone who knows about plants for help. They might suggest things like using special plant medicine to make the plant better.

And here’s a little tip: Keeping the soil clean and not drowning your plant in water helps keep those sneaky fungi away.

Pests:

Pests are tiny creatures that can bother plants, animals, and even people. These annoying critters can harm plants by eating their leaves, stems, or roots. Common pests include insects like aphids, worms, and beetles.

When pests invade a garden or a houseplant, they can cause damage and make the plants unhealthy.

To protect plants from pests, people often use things like insecticides or natural methods like introducing helpful insects that eat the pests.

In homes, pests can also include creatures like mice or ants that we don’t want around. People use traps or sprays to get rid of these pests and keep their homes safe and clean.

In the U.S., households spend billions of dollars annually on pest control services to keep their homes safe and clean. 

Nutrient Deficiencies:

Nutrient deficiencies happen when plants don’t get enough of the important stuff they need to grow and stay healthy. 

Plants, just like people, need certain nutrients to thrive. These nutrients include things like vitamins and minerals.

When a plant lacks these essential nutrients, it can show signs of being sick. For example, the leaves might change color, turn yellow, or get spots. Each nutrient has a specific job, so the plant needs the right balance of them.

To help plants, people can use fertilizers. Fertilizers are like special plant food that provides the missing nutrients. 

Gardeners or plant caregivers might look at the plant’s leaves and, if they see any problems, give it the right kind of fertilizer to make it better.

So, nutrient deficiencies are like when plants don’t get enough of their vitamins and minerals, and we can use fertilizers to help them grow strong and healthy.

To give plants the help they need, people often use fertilizers. In the United States alone, more than 25 million tons of fertilizer are used annually to ensure crops and plants get the nutrients they require.

Rootbound:

Rootbound is a term used to describe a situation where a plant’s roots have outgrown the container they are grown in. When a plant’s roots fill up the space in the container, it becomes rootbound. 

This can be detrimental to the plant’s growth as it can’t get the nutrients it needs to thrive. Just like wearing shoes that are too small, the roots need more room to stretch out. 

To fix this problem, we need to move the rootbound plant to a bigger container where it has more space to grow. This will make the plant happier and healthier, allowing it to grow to its full potential.

It’s good to repot plants every 1-2 years to prevent them from becoming rootbound.

Inadequate Drainage:

When water is unable to properly drain from a plant’s home, such as a pot or garden, it is called “inadequate drainage”. This is similar to a sponge that cannot be wrung out.

When soil does not allow for proper drainage, it can cause problems for plants. Excess water around the roots can lead to poor health and overall sadness. This is akin to wearing wet shoes all the time, which is not very comfortable. 

To resolve issues related to inadequate drainage, we may need to modify the soil or create holes in the pot to allow for excess water to escape. 

This helps the plant thrive by preventing the roots from sitting in water for extended periods of time. Essentially, we are providing the plant with a dry and cozy home for its roots.

Stats:

• Signs of inadequate drainage include waterlogged soil, yellowing leaves, and root rot.
• Creating drainage holes in pots or amending the soil with materials like perlite can improve drainage.
• Proper drainage is essential for preventing water-related issues and promoting plant health.

Over-fertilizing:

Over-fertilizing refers to the act of providing plants with an excessive amount of nutrients similar to overfeeding humans. Just like we shouldn’t consume too many sweets, plants also suffer when they receive too much fertilizer.

Though plants need a specific amount of fertilizer to grow, providing them with more than they require can cause soil imbalance, which is detrimental to the plant’s health. It’s a bit like adding too much sauce to our food – it ruins the taste. 

To solve over-fertilization, we need to water the plant sufficiently to wash away the extra food. It’s like helping the plant have a balanced diet again. Therefore, over-fertilization occurs when we are too generous with plant food, and we need to give the plant just the right amount.

Stats:

• Signs of over-fertilizing include wilting, browning of leaf edges, and salt buildup in the soil.
• It’s important to follow recommended fertilizer guidelines for each type of plant.
• Watering plants thoroughly can help flush out excess nutrients from the soil.

Natural Aging:

Natural aging is the process of things getting older over time in a regular manner. This process occurs in everything, including people, animals, and objects such as toys or furniture.

 As an example, our bodies change as we age, and our hair might turn gray. Similarly, plants may develop wrinkled or discolored leaves as they age.

 Natural aging is a normal part of life, and while it cannot be stopped, things can be taken care of to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.

Just like we exercise to stay healthy, plants also need proper care to age gracefully. Therefore, natural aging is the natural way things change as time progresses.

Stats:

• Signs of natural aging in plants include changes in leaf color, texture, and growth patterns.
• Proper care, such as regular watering and pruning, can help plants age more gracefully.
• Understanding the natural aging process helps us provide the right care for different stages of a plant’s life.
  
  Read | Why My Snake Plant is Drooping
  

Preventing a Snake Plant from Turning Yellow

Plant in well-draining soil

Put your snake plant in soil that lets water drain away easily. This helps the plant’s roots stay healthy and stops the leaves from turning yellow. 

It’s like giving your plant the right home so it can stay green and happy.

Don’t over-water

Don’t give your plant too much water. Just like us, plants don’t like to be soaked all the time.

Water your snake plant, but let the soil dry a bit between watering. It’s like finding the right balance, so your plant doesn’t drown and stays strong.

Don’t over-fertilize-light

Don’t give your plant too much plant food. While it’s good to feed your snake plant, giving it too much can be like overloading it with too many vitamins. 

Stick to the feeding schedule on the fertilizer pack to keep your plant healthy without overwhelming it. It’s like giving your plant just the right amount of nutrients, not too much or too little.

Make sure it gets bright, indirect light

Make sure your plant gets sunlight, but not too strong. Place your snake plant where it gets bright, indirect light. 

Think of it like finding a cozy spot for your plant, where it gets just enough sunshine without getting too hot. This helps it grow happily without getting sunburned.

Maintain temperatures between 50-80°F

Keep your plant comfy by making sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Try to keep the room temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s like giving your snake plant a nice, cozy environment where it can thrive without feeling too chilly or too warm. Just like we like a comfortable room, your plant does too.

Use cactus soil mix for repotting

When you’re giving your snake plant a new home, like when you’re repotting it, use a special kind of soil called cactus soil mix. 

It’s like giving your plant the right outfit—it helps with good drainage, making sure water doesn’t stick around too long. This helps keep your snake plant’s roots healthy and happy in their new pot

Put the plant in a pot with fast-draining soil

When you’re planting your snake plant in a new pot, choose soil that lets water go away quickly. It’s like giving your plant a home with fast-draining soil, so the water doesn’t stick around too much.

This helps keep the roots healthy and prevents problems like yellow leaves. Just like we prefer a comfy and dry place, your plant does too.

Read | How Much Light Does A Snake Plant Need?

Should yellow leaves be removed from snake plants?

If you see any yellow leaves on your snake plant, it’s a good idea to cut them off. Yellow leaves might mean the leaf is old or not feeling well. 

By removing them, you help your plant focus on growing new, green leaves. It’s like tidying up your plant and giving it a fresh start. 

So, don’t worry about those yellow leaves – just give them a little trim, and your snake plant will thank you with healthier, happier growth.

Conclusion:

Yellow leaves on a snake plant can be caused by various factors, such as overwatering, root problems, excessive sunlight, temperature changes, fungal infections, insect pests, lack of nutrients, being rootbound, poor drainage, over-fertilization, and natural aging. 

To prevent yellowing, you can take some steps like using well-draining soil, avoiding excessive watering and fertilizing, providing bright but indirect light, maintaining a suitable temperature, and using a cactus soil mix when repotting.

 If you notice yellow leaves, it’s recommended to cut them off to stimulate new growth. By understanding and addressing these issues, you can help keep your snake plant healthy and green.

FAQS About Snake Plant Turning Yellow

Why are my snake plant leaves getting soft?

Soft leaves can be a sign of overwatering. Adjust your watering routine, allowing the soil to dry between waterings to prevent softness.

Should I remove yellow leaves from a snake plant?

Yes, it’s advisable to trim yellow leaves. This helps the plant focus on new, healthy growth and maintains its overall well-being.

Is some yellowing natural?

A degree of natural aging can lead to yellowing. Regular care, including pruning and proper watering, helps manage this process.

What do you do with dead snake plant leaves?

Remove dead leaves to encourage new growth. Trim them close to the base for a tidy appearance.

How often should you water a snake plant?

Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent overwatering.

 How do you fix an overwatered snake plant?

Improve drainage by using well-draining soil, and let the soil dry before watering again. Trim any yellow leaves caused by overwatering.

Why do snake plant leaves turn yellow due to over-fertilizing?

Over-fertilizing can disrupt the soil balance, leading to yellowing. Follow the recommended guidelines and flush the soil with water to rectify this issue.

Can inadequate drainage cause snake plant leaves to turn yellow?

Yes, inadequate drainage can result in waterlogged soil, causing yellow leaves and potential root rot. Ensure proper drainage by adding holes to pots or amending the soil.

Is natural aging the only reason for yellow leaves on a snake plant?

While natural aging contributes to yellowing, various factors like environmental stress, pests, and diseases can also play a role. Regular monitoring and proper care address these issues.

What’s the significance of using cactus soil mix during repotting?

Cactus soil mix aids in fast drainage, preventing water retention. It’s like giving your plant a suitable outfit for its new home, ensuring optimal root health.

See Related Articles:

• Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?
• Are Snake Plants Toxic to Dogs?
• How To Get Rid of Bugs on Snake Plants
• How To Propagate Snake Plant
• Why Is My Snake Plant Dying?