How to Revive a Mushy Snake Plant with Dry Roots

My snake plant leaves are turning mushy but roots are dry and brittle. Some leaves have dry oblong spots. If you are facing this issue with your Sansevieria, it is likely due to overwatering or insufficient care. Here are the steps to revive your plant and ensure it thrives:

Assess Watering Practices

The first thing to check is your watering routine:

Overwatering: Mushy leaves typically suggest your plant is getting too much water. Snake plants require the soil to dry completely between waterings. Underwatering: Dry brittle roots might indicate a lack of water, especially in a very dry environment, but if the leaves are mushy, it’s crucial to check your watering habits.

Ensure your watering schedule isn't too frequent and that the plant is not sitting in water for extended periods.

Check Soil and Potting

Make sure the soil and pot are well-suited for your snake plant:

Soil Drainage: Use a well-draining soil such as cactus or succulent mix. This will prevent water from sitting and causing root rot. Pot: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent waterlogging.

Inspect for Root Rot

The next step is to inspect the roots:

Remove the Plant: Carefully take the plant out of the pot to check the roots. If they are dark, mushy, or smell foul, you may have root rot. Trim Affected Roots: If you find any rotting roots, use sterilized scissors to trim them back to healthy tissue.

This process will help stop the rot from spreading and allow your plant to focus on regrowth.

Treat the Plant

Repot the plant if necessary:

Repotting: Place the plant in fresh, dry soil and a new pot with good drainage. Make sure the pot is clean to avoid introducing any additional pathogens. Water Sparingly: Wait a week after repotting before watering the plant. Then water only when the top inch of soil is dry.

Adjusting your watering routine after repotting is critical to prevent further stress on the plant.

Address Leaf Issues

If your leaves have dry oblong spots, consider the following:

Sunburn or underwatering: These spots can be caused by either overexposure to sunlight or not enough water. Place the plant in an appropriate light location, and adjust your watering schedule.

Ensuring the plant is in indirect light will minimize the risk of sunburn.

Monitor Conditions

Keeping the right conditions is crucial for the recovery of your snake plant:

Humidity and Temperature: Snake plants prefer temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) and moderate humidity. Keep the plant away from drafts and extreme temperature changes.

Maintaining a stable environment will help your plant recover more quickly.

Fertilizing

Once your plant is recovering, you can fertilize:

Fertilize Sparingly: Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), but avoid fertilizing during the winter months.

Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good and disrupt the plant's ability to recover.

By following these steps, your snake plant should start to recover. Monitor it closely after making changes and adjust your care routine based on the plant's response. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of stress or disease to ensure a healthy and thriving snake plant.