Did you know that you can solve the problem of yellowing leaves on your snake plant by doing one specific thing? Here’s what you need to do to revitalize this plant and make it thrive!
Are your snake plant’s leaves turning yellow and you’re worried it might die? Don’t worry, there’s still hope, and you can save the plant from a bad end. So, let’s find out what you need to do to make your snake plant last a long time— despite its unusual name, it’s a wonderful and decorative plant!
Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue
Known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, the Sansevieria is a wonderful and decorative plant, which gets its curious name from its tall, sinuous leaves that resemble tongues . Ideal for apartments but also for other locations, it tolerates high temperatures but cannot withstand cold .
To grow well, it doesn’t need excessive maintenance, just a few simple tricks that will allow you to achieve great results. One common issue is the appearance of yellowing leaves; let’s see how to prevent it and what to do.
Clean the yellow leaves
When leaves turn yellow, the main reason can be an infestation of insects and pests . Another reason could be that they are not absorbing enough light or that they are simply dirty.
A good solution to this problem is to prepare a mixture of water and Marseille soap and clean the leaves by soaking a cotton ball in it.
With just one pass, you’ll eliminate any parasites, and the leaves will shine again because the dirt will also disappear. Do this once a week or every two weeks .
Don’t overwater the plant.
Yellowing leaves can also be caused by overwatering. This can happen when it’s warmer and you try to help the plant by giving it more water, but you shouldn’t do this. If you notice excess water, stop watering for a few days and let the soil dry out .
To avoid mistakes, water the plant only when the soil is completely dry ; otherwise, wait. Also, pay attention to the water remaining in the saucer, as stagnant water can cause the roots to mold and the plant to die.
Keep it out of the wind
It’s essential to keep the snake plant (Sansevieria) sheltered from the wind; otherwise, the leaves can turn yellow. Indeed, in this case, the plant would suffer, and yellow leaves are a warning sign that something is wrong.
This plant does not tolerate wind or drafts well, and if placed outdoors, care must be taken to bring it indoors when the wind blows. Even sudden gusts of wind are not well-received by this plant, which prefers to remain sheltered and safe .
Transplant the mother-in-law’s tongue and fertilize it
To have a snake plant with beautiful, tall leaves, it needs enough room to grow. We need to check that the roots can develop properly and that there’s enough space in the pot for it to expand. It’s important to understand if there’s too little space because this will cause the plant to suffer and the leaves to turn yellow.
If repotting is necessary, do so in spring , and in any case every two years, to ensure the snake plant always has the space it needs to thrive. Also, remember to fertilize the plant, even though many say succulents don’t need it.
That’s not entirely true, and in the case of the Sansevieria, yellowing leaves could be due to a lack of nutrients. Therefore, if you add fertilizer, the plant will have the necessary nutrients to keep its leaves green and beautiful.
The ideal fertilizer is a mixture based on potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen . Natural fertilizers are also excellent, and among the best are those made from coffee grounds, which contain all the necessary nutrients for the snake plant to grow lush and vibrant!
