Why is My Snake Plant Curling? [Reasons & Fixes]

If you’re the proud owner of a snake plant, you may have noticed that your plant is starting to curl. While this may be alarming initially, there’s no need to worry – your snake plant is just trying to tell you something!

There are a few reasons why your snake plant may be curling, and we’ll discuss them in this article.

Snake Plant Leaves Curling – Causes and Solution

If you have a snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, and you’re wondering why my snake plant is curling, there are a few possible reasons.

Insects And Pests

If you notice your snake plant’s leaves curling, it could signify an infestation. Insects and pests attract leaf moisture and can cause severe damage if left unchecked.

A few different types of insects and pests can cause this problem, so it’s essential to identify the culprit before taking action.

Also read: Are Dieffenbachia Toxic To Dogs?

Scale Insects

These pests are small, hard-bodied creatures that attach themselves to plants and feed on the sap. Scale insects can cause severe damage to a plant and, if left untreated, may eventually kill it.

To identify scale insects, look for small, raised bumps on the leaves or stems of your plant. These bumps are the insects’ shells, and underneath them is where the insect is feeding. If you see these bumps on your plant, you must take action immediately to get rid of them.

Solution

There are a few different ways to treat scale insects. One method is to wipe them off with a damp cloth. This will remove the insect and its shell but won’t kill the eggs.

Another way is to use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. These products will kill the scale insects, but you’ll need to apply them every few days for a couple of weeks to ensure all insects are eradicated.

If your plant is heavily infested with scale insects, you may need to repot it into fresh soil. This will help to get rid of any eggs that may be in the potting mix. Be sure to dispose of the infested potting mix so that the scale insects don’t spread to other plants.

Aphids

If you have a snake plant that’s looking a little under the weather, it could be due to aphids. These minuscule pests can cause havoc on someone plants, causing the leaves to twist and curl due to their damage.

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects ranging in color from green to black. They typically congregate in groups on the undersides of leaves, feeding on plant sap.

This feeding can cause leaves to curl and distort and may eventually lead to leaf drops. Aphids can also spread disease from plant to plant.

Check out: Can You Grow Dieffenbachia in Water?

Solution

Fortunately, you can do a few things to get rid of aphids on your snake plant. Start by spraying the plant with water to dislodge the aphids. Then, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. You may need to repeat this treatment every few days until the aphids are gone.

You may need to treat your snake plant with an insecticide if you have a severe infestation. However, this should be a last resort, as insecticides can kill beneficial insects like ladybugs that help control aphid populations.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, white, wingless insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause extensive damage to plants, including leaf curl. Mealybugs are most often found in hot, dry climates.

If you live in an area with a warm environment, it’s essential to check your plants regularly for mealybugs. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of mealybugs and prevent them from returning.

Solution

To get rid of mealybugs, start by spraying them with water. This will remove some of the bugs and eggs from the plant. Next, apply an insecticide specifically designed to kill mealybugs. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.

You may need to use the insecticide several times before the mealybugs are entirely gone. Finally, keep an eye on your plants and check for mealybugs regularly. If you catch them early, they’ll be easier to eliminate.

If you have a snake plant that’s affected by mealybugs, don’t panic. These pests can be controlled with some effort. By taking some preventive measures and being diligent about checking your plants, you can keep mealybugs from causing damage to your beloved snake plants.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that feed on the plant’s sap. They’re usually red or brown and spin webs on the leaves. Spider mites can cause severe damage to your plant and are difficult to control once they get started.

If you notice these pests on your plant, it’s essential to take action immediately. These pests can spread quickly and do severe damage to your plant.

Also check: Are Dieffenbachia Toxic To Cats?

Solution

There are a few different ways to get rid of them, but the most effective method is to use an insecticide. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and apply it carefully to avoid damaging the plant.

Fungus

The fungus can cause the leaves to curl up and become deformed. The good news is that there are ways to identify and treat this problem.

To identify whether your plant has a fungus, look for these symptoms:

The leaves are curling or deform
There is white or yellow powder on the leaves
The leaves are sticky
The plant has black spots on the leaves

Solution

If you see any of these symptoms, taking action immediately is essential. The sooner you treat the plant, the better your chance of saving it. Here are some tips for treating a snake plant with a fungus:

Remove any affected leaves from the plant. This will help to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Disinfect your pruning tools after each use. This will help to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Apply a fungicide to the plant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Increase air circulation around the plant. This will help to prevent the fungus from spreading.

By following these tips, you can help to save your snake plant from a fungal infection.

Watering Issues

Here are two types of water issues that can cause your snake plant to curl:

Over-Watering

Over-watering is one of the most common problems regarding snake plants. If you notice that your plant’s leaves are starting to curl, it’s a sign that you may be watering it too frequently. Thankfully, a few easy ways exist to identify and treat this problem.

If you notice that the leaves on your snake plant are curling, the first thing you should do is check the soil. If the soil is wet or mushy, it’s a sign that you’re overwatering your plant. The best way to fix this problem is to let the soil dry out completely before watering your plant again.

If you’re not sure whether or not you’re overwatering your plant, there are a few other signs to look for. For example, yellow or brown leaves can be a sign of overwatering. Additionally, if you notice that your plant is starting to rot, it’s another sign that you’re watering it too frequently.

Have a look: Can You Grow Dieffenbachia From Cuttings?

Solution

If you think you may be overwatering your snake plant, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, ensure you only water your plant when the soil is arid.

Second, try using a well-draining potting mix. And third, consider using a moisture meter to help you keep track of the moisture levels in your soil.

Under-Watering

If you have a snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), you may have noticed that the leaves are starting to curl. This is usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.

There are a few ways to tell if your snake plant is underwatered. The first is to check the soil. If it feels dry, then it’s likely that the plant needs more water. Another way to tell is by looking at the leaves. If they are starting to curl, this is another sign that the plant needs more water.

Solution

If you think your snake plant is underwatered, you can do a few things to help it. First, make sure you’re watering it regularly. If you’re not watering it weekly, you need to start doing so.

Second, make sure you’re using a good-quality potting mix. Third, ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out.

If you follow these tips, your snake plant should start to look better in no time!

Cold Damage

Snake plants are native to tropical regions and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves will start to curl to protect themselves from the cold.

Solution

To prevent cold damage, keep your snake plant in a warm location. If the temperature does drop, move the plant to a warmer spot or cover it with a blanket. Once the temperature rises, the leaves should uncurl.

If you live in an area with extremely cold weather, it’s best to grow your snake plant indoors. This way, you can control the temperature and protect your plant from the elements.

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the verdict? Is your snake plant dying, or is it just stressed out? If you’re unsure, give it a little time and keep an eye on things.

In the meantime, try to recreate its natural environment as closely as possible and avoid overwatering (or underwatering). If all else fails and you lose your snake plant, don’t worry – they’re incredibly easy to propagate, so you can always get another one!