Why Snake Plant Leaves Are Turning White [10 Reasons & Fixes]

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10 Reasons Why Snake Plant Leaves Are Turning White

Snake plants are also called mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria. They make excellent houseplants because they are easy to care for and tolerate many conditions.

They’re also great if you want to improve the air quality in your home, as they can purify the air by removing chemicals, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia from the air.

In addition, snake plants release oxygen at night, which can help to improve sleep quality. As a result, snake plants can benefit both physical and mental health.

While snake plants are generally low-maintenance, they require some care to thrive. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot.

Snake plants can be a healthy addition to any home or office with a little attention. A healthy sansevieria will have dark green leaves, but you may notice the leaves turning white.

Although this color change may seem alarming, it’s completely normal and happens to most snake plants at some point in their life cycle.

Snake plant leaves turn white depending on many factors, some of which are discussed below.

1. Temperature

The beautiful leaves of the snake plant can turn white for several reasons, but the most common cause is temperature stress.

If the plant is exposed to sudden changes in temperature, or if the roots are too cold or too hot, the leaves may start to turn white.

It is recommended to keep your snake plant in a moist climate. The ideal temperature for a snake plant is 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you think your snake plant’s leaves are turning white due to temperature stress, try to ensure that the plant is kept in a consistent environment and that the roots are not too hot or too cold.

You can also try misting the leaves with water to increase humidity levels.

Click here: Houseplants That Like Wet Soil

2. Poor Air Circulation

One of the most common problems snake plant owners face is leaves that turn white. This is usually caused by poor air circulation, which can build moisture on the leaves.

 This can be especially problematic if you live in an area with high humidity. In addition to turning white, the leaves may also develop brown spots or start to rot.

If you notice any of these problems, it’s essential to take action immediately. The best way to improve air circulation is to move your plant to a spot where it will get more breeze.

You can also try using a fan to circulate the air around the plant. Avoid keeping your house plants near ovens, AC outdoors, and refrigerators. The heat generated by them can also hurt your plants’ growth.

Taking these steps can help prevent your snake plant from developing discolored or damaged leaves.

3. Over Fertilizing

Snake plants are low-maintenance, tolerant of various conditions, and aggressive self-propagators.

However, one problem that snake plant owners may encounter is white leaves. Several factors can cause this, but one of the most common is over-fertilization.

When snake plants are over-fertilized, the excess nutrients build up in the leaves, causing them to turn white. You must follow the recommended fertilizer ratio for your snake plant, which is 10:10:10.

This problem is usually easy to fix; reduce the amount of fertilizer you’re using. In some cases, you may also need to flush the soil with water to remove any residual fertilizer.

Your snake plant will soon return to its healthy green self with proper care.

4. Improper Watering Timing:

One of the most important things to remember when caring for snake plants is proper watering. These plants are native to arid regions, so they are adapted to survive prolonged periods of drought.

However, they can be sensitive to overwatering, which can cause the leaves to turn white.

The finest way to water a snake plant is by allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering. This helps prevent root rot, which can kill the plant.

Once the soil is dry, water the plant deeply and then allow the excess water to drain away completely.

Snake plants are tough plants that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but proper watering is essential for keeping them healthy and vigorous.

5. Leaving It in the Pot Too Long

As any gardener knows, soil is essential for growing healthy plants. Not only does it provide nutrients and support for roots, but it also helps to regulate moisture levels and prevent weed growth.

However, wind and water can also quickly erode soil, damaging plant life and making it difficult for new seedlings to take root. One way to help prevent soil and your snake plant is to repot your plant.

When a snake plant is pot-bound, its roots start to crowd the pot and compete for nutrients. As a result, the leaves may lose their green color and begin to turn white.

In addition, the plant may become stressed and stop growing. If you see these signs, it’s time to give your snake plant some extra space by moving it into a larger pot.

Your snake plant will soon rebound and resume its healthy growth with proper care.

Also check: How to Transport a House Plant During a Move?

6. Too Much Sunlight

Snake plants are relatively easy to care for and tolerate low light conditions. However, if snake plants are exposed to too much sunlight, the leaves can develop a white discoloration.

This is caused by a build-up of chlorophyll, which protects the plant from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

While a small amount of sun exposure is necessary for photosynthesis, too much sun can damage snake plants’ leaves.

If you detect your snake plant’s leaves developing a white discoloration, move the plant to a location with less sunlight.

7. Poor Nutrition

Snake plants occasionally experience problems with their leaves turning white. This may be due to several factors, but poor nutrition is one of the most common causes.

Snake plants need to be fertilized in a timely manner to stay healthy, and a lack of nutrients can cause their leaves to turn white.

If you suspect your snake plant’s leaves are turning white due to poor nutrition, give it a fertilizer formulated for houseplants.

8. Mites & Insects

A snake plant is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant known for its ability to tolerate neglect. However, even snake plants can be affected by pests.

Two of the most common pests that infest snake plants are insects and mites. These tiny creatures can cause the plant’s leaves to turn white and may even cause the leaves to drop off.

In severe cases, an infestation of insects or mites can kill a snake plant. If you notice that your snake plant’s leaves are turning white, it is vital to take immediate action.

Luckily, various products on the market can effectively control insects and mites. With a little effort, you can rid your plant of these pests and keep it healthy and thriving.

9. Wrong Soil

If you’ve ever seen a snake plant with white leaves, it’s likely due to the wrong type of soil. Snake plants are native to Africa, where the soil is very sandy. They get very little nutrients from the soil in their natural habitat.

 However, when grown in potting mix or other nutrient-rich soils, they can develop an excess of nutrients, which can cause the leaves to turn white.

The best way to prevent this is to use a well-draining potting mix containing very little organic matter.

You can also add some sand to the potting mix to help mimic the snake plant’s natural habitat. Doing this can help ensure that your snake plant stays healthy and its leaves stay green.

10. Fungal Infection

The distinctive leaves are one of the most appealing features for anyone who has ever grown a snake plant.

However, these leaves can sometimes develop a white film, which is a type of fungus. Although this fungus is not harmful to the plant, it can be unsightly.

The good news is that there are several ways to remove it. One method is to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth simply.

Another is to mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray the solution onto the affected leaves. You can keep your snake plant looking its best with a little care.

Wrapping Up!

When your snake plant’s leaves turn white, it’s usually a sign that it doesn’t have enough light. Consider adding an additional light or placing the plant closer to the window.

If you find that these changes don’t work, then the lack of nitrogen could be an issue, and you should try feeding the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer.

It could also be a symptom of an issue with too much water and not enough drainage in its pot. Avoid overwatering the plant by only watering when the soil is dry, and never leave standing water at the bottom of its pot.

Another possible cause is low humidity levels, which can affect how healthy plants grow indoors.

Finally, keep an eye out for insect infestations like mealybugs which will attack young seedlings from below ground level near their roots.

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