Is your snake plant stuck in a growth rut? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These resilient houseplants are known for their hardy nature, but even they can hit a plateau.
The good news? You can revitalize your plant with a few simple adjustments and unlock its full potential. Here are the 10 common reasons your snake plant might struggle to grow, backed by horticultural research and expert insights.
1. Insufficient Light
Insufficient light is one of the most common reasons for a snake plant’s lack of growth. While often touted as a low-light tolerant plant, snake plants require bright, indirect light to thrive and produce new growth. If your plant is stuck in a dark corner, it may struggle to photosynthesize and generate the energy needed for growth.
To fix this issue, gradually acclimate your snake plant to a brighter spot, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south-facing window.
Be sure to protect it from direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. With the right balance of light, your snake plant should resume its growth quickly.
2. Overwatering
Another common culprit behind stunted snake plant growth is overwatering. When left in waterlogged soil, these drought-tolerant plants are susceptible to root rot, which can hinder their ability to absorb nutrients and grow.
Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy or soft leaf tissue, and a lack of new growth. To avoid overwatering, ensure your snake plant is potted in well-draining soil and a container with drainage holes. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its pot, trim away any damaged roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
3. Underwatering
While less common than overwatering, underwatering can cause a snake plant to stop growing. If the soil is allowed to dry out completely for extended periods, the plant may become stressed and unable to support new growth. Wrinkled or curling leaves are a telltale sign of an underwatered snake plant.
Establish a consistent watering routine to prevent underwatering based on your plant’s needs and environmental conditions. Check the soil moisture regularly and water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry.
Remember, it’s better to err on the side of slightly dry than overly wet when it comes to snake plants.
4. Rootbound Conditions
Snake plants are known for their compact root systems, but even they can become rootbound over time. When a plant outgrows its container, the roots can become tightly packed and unable to absorb nutrients effectively, leading to stunted growth. If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the bottom of the pot, it’s time for an upgrade.
To address a rootbound snake plant, carefully remove it from its current pot and gently loosen the compacted roots. Choose a new container that is slightly larger than the previous one, as overpotting can lead to moisture retention and root rot.
Fill the pot with fresh, well-draining soil and water thoroughly after repotting.
5. Nutrient Deficiencies
Like all plants, snake plants require a balanced supply of nutrients to support healthy growth. If your plant hasn’t been fertilized or grows in nutrient-depleted soil, it may develop deficiencies that hinder its growth. Yellowing leaves can indicate nitrogen deficiency, while overall slow growth may indicate a lack of essential nutrients.
To prevent nutrient deficiencies, fertilize your snake plant during the growing season (spring through fall) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Alternatively, you can top-dress the soil with a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year.
6. Temperature Stress
Snake plants are native to tropical regions of West Africa and prefer warm, stable temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. If exposed to temperatures below 50°F or above 90°F for extended periods, they may experience stress that slows or stops growth.
Cold damage can manifest as brown spots on the leaves, while heat stress may cause yellowing or wilting. Keep your snake plant away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces to maintain optimal growing conditions.
If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, consider moving your plant to a more sheltered location or using a humidifier to raise the ambient humidity around the plant.
7. Pest Infestations
Although relatively pest-resistant, snake plants can occasionally be infested with infestations that hinder their growth. Common culprits include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
These pests feed on the plant’s sap, weakening it and potentially introducing diseases that further stunt growth. Signs of infestation include sticky residue on the leaves, webbing, or visible insects. To combat pests, start by isolating the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Prune away heavily-infested leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. Then, treat the remaining plant with a natural insecticide like neem oil or insecticidal soap, following the product instructions carefully. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of reinfestation and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent future outbreaks.
8. Improper Soil Mixture
Snake plants require a well-draining soil mixture that allows excess water to escape while retaining some moisture. If your plant grows in dense, compacted soil or a mix that retains too much water, it may struggle to grow due to poor aeration and drainage. An ideal snake plant soil should contain a combination of potting soil, perlite or pumice, and coarse sand or orchid bark.
To create a suitable soil mix, combine two parts of potting soil with one part perlite or pumice and one part coarse sand or orchid bark. This mixture will provide the necessary drainage and aeration for healthy root growth.
If your snake plant’s soil stays wet for too long or has poor drainage, consider repotting with a more appropriate mix.
9. Overcrowding
Snake plants are known for producing offsets or “pups” that can quickly fill up a pot, leading to overcrowding. When too many plants compete for limited resources like water, nutrients, and space, their growth may be stunted. Overcrowding can also lead to poor air circulation, increasing the risk of fungal diseases that further hinder growth.
To prevent overcrowding, divide your snake plant every 2-3 years or when the pups become large enough to handle. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the pups from the main plant, ensuring each division has its root system.
Plant the divisions in individual pots thoroughly with fresh, well-draining soil and water.
10. Dormancy
Finally, it’s important to remember that snake plants, like many houseplants, have a natural growth cycle with dormancy periods. During winter, when light levels are lower, and temperatures are cooler, your snake plant may slow or stop its growth to conserve energy. This is a normal response and not necessarily a cause for concern.
To support your snake plant during dormancy, reduce watering frequency and avoid fertilizing until spring. Keep the plant in a warm, bright location and protect it from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, your snake plant should resume growing, rewarding your patience with fresh, vibrant foliage.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.