You love your snake plant (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or Sansevieria) for its ability to thrive in low light with little care. But despite meeting its basic needs, your plant seems stuck at the same size with no new growth. Don’t give up on it yet! With a few simple troubleshooting tips, you can get your snake plant growing again.
Is Your Snake Plant Getting Enough Light?
While snake plants are tolerant of low-light conditions, lack of adequate sunlight is one of the most common reasons they stop growing. Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant sits in a dark corner, it focuses its energy on survival rather than growth.
Try moving your snake plant to a spot near an east, west, or south-facing window where it gets at least some direct sun every day without getting scorched.
Slow-growing varieties like the cylindrical Sansevieria cylindrica can handle a little more direct light than other types.
Observe the plant for a few weeks and watch for new growth. Supplement with a plant light if natural sunlight isn’t sufficient.
Have You Repotted Recently?
Just like with any houseplant, snake plants can become pot-bound, meaning the roots fill up the entire container and have nowhere else to spread out. When this happens, growth screeches to a halt. Carefully remove your plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If you see a dense, circled mass of roots, it’s definitely time to repot into a larger container.
Choose a pot that’s about 2 inches wider than the current one, using loose, well-draining potting mix. Be gentle when separating and untangling the roots before placing your snake plant in its new home. Water well and resume normal care. Repotting stimulates new root growth, which subsequently triggers new leaves.
See also : How to make snake plant grow faster ?
Is Your Snake Plant Getting Too Much Water?
It’s easy to overwater snake plants, even though they are highly drought tolerant. Too much moisture prevents their roots from getting the air circulation they need, which also causes growth to stall.
Make sure your plant’s container has a drainage hole at the bottom. Water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and avoid getting water on the leaves. Let any excess drain fully from the drainage hole, and don’t leave standing water in a decorative outer container.
To determine if overwatering is an issue, gently remove your plant from its pot and examine the roots. Healthy, white roots indicate correct watering, while brown, mushy roots signal overwatering. If the latter is the case, stop watering and repot in dry, fresh soil to prevent rot.
Have Temperatures Changed Drastically?
Snake plants grow best in temperatures between 60-80°F. While they can handle slightly cooler and warmer conditions, overly hot or cold temps for extended periods can shock them into dormancy.
If you recently moved your plant next to an AC vent or radiator, or seasons changed, temperature stress may explain the lack of new growth.
Monitor the ambient temperature around your plant. Move it away from heat and AC vents as needed to maintain the ideal temp range.
Protect from cold drafts in winter. New growth should resume a few weeks after correcting temperature fluctuations. You can also use a grow light to provide warmth.
Could It Need More Fertilizer?
If you’ve had your snake plant for over a year and haven’t fertilized recently, lack of nutrients could be preventing new leaves from forming. Snake plants are not heavy feeders, but they do require diluted fertilizer every spring through fall when actively growing.
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer, following label instructions for dilution and application rates. Flush the soil first by watering thoroughly with plain water to wash away any built-up salts. Feed every 2-3 months during the growing season and watch for an uptick in growth.
Conclusion
Snake plants are champion survivors, adapting to less-than-ideal conditions in order to stay alive. By adjusting your snake plant’s light, water, temperature, potting situation, and nutrition as needed, you can get it growing vigorously again. Pay close attention to its requirements, stick to a consistent care routine, and be patient. With time, you’re sure to be rewarded with brand new elongated, arching leaves.