Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue, are some of the easiest houseplants to grow.
They are tough, adaptable, and almost impossible to kill, which makes them a popular choice for beginners and busy plant owners.
But even the hardiest plants have their limits.
Many people assume snake plants will thrive no matter what, only to be surprised when their once-vibrant leaves start turning yellow, drooping, or developing root rot.
The good news is that most snake plant problems come from a few common mistakes that are easy to fix.
By understanding what can go wrong and how to avoid these pitfalls, you can ensure your snake plant stays healthy, upright, and thriving for years to come.
Let’s take a look at the biggest mistakes people make when growing snake plants and how to avoid them.
Watering Too Often and Drowning the Roots
One of the biggest mistakes people make with snake plants is giving them too much water.
Because they are drought-tolerant, snake plants do not need frequent watering.
Yet many plant owners, especially those used to caring for moisture-loving plants, assume that their snake plant needs water every few days.
This can quickly lead to one of the biggest killers of snake plants—root rot.
When a snake plant sits in wet soil for too long, its roots become waterlogged and start to rot.
At first, the plant may not show obvious signs of distress, but as the damage spreads, the leaves will begin to turn yellow, droop, and become mushy at the base.
If you notice a foul smell coming from the soil or soft, blackened roots when you remove the plant from its pot, root rot is already setting in.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to only water your snake plant when the soil is completely dry.
Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
If there is still moisture, wait a few more days before checking again.
In most indoor conditions, snake plants only need to be watered every two to three weeks, and even less frequently in the winter.
Another key factor in preventing overwatering is using a well-draining pot and soil.
If water sits at the bottom of the pot with no way to escape, even infrequent watering can lead to soggy roots.
Always choose a pot with drainage holes and use a soil mix that allows water to flow freely.
If you suspect your snake plant is suffering from root rot, remove it from its pot, trim away any mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.
By being patient with watering and allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, you’ll keep your snake plant healthy and thriving.
Keeping It in a Dark Corner or Direct Sunlight
Snake plants are often praised for their ability to survive in low light, but that doesn’t mean they will thrive in complete darkness.
One of the most common mistakes is placing a snake plant in a dimly lit corner, expecting it to grow as beautifully as it would in brighter conditions.
While snake plants can tolerate low light, too little light can cause slow growth, pale leaves, and weak, stretched-out stems.
The plant may start leaning toward the nearest light source, making it look lopsided and unhealthy.
On the other end of the spectrum, too much direct sunlight can also harm your snake plant.
While they love bright, indirect light, direct sunlight—especially from a south-facing window—can scorch the leaves, leaving them with dry, brown edges or faded spots.
The key to keeping a snake plant happy is finding the right balance of light.
Bright, indirect light is ideal.
Placing your plant near an east- or north-facing window allows it to receive gentle sunlight without the harsh midday rays.
If your only option is a darker corner, consider rotating the plant to a brighter location every few weeks to ensure it gets some exposure to natural light.
If you have no choice but to place your snake plant in a dimly lit area, it will survive, but its growth will be much slower.
To help it out, you can supplement with a grow light to mimic natural daylight.
If your plant is looking weak or leggy, this is often a sign it needs more light.
By providing the right amount of brightness without harsh sun exposure, your snake plant will maintain its deep green color, upright growth, and healthy, strong leaves.
Planting in Heavy, Compact Soil That Holds Too Much Moisture
Choosing the wrong soil for a snake plant can lead to serious problems, especially if the soil retains too much water.
Snake plants naturally grow in dry, sandy environments, where water drains quickly and does not linger around the roots.
When planted in dense, moisture-retaining soil, their roots can suffocate and rot, causing the entire plant to weaken and eventually collapse.
Many people make the mistake of using standard potting soil, assuming that all houseplants thrive in the same type of mix.
However, traditional potting soil is often too heavy for snake plants.
It retains moisture for too long, preventing the roots from drying out between waterings.
Over time, this can lead to root rot, fungal growth, and yellowing leaves.
If your snake plant is in soil that feels soggy days after watering, it’s time to repot it into something more suitable.
The best soil for a snake plant is well-draining and airy.
A mix designed for succulents or cacti works well because it allows excess water to drain away quickly.
If you’re making your own mix, combining potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice will improve drainage and prevent compacted roots.
Another mistake is using a pot without drainage holes.
Even with the right soil, water can still pool at the bottom of a pot that doesn’t allow excess moisture to escape.
Always choose a pot with drainage holes to give your snake plant the best chance at healthy root growth.
If you suspect your plant has been sitting in soggy soil for too long, remove it from the pot, trim any mushy or darkened roots, and let it dry out for a day before repotting it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Giving your snake plant the right soil ensures it stays strong and resilient, preventing the common problems that come from too much moisture.
Exposing It to Drafts, Sudden Temperature Changes, or Dry Air
Snake plants are hardy, but that doesn’t mean they can handle extreme temperature fluctuations or harsh indoor conditions.
A common mistake plant owners make is placing their snake plant near a drafty window, an air conditioning vent, or a heater.
While they can tolerate some temperature variation, constant exposure to sudden changes can stress the plant and lead to curling, browning, or drooping leaves.
Snake plants do best in stable indoor temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If they are exposed to cold drafts in the winter, such as from an open window or door, they can experience cold damage.
Their leaves may develop mushy, discolored spots or become limp.
Similarly, placing them near a heating vent or radiator can dry them out too quickly, causing their leaves to lose moisture and become brittle.
Dry indoor air can also be a problem, especially during the winter months.
If the humidity in your home is very low, the edges of the leaves may turn crispy or curl inward.
While snake plants do not require high humidity, they appreciate a little moisture in the air to keep their leaves from drying out too much.
To keep your plant healthy, place it in a stable location away from vents, radiators, or drafty areas.
If your home has very dry air, you can increase humidity slightly by placing a small dish of water near the plant or grouping it with other houseplants to create a more humid environment.
Keeping a snake plant in a comfortable, stable setting prevents unnecessary stress and allows it to grow strong and upright without environmental damage.
Ignoring Dust Buildup and Letting Leaves Become Damaged
Snake plants are known for their striking, upright leaves, but if they are covered in dust or left untreated when damaged, they can lose their healthy appearance and struggle to grow.
Many plant owners overlook the importance of keeping the leaves clean, assuming dust doesn’t impact the plant’s health.
However, a thick layer of dust can block light absorption, making it harder for the plant to photosynthesize efficiently.
Over time, this can lead to slower growth, dull-looking leaves, and an overall weaker plant.
Since snake plants have broad, firm leaves, they tend to collect dust more than other houseplants.
If left unchecked, this dust buildup not only affects the plant’s ability to produce energy but can also create a breeding ground for pests like spider mites.
Cleaning your snake plant’s leaves is easy and should be done at least once a month.
Simply take a damp cloth and gently wipe down each leaf to remove dust.
If the buildup is heavy, rinsing the plant in the shower or wiping it with a mix of water and mild soap can help restore its shine.
Letting leaves become damaged is another common mistake.
Snake plants are tough, but they are not invincible.
Leaves can become scarred, bent, or browned from physical damage, such as bumping into furniture or improper handling during repotting.
Damaged leaves do not heal, so trimming off browned or broken sections will help keep the plant looking its best.
When cutting, use clean, sharp scissors and make smooth cuts at an angle to mimic the natural shape of the leaf.
By keeping the leaves clean and addressing damage quickly, you’ll help your snake plant stay vibrant and healthy, allowing it to grow strong for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Growing a snake plant is simple, but avoiding common mistakes will help it thrive.
By managing water properly, choosing the right soil, providing stable temperatures, and maintaining clean, healthy leaves, you can ensure your plant stays strong and beautiful.
With a little care and attention, your snake plant can grow for years, adding effortless greenery to your home.