The snake plant(Sansevieria spp.)is sometimes yell thecast atomic number 26 plant , with the most commonly grown assortment ( Sansevieria trifasciata ) also called mother - in - law ’s glossa because of its minute , erect and sharply indicate leaf . It ’s normally grow as a houseplant , although it can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 . Although it ’s ruffianly and drought - large-minded , this plant ’s not unbeatable and could droop or show other signs of a problem . If this happens , most likely it ’s been overwatered or is suffering from a grievous pest infestation .
Overwatering Problems
If your ophidian works ’s parting lead off to droop and fall over , the most likely cause is overwatering . This plant prefersslightly teetotal soil , especially during the wintertime when it grows lento or not at all . Even during bounce and summertime , when growth is expectant , it ’s best to wait until the normally glossy leaves look a chip dull before lachrymation , then irrigate the plant thoroughly . If you ’ve overwatered it , it ’s potential that the roots have begin to rot , a job that distribute gradually through the intact plant .
If you beguile this problem early on , when only a few beginning are affected , it ’s potential tosave the plantby removing it from its pile or from the background if it ’s outdoor - grown . Examine the tooth root and ignore off any that feel soft , using sharp shears to abbreviate behind the affected part and into steady root tissue . Also cut off any affected folio along with the roots . Wipe blade with rubbing alcoholic drink after each gash to prevent spread out industrial plant disease . Re - imbed the snake plant into fresh soil and adjust your lacrimation schedule to keep a recurrence of the problem .
Warning
Never leave a potted serpent works in a water - filled dish or its soil can be forever boggy , a certain path to root rot .
If you obtain that all the plant ’s root are affected and feel soft , it ca n’t be save and it ’s best to discard the works .
Pest Damage
Several blighter might overrun a serpent industrial plant and make damage that , if uncorrected , could damage its leaves and finally jeopardize its survival of the fittest . Mealybugsaccumulate in groups on the leafage , forming fluffy ashen mass . They feed on the leaves and can do visible damage . manipulate these by touching each white mass with a cotton swab that ’s been sink in rubbing alcohol , wetting it thoroughly to put down the worm .
A snake plant can also attractspider mites , which are n’t seeable but cause seeable , web - alike masking on leaves . They blow plant life juices and can do extensive harm over time . For a modest problem , utilise a forceful jet of water aimed at the webs to destroy the pests . If the infestation is far-flung , spray the plant with insecticidal soap , diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoons per congius of body of water ; take over every two weeks as needed .
Tip
A snake industrial plant has leaves that remain on the plant for several years , so inspect it often for pest to prevent harm that could make long - endure aesthetic trouble .
