The most common cause of crispy leaves on snake plants is a lack of watering or exposure to sunlight. Even though the plant can withstand long periods of dryness, it prefers to have a regular watering schedule. Dehydration affects the plant’s leaves first, causing crispy and dry tips and edges that sometimes ruin the architectural wonder of its elegant spears.
Even a novice gardener can quickly correct this. Here is what causes crisp leaves in Snake Plants and how to fix them.
Contents
Moisture Deficiency in Soil
Check the moisture level in your soil if the crispiness begins at the tip and gradually works its way inwards from the tips and edges.
Snake Plants are not picky. Water is stored in these desert specialists’ thick roots and leaves, ready for droughts and dry weather.
When the soil around it runs out of water, the Snake Plant draws from its reserves, dehydrating its leaves in the process.
Inspect your growing medium. Is it brittle and clumpy? Is it easy to crack and pull away from the pot’s sides? Puckered, wrinkly leaves and floppy spears that can’t stand on their own are also signs of low soil moisture.
How Not to Underwater
However, snake Plants’ growth slows in the winter, and the water in the pot dries out slowly.
If you want a quick fix, let your medium air dry completely before giving it a good soak. I use a chopstick to see how much water there is in the pot. If the chopstick slides cleanly from the bottom when I put it in, I need water.
Moisture meters come in handy when in doubt. This instrument measures the soil’s moisture content and provides a straightforward reading. (Check out the prices on Amazon here)
It’s a good idea to soak your Snake plant when watering it. You shouldn’t be afraid to thoroughly wet the soil to allow it to replenish the moisture stored in its leaves and roots. Then, allow it to drain completely after each watering.
Extreme Heat Makes Snake Plant Leaves Crispy
Although Snake Plants are desert plants, they adapt to the conditions we provide them within our homes. Unfortunately, an abrupt temperature change prevents the plant from adjusting to the new environment.
Snake Plants can be damaged by a sudden heatwave, faulty climate control, or even a stray sunbeam.
Solution
As a first step, relocate your Snake Plant to a more shaded location in your growing space. In the heat of summer, plants can quickly become dehydrated if they don’t get enough water.
However, suppose the crispiness is due to a temporary event, such as a heatwave. In that case, you can return it to its original location once conditions improve.
Instead of moving the Snake plant, you can use either water it more frequently, provide shade or use a larger pot if you prefer to leave it where it is.
Terracotta pots with thick walls are ideal for snake plants. Terracotta is a porous material that absorbs moisture from its surroundings.
Cooling occurs as the water evaporates. Therefore, more heat can be handled by an adequately watered Snake Plant in a terracotta pot instead of an unwatered plastic potted one.
Humidity is Too Low
They may not require the extreme humidity that many tropical plants do. Still, Snake Plants become severely dehydrated in dry, climate-controlled conditions.
An aggressively air-conditioned office with a snake plant suffers from low humidity, as does a heater with a snake plant in it.
Tips to Increase Humidity
Misting your Snake Plant is an excellent place to start. You can use it to wash away the dust and dirt from their delicate leaves, which will help to raise the humidity level in the area.
Pebble trays are also a good option for snake plants. If you have river stones or flat pebbles handy, a shallow tray filled with water will do.
As water evaporates, it provides a gentle, consistent humidity level ideal for a Snake Plant. Make your own humidifier for plants by reading this article.
Finally, a humidifier is a viable alternative. It can provide a constant atmospheric moisture level that is ideal for supporting all of your plant life in climates where climate control is a high priority. (Check out the prices on Amazon here)
Snake Plant and Tap Water Quality
Chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride are added to municipal tap water to improve its quality for human consumption.
However, while these treatments are beneficial to us, they are harmful to potted Snake Plants. Crispy leaves are sometimes caused by chemical burns in the soil that builds up over time.
Depending on where you live, minerals in your tap water may also be a factor. Crisp leaves are also caused by the buildup of mineral salts in the soil.
How to Improve Your Plants’ Water Quality
I’ve had a lot of success with my indoor plants when I use filtered tap water. The chemicals are removed by a simple jug filter or on-tap system, leaving you with enough water for your indoor jungle.
Rainwater is another viable option. It is possible to collect it during showers and save it for later use. Keep your rainwater bottles in a dark place, and you’ll have plenty.
If none of those options appeal to you, you can always purchase bottles of distilled water. However, avoid bottled spring water because it often contains mineral salts as tap water.
Is My Snake Plant Getting Too Much Sun?
Snake plants thrive in low-light conditions. However, they’re a tough bunch and will thrive in brighter growing conditions, including some direct sunlight.
However, the plant won’t be able to hold onto the water in their leaves in the sun’s powerful rays, and they’ll soon develop crisp tips and edges.
What Should You Do?
Begin by relocating your Snake Plant to a less-lit location. They’re ideal for the darker corners of your home or office. They’ll be fine as long as there’s some light.
I’d also recommend a good soaking for a sun-struck Sun Plant. They, like us, will require a hearty drink after spending too much time in the sun. So before putting it in its new, shadier home, give it a thorough watering and allow it to drain.
Your Plant May Need Repotting!
Finally, a sandy, well-draining mix devoid of excessive organic matter is required for snake plants. They don’t like their roots getting wet.
The hydrophobic growing medium is common in neglected plants. The soil becomes compacted, challenging, and incapable of retaining water.
As a result, it can appear chunky and rocky despite the absence of stones or organic matter. Water flows through it without causing the soil to become wet.
Repotting the Snake Plant is often the most efficient solution to this problem if your medium has reached this stage.
Three parts potting soil, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand make a good mix for Snake Plants. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of making your own cactus mix, you can simply buy one from amazon.