If you’re an indoor plant enthusiast, you’ve likely encountered the snake plant at some point. Snake plants are popular due to their low-maintenance nature and air-purifying properties. However, even the most resilient plants can experience issues. When a snake plant begins to show signs of decline, it can be concerning. Fortunately, there are ways to revive a dying snake plant and bring it back to its former glory.
One of the most common signs of a dying snake plant is yellowing, browning, or drooping leaves. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to extreme temperatures. If you notice these signs, it’s essential to take action quickly to prevent further damage. With the right care, you can revive your snake plant and restore its health.
Key Takeaways
- Yellowing, browning, or drooping leaves are common signs of a dying snake plant.
- Overwatering, underwatering, and exposure to extreme temperatures can cause these symptoms.
- With proper care, you can revive a dying snake plant and restore its health.
Signs of a Dying Snake Plant: Yellowing, Browning, and Drooping

As a plant enthusiast, I have seen my fair share of snake plants in various stages of health. One of the most common issues with snake plants is that they can start to die if they are not cared for properly. In this section, I will discuss the signs of a dying snake plant, including yellowing, browning, and drooping.
Yellowing is one of the most obvious signs of a dying snake plant. If you notice that the leaves of your snake plant are turning yellow, it could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water or sunlight. Overwatering can also cause yellowing, so it’s important to make sure that your snake plant is not sitting in water for too long. If your snake plant is in a pot that does not have drainage holes, it’s time to repot it in a pot with proper drainage.
Browning is another sign that your snake plant is not healthy. Brown spots or edges on the leaves can indicate that the plant is not getting enough water or that it has been overwatered. In some cases, brown spots can also be a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection, so it’s important to inspect the plant closely to determine the cause.
Drooping is a sign that your snake plant is not getting enough water or that it has been overwatered. If the leaves of your snake plant are drooping, it’s important to check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to your snake plant.
In summary, yellowing, browning, and drooping are all signs that your snake plant is not healthy. By paying attention to these signs and taking action when necessary, you can help your snake plant thrive and continue to bring beauty to your home or office.
How to Revive a Snake Plant with Yellow or Brown Drooping Leaves

If you have noticed that your snake plant has yellow or brown drooping leaves, don’t worry, it’s not too late to revive it. Here are some steps you can take to bring your snake plant back to life:
- Identify the problem: Before taking any action, it’s essential to identify the cause of the problem. Overwatering, underwatering, lack of proper lighting, or pests can cause yellow or brown drooping leaves. Check the soil moisture, lighting conditions, and for any signs of pests.
- Adjust watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause yellow or brown drooping leaves. If the soil is wet, stop watering and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. On the other hand, if the soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out.
- Check lighting conditions: Snake plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If your plant is not getting enough light, it can lead to yellow or brown drooping leaves. Move the plant to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Trim damaged leaves: Cut off any yellow or brown leaves using a pair of sharp, clean scissors. This will help the plant focus its energy on new growth.
- Fertilize: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season to provide essential nutrients to the plant.
- Repot: If your snake plant has outgrown its pot, it may be time to repot it. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is one size larger than the current one.
By following these steps, you can revive your snake plant and bring it back to its healthy, vibrant state. Remember to monitor the plant regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure its continued health and growth.
Dealing with Curling Leaves on a Snake Plant
Identifying Cold Damage as a Cause of Leaf Curling
As a plant enthusiast, I have come across several cases of snake plants with curling leaves. One of the most common causes of this issue is cold damage. Snake plants are tropical plants, and they thrive in warm temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, their leaves can curl up and become damaged.
To identify cold damage as the cause of leaf curling, it is essential to look for other signs of cold stress, such as browning of the leaves, wilting, or discoloration. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the plant is not placed near cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
If you suspect that cold damage is the cause of leaf curling on your snake plant, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation. Firstly, move the plant to a warmer location, away from any cold drafts or air conditioning vents. Secondly, ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged, as this can exacerbate the issue. Finally, consider using a plant light to provide additional warmth and light to the plant.
In conclusion, identifying cold damage as the cause of leaf curling on a snake plant is essential for effective treatment. By taking the necessary steps to remedy the issue, such as moving the plant to a warmer location and ensuring well-draining soil, you can revive your snake plant and restore its health.
How to Revive a Snake Plant with Curling Leaves

If you notice that your snake plant’s leaves are curling, it’s a sign that your plant is not doing well. However, there’s no need to panic. In this section, I will share some strategies for reviving cold-damaged snake plants.
Strategies for Reviving Cold-Damaged Snake Plants
1. Assess the Damage
The first step in reviving a snake plant with curling leaves is to assess the damage. Check to see if there are any signs of rot or disease. If the roots are healthy, then the plant can be saved. If the roots are damaged, then it may be too late to save the plant.
2. Adjust the Temperature
Snake plants are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, if the plant is exposed to extreme cold, it can damage the leaves. To revive a snake plant with curling leaves, adjust the temperature to a range between 60°F to 85°F.
3. Water the Plant Correctly
Snake plants are drought-tolerant, but they also need water to survive. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to curl. To revive a snake plant with curling leaves, water the plant correctly. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
4. Provide Adequate Light
Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light. If the plant is not getting enough light, it can cause the leaves to curl. To revive a snake plant with curling leaves, provide adequate light by placing the plant near a window that receives bright, indirect light.
5. Fertilize the Plant
Snake plants do not require frequent fertilization, but providing the plant with the right nutrients can help revive it. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season to help the plant recover.
By following these strategies, you can revive a snake plant with curling leaves and bring it back to its healthy state.
Addressing Brown Spots on Snake Plants

Tips for Saving a Snake Plant with Brown Spots
As a plant enthusiast, I’ve come across many snake plants with brown spots. These spots can be a sign of various issues, including overwatering, underwatering, pests, and diseases. However, with proper care and attention, you can revive your dying snake plant.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to identify the root cause of the brown spots. If the spots are caused by overwatering, you need to adjust your watering schedule. Snake plants prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate drought. Therefore, it’s best to water them when the soil is dry to the touch.
On the other hand, if the brown spots are caused by underwatering, you need to increase your watering frequency. However, it’s essential not to overwater your snake plant, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Pests can also cause brown spots on snake plants. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To get rid of these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, you can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any pests and their eggs.
Lastly, diseases can cause brown spots on snake plants. Common diseases include fungal infections and bacterial infections. To prevent these diseases, it’s crucial to avoid overwatering your plant and to provide proper ventilation. If your plant is infected, you can treat it with a fungicide or bactericide.
In summary, brown spots on snake plants can be a sign of various issues. To revive your dying snake plant, you need to identify the root cause of the problem and address it accordingly. With proper care and attention, your snake plant can thrive and grow healthy again.
References
I have gathered information from various sources to help me write this article on reviving dying snake plants. Here are some of the references that I used:
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac: This source provided me with basic information about snake plants, including their care requirements and common problems.
- Gardening Know How: This website has a lot of helpful articles about gardening, and I found their article on reviving snake plants to be particularly useful. It provided me with some specific tips on how to bring a dying snake plant back to life.
- The Spruce: This website has a section dedicated to houseplants, and their article on snake plants was helpful in providing me with more detailed information about the plant’s care requirements.
- University of Minnesota Extension: This source provided me with some scientific information about snake plants, including their taxonomy and physiology.
- Reddit: While not a traditional source of information, I found the r/houseplants subreddit to be a helpful resource for real-world advice from other plant enthusiasts.
Overall, these sources helped me to write a comprehensive article on reviving dying snake plants. By combining their advice with my own experience and research, I hope to provide readers with a useful guide to keeping their snake plants healthy and thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you revive a snake plant with brown and soft leaves?
If your snake plant has brown and soft leaves, it could be a sign of overwatering. To revive it, I would recommend letting the soil dry out completely before watering it again. You may also need to remove any dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
What can you do if your snake plant is dying after repotting?
If your snake plant is dying after repotting, it could be due to shock from the transplant. I would recommend giving it some time to adjust to its new environment and making sure it is receiving adequate light and water. You may also want to consider adding some fertilizer to encourage growth.
How do you save a snake plant with yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a snake plant can be a sign of underwatering or too much direct sunlight. To save it, I would recommend watering it thoroughly and moving it to a spot with indirect sunlight. You may also want to consider adding some fertilizer to help it recover.
What is the best way to propagate a snake plant?
The best way to propagate a snake plant is by using leaf cuttings. Simply cut off a healthy leaf and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks, you should start to see new growth.
How can you save a snake plant that is dying from the bottom up?
If your snake plant is dying from the bottom up, it could be a sign of root rot. To save it, I would recommend removing it from its pot and inspecting the roots for any signs of rot. Trim away any damaged roots and repot it in fresh soil. Be sure to water it sparingly until it starts to show signs of new growth.
What steps can you take to revive an underwatered snake plant?
If your snake plant is underwatered, you may notice that the leaves are dry and brittle. To revive it, I would recommend watering it thoroughly and placing it in a spot with indirect sunlight. You may also want to consider adding some fertilizer to help it recover.
Related Posts:
- Overwatered Snake Plant: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- Snake Plant Leaves Turning Yellow: Causes and Solutions
- Snake Plant Root Rot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
- Preventing Philodendron Root Rot: Expert Tips for Healthy Houseplants
- Best Rooting Hormone: Top Picks for Stronger Plant Growth
- Keiki Paste vs Rooting Hormone: Which is the Better Option for Plant Propagation?
- Orchid Keiki No Roots: Understanding the Causes and Solutions